How to use ChatGPT to perfect your resume?

Writing a resume can feel like a total headache, right? It’s one of those things that needs to be perfect but figuring out what to include and how to word everything can be tricky. Luckily, ChatGPT is here to help! Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to polish up what you’ve already got, this AI tool can help you create a CV that stands out and gets noticed.

Here’s how ChatGPT can make the whole process easier:

• Idea booster — Staring at a blank page? We’ve all been there. ChatGPT helps you break through writer’s block by generating fresh ideas for different resume sections, making sure they showcase your unique background.
• Smart editing sidekick- Want to make your experience pop? ChatGPT refines your work history, turning everyday tasks into impressive achievements that grab a hiring manager’s attention.
• Quick & easy customization- Tweaking your resume for each job can be exhausting. ChatGPT makes it easier by helping you adjust your content to fit job descriptions- without the headache of rewriting everything from scratch.
• Fresh perspective- Sometimes, we don’t realize just how valuable our experience is. ChatGPT helps highlight accomplishments you might have overlooked and suggests stronger ways to present them.
• Stronger wording- Struggling to find the right words? ChatGPT suggests powerful action verbs and industry-specific terms to make your resume sound polished and professional.
• Formatting made simple- Need to switch from bullet points to paragraphs (or vice versa)? ChatGPT reshapes your content while keeping your key achievements front and center.

ChatGPT prompts are your way of interacting with the chatbot. Just as you would explain your requirements to a professional resume writer, you need to provide ChatGPT with clear and specific instructions to get the best assistance. The good news? ChatGPT processes detailed guidance much like a human would. The more precise you are about your needs, the more accurate and helpful the response will be.

Here’s an example of a “bad” prompt:

Now that’s a request ChatGPT can handle!

Want ChatGPT to give you spot-on resume advice? It all starts with crafting the right prompt. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Be specific- Instead of just asking for “better wording,” tell ChatGPT exactly what you need. Need stronger bullet points? A better summary? Clearer skills descriptions? The more details you give, the better the results.
• Make it personal- ChatGPT works best when it knows your situation. Are you switching careers, gunning for a promotion, or re-entering the job market? Adding context helps it tailor suggestions to your needs.
• Improve in steps- Start with big-picture edits, then refine. Ask ChatGPT to rework your bullet points first, then focus on leadership skills, formatting, or tone. Small tweaks can make a big impact!
• Stay in control- ChatGPT is a tool, not a magic fix. Use its suggestions as inspiration, but make sure your resume still sounds like you. Recruites want authenticity, not a cookie-cutter template.
• Ask for options- Stuck on how to phrase something? Have ChatGPT generate a few different versions so you can pick the one that fits best (or mix and match for your own spin).

Before a recruiter even reads your resume, they see it. If it’s cluttered, hard to skim, or just looks messy, it might not get a second glance. That’s why picking the right format is key- it makes your resume easy to read and helps your best qualities stand out.

Not sure which resume format to go with? Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main types:

• Reverse-Chronological- The go-to format for most job seekers. It lays out your work history in order, putting your most recent experience front and center. Perfect if you have a solid career path and want to highlight your progression.
• Functional- Instead of focusing on where you worked and when, this format emphasizes your skills and strengths. It’s great if you’re switching careers, have employment gaps, or want to showcase abilities over job titles.
• Combination- The best of both worlds! This format balances your key skills while still giving a clear career timeline. It works well if you want to highlight both your experience and expertise.

Each format has its perks, so pick the one that best showcases your strengths!

Did you know that recruiter typically spend just six seconds scanning a resume? That’s why it’s crucial to make a strong first impression with a compelling summary or objective.

Not sure whether to go with a resume summary or a resume objective? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Resume summary- Perfect if you’ve got solid experience in your field. This short section highlights your biggest achievements and skills, giving hiring managers a quick snapshot of what makes you a great fit. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch!
• Resume objective- Best for newbies, career changers, or anyone targeting a specific role. Instead of focusing on past wins, it’s all about your future- your career goals, what you bring to the table, and how you plan to make an impact.

Bottom line? If you have experience, go with a summary. If you’re just starting out or making a big career shift, an objective might work better.

A simple rule of thumb: if you have solid experience in your field, opt for a summary. If you’re new to the industry, recently graduated, or shifting careers, an objective may be the better choice.

Here’s how ChatGPT can help you rewrite a generic data engineer resume summary using one of the prompts:

In today’s fast-changing job market, having the right skills and showcasing them effectively- can significantly impact your job search success.

As we move into 2025, employers are looking for a mix of both traditional expertise and emerging AI-related skills. Whether you’re leveraging tools like ChatGPT for productivity or working with AI-driven technologies such as machine learning platforms and virtual assistants, these capabilities are becoming essential across various industries.

However, different fields prioritize different skill sets. A creative role may highlight innovation and design thinking, while a technical position might require proficiency in specialized software. ChatGPT can help you identify and emphasize the most relevant skills based on your industry and desired role.

ChatGPT general review

Getting a second pair of eyes on your resume can help you catch things you might have missed and make sure it’s as strong as possible.

Sharing your resume with ChatGPT is easy. You can upload it as a PDF or Word document or just copy and paste the text into the chat. ChatGPT will check everything- from formatting to how well your content flows.

For the best feedback, be specific about what you need. Let ChatGPT know your target job, industry, and experience level so it can give you tailored advice that helps.

Of course, you should remember that while ChatGPT is helpful, it shouldn’t be your only reviewer. Consider combining its insights with feedback from your colleagues, mentors, or industry professionals in your network.

It’s important to be mindful of potential pitfalls as using ChatGPT might be risky. Understanding these risks will help you use it more effectively and avoid common mistakes that could impact your job search:

• Don’t let AI take over- ChatGPT is here to help, not to write your resume for you. Your resume should still sound like you.
• Keep your personal touch- If you accept every AI suggestion without tweaking, your resume might end up sounding generic and impersonal.
• Double-check for accuracy- ChatGPT can make your achievements sound impressive but are they true? Always fact-check before using its suggestions.
• Watch out for weird formatting- Sometimes AI-generated edits don’t match your original layout, so be sure to review and adjust as needed.
• Go easy on the keywords- While ChatGPT can help with resume optimization, stuffing in too many AI-suggested keywords can make your resume sound robotic.
• Make it industry specific- ChatGPT won’t always catch industry nuances unless you give it clear guidance so be specific about what field you’re targeting.
• Avoid generic content- If your prompt is vague, ChatGPT’s response will be too. Add details to make sure your resume stands out.
• Be careful with exaggeration- Sometimes AI suggests achievements that stretch the truth. Just make sure your resume stays honest and authentic.
• Don’t rely too much on templates- AI-generated resumes can start to look the same. Add your own style so yours doesn’t blend in with the crowd.
• Think about privacy- Avoid sharing sensitive details cause ChatGPT doesn’t have true data confidentiality.
• Give enough context- Without enough background info, ChatGPT might miss key job-specific details that could make or break your application.
• Check for missing info- Copying AI-generated content into your resume template? Make sure nothing gets lost in the process!

At the end of the day, ChatGPT is a great tool to level up your resume, but it’s not a magic fix. Think of it as your personal resume assistant, it can help polish and refine your content, but your unique experience and voice should always shine through. Use it wisely, keep things authentic, and you’ll be on your way to crafting a standout resume that truly represents you!

Words by Weronika Grzeszcz, Senior Specialist — Talent Acquisition