HiReady: Revolutionizing Career Preparation with AI-Powered Chatbot Technology

Abstract

‘HiReady’ is an interactive web-based teaching tool developed for teaching English across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The course emphasizes practical skills, including resume creation, cover letter writing, and interview techniques, which are essential for career readiness in today's competitive job market. ‘HiReady’ leverages advanced chatbot technology integrated with AI GPT to deliver interactive and personalized teaching content. This integration enables dynamic, context-aware interactions that simulate authentic interview scenarios and provide tailored feedback, thereby enhancing the learning experience. The tool is deployed on a flexible web-based platform, allowing students to access learning materials at their convenience, both during scheduled class hours and independently outside the classroom. This accessibility is crucial for enabling continuous, self-paced learning and review, making it easier for students to master essential concepts. The development of ‘HiReady’ involved a comprehensive research methodology. A qualitative needs analysis was conducted with 5 lecturers and 5 students to identify the core requirements and challenges in teaching and learning English in the context of career preparation. This was followed by a quantitative survey assessing the tool’s effectiveness with 105 students from the three countries. Survey findings indicate that ‘HiReady’ significantly supports students by providing an engaging and efficient learning experience. The interactive quizzes and simulated interview sessions not only foster better comprehension of key topics but also boost students’ confidence in applying their skills in real-life scenarios. Overall, ‘HiReady’ represents a promising innovation in English language education by blending traditional instructional methods with modern AI-driven technologies. Its deployment across multiple countries underscores its potential as a scalable and effective solution for enhancing language proficiency and career readiness skills in diverse educational settings.