How to Use ChatGPT for Your Resume (Prompts Included!)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has come to the job hunting and hiring process, and anyone left out will invariably be left behind. On the recruiters’ side, it feels like all companies are using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to read thousands of resumes fast and select the best-fitting candidates for a position. On the other hand, an increasing number of candidates are experimenting with using ChatGPT to create a resume for a job posting.

It makes sense to familiarize yourself with emerging tech and use it to your advantage, even in a job search. But you need to know how to do it right—or you’ll end up leaving a negative impression with hiring managers.

In this article, we’ll explore how ChatGPT works, its potential benefits and pitfalls, and how you can use it effectively to land your dream job.

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What is ChatGPT and how does it work?

If you don’t fully understand how generative AI works, we’ll cover the basics first: ChatGPT is a conversational AI developed by OpenAI, designed to generate human-like text based on prompts. By leveraging vast amounts of data, it can assist with writing, editing, and brainstorming content—including resumes.

For job seekers, ChatGPT can serve as a virtual assistant, helping you structure your resume, refine language, and tailor it to specific job postings. Think of it as a tool to help you get unstuck or polish your work—not as a replacement for your personal touch.

Can ChatGPT write a resume?

Yes, ChatGPT can write your resume—but should it?

“ChatGPT is a great resource for drafting a resume or generating ideas, but it shouldn’t replace personalization,” says career coach Melissa Trager. “If you don’t edit it to reflect your unique experiences, your resume might come across as generic. Plus, some companies use AI detection tools and may eliminate resumes they believe are entirely AI-generated.”

GPTZero is one example of AI detection software. “Some job postings explicitly prohibit using AI,” says Edward Tian, the company founder. “Even if they don’t, employers often use AI detection tools to weed out overly generic resumes. Editing your ChatGPT-generated resume is essential to stand out.”

Bottom line: The ChatGPT resume builder tool can be a powerful ally—but it’s not a substitute for your voice.

Pros and cons of using ChatGPT for resume building

Exploring the positives and negatives of the ChatGPT resume writer tool is a good way to understand the full picture.

Pros:

• Saves time: You can generate a first draft or polish sections in minutes.
• Boosts creativity: ChatGPT offers suggestions for formatting, action verbs, and synonyms.
• Enhances keywords: It helps identify industry-specific terms from job descriptions.

Cons:

• Risk of detection: Employers may use tools to flag AI-generated resumes.
• Generic output: Without personalization, your resume might lack uniqueness.
• Accuracy issues: Don’t let AI fool you—it still makes mistakes. ChatGPT can make factual errors or misinterpret your input.

How to use ChatGPT to write a resume

Once you’re aware of the risks and confident in your ability to navigate them, you need to use ChatGPT strategically. Follow these steps to create a tailored, professional resume.

Start with a clear prompt

Your prompt sets the stage for ChatGPT’s response. Be specific!

Instead of saying, “Write me a resume,” try: “Create a professional resume for a software engineer with five years of experience in Python, JavaScript, and cloud computing.”

Include job details

Provide ChatGPT with the job description or highlight key responsibilities and skills.

For example: “Write a resume tailored to this job posting: [insert job description]. Emphasize leadership, project management, and collaboration skills.”

Refine and personalize

Once ChatGPT generates a draft:

• Edit for accuracy. Ensure all details are correct and reflect your own real-life experience.
• Add personal achievements. Highlight specific metrics or projects.
• Adjust the tone. Make sure it sounds like you.

How to use ChatGPT to improve resume

Already have a resume? Use ChatGPT to take it to the next level.

• Get feedback and suggestions. Paste your resume and ask ChatGPT for specific improvements. For instance, use a prompt like, “Rewrite this resume to highlight analytical skills and collaboration.”

• Focus on keywords. Copy the job description and ask, “What keywords should I include for this job posting?”

• Polish language. Avoid robotic or overly formal phrasing. Try prompts like, “Suggest more dynamic verbs for these bullets: [list bullets].”

More ChatGPT prompts to rewrite and enhance resume writing

Here are some tried-and-true ChatGPT prompts for resume—whether you are just getting started or want to improve what you already have:

• “Write a summary section for a project manager resume focusing on leadership and organization.”
• “Generate a list of action verbs for describing achievements in marketing roles.”
• “Suggest improvements for this resume bullet: ‘Managed social media.’”
• “Help me rewrite my resume for a sales manager role with a focus on exceeding quotas.”

Bonus: What not to do when using ChatGPT resume prompts

• Don’t rely solely on AI. Never submit a ChatGPT-generated resume without editing it.
• Don’t ignore personalization. Hiring managers value authentic and tailored applications.
• Don’t skip job descriptions. Always align your resume with specific roles.
• Don’t overlook errors. ChatGPT isn’t perfect—double-check grammar, facts, and formatting.

Make ChatGPT work for you

ChatGPT is a fantastic tool for brainstorming, refining, and optimizing your resume. However, as both experts emphasize, it’s only as good as the effort you put into editing and personalizing the output.

“Using ChatGPT can save time, but don’t let it do all the work,” Trager says. “Employers want to see you in your resume.” So let ChatGPT help with structure and polish, but make sure the final version showcases your unique skills and achievements.