8 Do’s and Don’ts of ChatGPT for Resume Writing (+Prompts!)

At CloseCohen we are early adopters of all new technologies, and have been using ChatGPT and AI tools to strengthen and deliver ever more competitive and engaging resumes for each executive client.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts of ChatGPT for writing your resume:

Don’t ask ChatGPT to write your entire resume. Just don’t… It’s obvious when an entire resume is written with AI and it will be missing the key component. YOU! Take time to collect important data points, compelling experience, and your personal development.

Do use ChatGPT to edit your resume, focusing on powerful and concise language. It’s a great tool to check for grammar, tone, and keywords for a specific role.

• • Prompt example: Proofread the following resume for this role [paste job URL]. Recommend effective keywords for this role and keep it concise. [Add resume section].

Don’t be generic. Prompt ChatGPT to use language that reflects your personal brand and career aspirations. For example, you could ask ChatGPT to use language that shows you’re creative and edgy or serious and analytical.

• • Prompt example (can be added to other prompts): The tone for this resume should be [adjective], [adjective], and [adjective].

Do use ChatGPT to reframe your resume for a specific role. Application Tracking Systems (ATS) filter resumes for specific keywords and job requirements. It’s important that your resume reflects the job you’re applying to. Use ChatGPT to streamline the rewriting process.

• • Prompt example: Adjust this resume for this role [paste job URL]. Optimize the resume for ATS with impactful keywords for this role. [Add resume section].

Don’t forget formatting. ChatGPT can also help optimize your resume format for ATS or to be visually effective. Readability, flow, and use of whitespace can all help ATS and recruiters to effectively scan your resume.

• • Prompt example: Optimize the resume format for ATS focusing on readability, flow, and use of whitespace. [Add resume].

Do brainstorm with ChatGPT. Stuck on an effective verb? Can’t get past an awkward phrase? Pop it into ChatGPT and ask for some ideas.

• • Prompt example: Rewrite ‘[this sentence]” to concisely and effectively highlight [experience, skill, accomplishment, etc.] focusing on driving results.

Don’t copy and paste the entire response into your resume. Sometimes we need to state the obvious, but you must proofread everything ChatGPT spits out. Make sure it makes sense and accurately reflects your career and brand.

Do use ChatGPT for cover letters. Skip the fiery debate over whether cover letters are necessary and generate one with AI. Add the job title, industry, tone, and any other relevant information, and of course, proofread the letter before hitting send.

• • Prompt example: generate a results oriented cover letter for this role [paste job URL] and emphasize culture fit with the company.

Above all, the key to using ChatGPT all comes down to specific and simple prompts. AI can’t replace all the work of writing a resume, but it can make it easier and faster.

There are plenty of ways to use ChatGPT for resume writing, what are your favorite tips?

Written by Cheyanne Johnson

Cheyanne is contributing author for Close Cohen Career Consulting and ex-AWS leader who moved with her family to Portugal for a slower and intentional lifestyle. Cheyanne lives with her husband and two young sons in Porto and is a huge advocate for working parents.