Resume
ChatGPT Resume Prompts That Actually Work
Stop getting generic advice. These are the exact prompts I use to improve resumes with ChatGPT. Copy, paste, customize.
Before You Start
ChatGPT works best when you give it context. Before using these prompts:
- 1.Have your current resume ready (or a rough draft)
- 2.Copy the job description you're targeting
- 3.Know your key achievements (even rough numbers)
1. Improve Weak Bullet Points
Turn vague job duties into achievement-focused bullet points.
PROMPT
I need to improve this resume bullet point. Make it achievement-focused using the XYZ formula (Accomplished X, as measured by Y, by doing Z). Current bullet: "Responsible for managing social media accounts" My context: I grew our Instagram from 2k to 15k followers in 8 months. Give me 3 options, each under 2 lines.
Why it works: The XYZ formula forces quantifiable achievements. Giving context ensures ChatGPT doesn't make up numbers.
2. Write a Professional Summary
Generate a compelling summary that hooks recruiters in 6 seconds.
PROMPT
Write a professional summary for my resume. Keep it to 3-4 sentences max. About me: - Current role: [Your current/most recent job] - Years of experience: [X years] - Key skills: [3-4 main skills] - Biggest achievement: [Your best accomplishment] - Target role: [Job you're applying for] Make it confident but not arrogant. No clichés like "passionate" or "results-driven."
3. Tailor Resume to Job Description
This is the most powerful prompt. Use it for every application.
PROMPT
I'm applying for this job. Help me tailor my resume. JOB DESCRIPTION: [Paste the full job description here] MY CURRENT RESUME: [Paste your resume here] Please: 1. List the top 5 keywords/skills from the job description I should emphasize 2. Identify which of my experiences best match their requirements 3. Suggest specific changes to my bullet points to better match this role 4. Flag any gaps between my experience and their requirements Be specific and actionable.
Pro tip: Run this for every job you really want. Tailored resumes get 3x more callbacks.
4. ATS Optimization
Make sure your resume gets past Applicant Tracking Systems.
PROMPT
Analyze my resume for ATS compatibility. MY RESUME: [Paste your resume] TARGET JOB POSTING: [Paste the job description] Check for: 1. Keyword match rate (what % of their required skills appear in my resume?) 2. Missing keywords I should add 3. Formatting issues that might confuse ATS (tables, graphics, headers) 4. Action verbs I should use from their industry Give me a score out of 100 and specific fixes.
5. Quantify Vague Achievements
When you don't have exact numbers, ChatGPT can help you estimate reasonably.
PROMPT
Help me quantify this achievement for my resume. What I did: "Improved the onboarding process for new hires" Context: - Company size: ~200 employees - I was on a team of 3 HR people - We reduced the time it took to get new hires productive - This was over about 6 months Help me estimate reasonable metrics I could use (time saved, satisfaction scores, etc.) and write 2-3 bullet point options. Don't make up fake numbers - help me think through what I could reasonably claim or measure.
6. Rewrite for a Different Industry
Translating your experience to a new field.
PROMPT
I'm transitioning from [Current Industry] to [Target Industry]. My current resume focuses on: [Current focus/skills] Target role: [Job title you want] Help me: 1. Identify transferable skills that translate well 2. Reframe my experience using industry terminology for [Target Industry] 3. Rewrite my top 3 bullet points to emphasize relevant skills 4. Suggest what to de-emphasize or remove Keep the content honest - just help me frame it better for this new audience.
7. Gap Explanation Helper
How to address employment gaps professionally.
PROMPT
I have a gap in my resume from [Start Date] to [End Date]. The real reason: [Be honest - layoff, health, caregiving, travel, etc.] During this time, I actually: [Any skills learned, freelance work, courses, volunteering] Help me: 1. Write a brief, professional explanation (1-2 sentences max) 2. Suggest how to frame any productive activities from this period 3. Advise whether to address it on the resume or save it for interviews I want to be honest but also present myself well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Don't use ChatGPT's output verbatim. Always edit for your voice and verify facts.
- ✗Don't let it make up numbers. Give it real context or ask for estimation frameworks.
- ✗Don't ignore the generic suggestions. If it gives you buzzwords, push back and ask for specifics.
- ✓Do iterate. First output is rarely best. Say “make it more specific” or “less corporate.”
Next Steps
Once your resume is solid, work on the rest of your application: