5 Steps To Use ChatGPT To Craft The Perfect Resume

An unspoken rule for job applicants is to be honest and not be rude during an interview. But what goes on before the interview when job seekers write their cover letters and resumes? According to a recent survey of 2000 Gen Z in the U.S. by EduBirdie, one in four Gen Z uses AI to supercharge their careers, with 15% crafting better resumes and cover letters. While ChatGPT can be a great resource in crafting a resume, under certain circumstances, there are caveats in terms of how far to go when using it. In certain creative fields, AI-generated resumes are frowned upon. According to Resume Genius career expert Eva Chan, “AI can start the conversation, but it can’t finish it.” ChatGPT is a helpful resource in preparing a resume, but it’s critical to be aware of how you use it.

ChatGPT’s Limitations

I spoke with by email with Vadim Rogovskiy, serial AI entrepreneur and partner at VC fund Geek Ventures, who affirms AI as a valuable tool for job seekers. “Those who disagree simply may not know how to use it wisely. Firstly, understand its limitations. Since AI relies on past data, it may overlook the latest job market trends, potentially crafting your resume with outdated information,” he points out. “Moreover, AI lacks the human touch, resulting in impersonal resumes. While this may be suitable for some roles, in competitive and creative fields, AI might fall short. Additionally, if unsure, it might invent information, underscoring the need for thorough input.”

In addition to depersonalizing a candidate’s talents and creativity, there are other situations in which an AI-generated resume can harm more than help if this powerful tool:

1. Is used as a shortcut
2. Comes across as formulaic and impersonal, stifling the applicant’s unique voice
3. Misconstrues details and context and generates false information
4. Muffles an applicant’s communication potential
5. Fails to demonstrate cultural awareness—especially if you’re applying for a job overseas—or doesn’t address a company’s unique cultural values
6. Lacks enthusiasm, ambition and honesty
7. Isn’t tailored to fit the specific job and the company

ChatGPT’s Strengths

On a positive note, an experiment at MIT Sloan found that job applicants with AI boosted resumes that improve spelling and grammar were eight percent more likely to be hired. Rogovskiy notes that leveraging AI’s strengths can set you apart. “It excels at identifying skill gaps and suggesting relevant improvements. It can analyze successful professionals’ resumes in your field, providing insights on how to stand out. Furthermore, it can be your job-finding buddy, generating potential interview questions based on your resume content. So, explore its potential, embrace limits and remember, it’s an assistant, not a replacement.”

To assist job seekers in using this powerful tool, I spoke by email with Ksenia Hubska, data lead at EduBirdie, who shared five essential hacks for smartly improving the resume with the help of ChatGPT:

1- Create summaries that sell. ChatGPT can make your resume stand out by crafting impactful summaries and project examples that sell your vast experience. “It’s great at quantifying achievements and emphasizing metrics,” Hubska says, “but don’t expect it to nail it on the first try—experiment with prompts, offer plenty of detail, be specific and ask for refinements until you’re happy with the result.” She gives example AI prompts:

• List my accomplishments in a results-oriented manner.
• Improve my summary by emphasizing industry-specific metrics.

2- Tailor your resume to every job. It’s important to tailor your resume to each job you target by feeding ChatGPT the job listing and asking it to suggest changes based on the requirements and expectations,” Hubska states. “Adapt objectives and summaries, highlight relevant experience and ensure every application highlights why you’re the perfect fit.” Her example AI prompts are:

• Create a job-specific resume based on my experience and [job description].
• Help me tailor my resume to match the values and culture of [company].

3- Boost visibility with keywords. “Put ChatGPT to work identifying industry-specific buzzwords that will grab attention in your field,” she advises. “Incorporating keywords into your resume will get it picked up by the applicant tracking systems (ATS) many employers use, ensuring it lands in the hiring manager’s inbox.” Example AI prompts are:

• Find keywords for [industry/job] and integrate them naturally into my resume.
• Suggest [industry] jargon that will improve my resume.

4- Spot language and formatting errors. She explains that an untidy resume is enough to make many hiring managers pass, but ChatGPT can make your resume error-free, visually appealing and easy to read, she notes, adding “Switch between a chronological or functional format, adjust the length, tweak the structure or request a complete rewrite using a different template—allowing you to see what you prefer with little effort.” Example AI prompts include:

• Trim my resume to one page, improve the structure and polish the grammar.
• Rewrite my resume to look and read like this: [sample resume].

5- Proofread before you apply. It’s important to review your AI-generated resume and make edits before you send it off. Hubska reminds us that ChatGPT doesn’t think like a person; it follows patterns. “Watch out for AI buzzwords—such as utilize, facilitate or leverage— and overly formal or repetitive language,” she concludes. “Recruiters read tons of resumes daily, so they can easily spot the patterns. Also, verify the links in your resume as ChatGPT might create non-existent sources. Make sure you have the final say in shaping your resume to sound like you.”