How to Use ChatGPT to Tailor Resume to Job Description (+ Example Prompts)

ChatGPT, with its advanced language processing capabilities, offers an unprecedented level of assistance in refining and personalizing resumes. Beyond the generic advice and templates found online, ChatGPT can help generate specific, tailored content that mirrors the language and priorities of your target job's description.

This guide is designed to walk you through the process of using ChatGPT and its custom counterparts to tailor your resume. From basic prompts to advanced techniques, we'll provide step-by-step instructions that you can use to personalize your resume for any job description.

Understanding the Basics of Resume Tailoring

Tailoring your resume for each job application might seem daunting, but it's a critical step in the job search process. A tailored resume demonstrates to the employer that you've taken the time to understand their needs and have the specific skills and experience they seek. Additionally, customized resumes have a higher chance of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), software many companies use to filter applications based on specific keywords and criteria.

The Role of Keywords in Job Descriptions

One of the key aspects of tailoring a resume involves incorporating keywords from the job description. Keywords are specific terms that are relevant to the job posting. These may include job titles, technical skills, certifications, or industry jargon. Identifying these keywords is essential because many companies use ATS to screen resumes. These systems scan resumes for keywords related to the job posting, and only those that match closely are passed on for human review.

How to Use ChatGPT to Tailor Your Resume

First, ensure you have access to ChatGPT. You can use OpenAI's platform or any other platform that offers ChatGPT functionality. If you're new, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the interface and how to input prompts.

Have your current resume, the job description, and your list of skills and achievements accessible. This will make it easier to reference and pull information as you work with ChatGPT.

Basic ChatGPT Prompts for Resume Tailoring

Modifying Resume Summaries: One of the first areas to tailor is your resume summary. Ask ChatGPT to help you rewrite your summary to include keywords from the job description and highlight your most relevant achievements. For example, you can input the job description and your original summary, then ask ChatGPT to create a tailored version.

Example prompts

"Based on this job description, help me rewrite my resume summary to highlight my experience in [specific skill] and [specific achievement]."
"Please adapt my summary to showcase my expertise in [technology or tool] and my contribution to achieving [specific outcome], in line with the job description provided."
"Develop a summary that demonstrates my versatility in [skill or field], including my recent focus on [specific area of interest], as it relates to the job description."

Highlighting Relevant Experience: Next, focus on your experience section. Provide ChatGPT with details about your past roles and ask it to suggest ways to present your experience that align with the job requirements. This may involve emphasizing certain responsibilities or projects that demonstrate the skills and competencies the employer is seeking.

Example prompts

"Here are my job responsibilities from my last position. Can you help me rephrase them to showcase my expertise in [specific skill or tool] as mentioned in the job description?"
"I need to showcase my expertise in [industry-specific skill] from my time at [Company Name]. How can I rephrase my duties to highlight this experience, according to the job description?"
"Here's a list of projects I led at [Company Name]. Can you help format these to highlight my strategic planning skills, as demanded by the job description?"

Advanced Techniques with ChatGPT

If you're applying to jobs across different sectors, ChatGPT can help tailor your resume to each sector's unique language and expectations. Input the nuances of each sector and ask ChatGPT for assistance in adjusting your resume accordingly.

To increase the chances of your resume passing through ATS filters, ask ChatGPT to help you integrate keywords naturally throughout your resume. ChatGPT can suggest variations and synonyms of keywords to make your resume more ATS-friendly without appearing stuffed or unnatural.

Example prompts

"Identify and suggest where I can naturally include these keywords from the job description throughout my resume to improve its ATS compatibility."
"Can you help me create variations of [listed keyword] to use throughout my resume, ensuring it remains engaging and readable while optimizing for ATS systems?"
"Review the skills and qualifications listed in this job description for the [sector] sector. Where can I add or emphasize these points in my resume to demonstrate my alignment with industry expectations?"

Review and Feedback with ChatGPT

Based on ChatGPT's feedback and suggestions, you may need to make several adjustments to perfect your resume. Don’t hesitate to refine your prompts based on previous responses or ask for clarification and further suggestions. The goal is to craft a resume that closely aligns with the job description, showcasing you as the ideal candidate for the position.

Example prompts:

"Can you review the [specific section of your resume] and suggest improvements for aligning it more closely with the [job title] position?"
"I've updated my work experience section based on your suggestions. Can you review it again and advise if it now better demonstrates my suitability for the [job title] role?"
"Review my revised resume and identify any areas that may still be too vague or not sufficiently tailored to the [job title] position."

Leveraging Custom GPT Models for Resume Tailoring

While ChatGPT offers robust capabilities for general resume tailoring, custom GPT models can provide an additional layer of personalized assistance. Here's how to access and make the most out of custom GPT models for resume customization.

What Are Custom GPT Models?

Custom GPT models are variations of the general-purpose GPT that have been fine-tuned on specialized datasets. For resume writing, custom models might be trained on successful resumes and job descriptions from specific industries, offering nuanced advice and suggestions that are spot-on for those fields.

By utilizing a model that's been fine-tuned for resume writing or even further specialized towards a particular sector (e.g., tech, healthcare, finance), you can benefit from insights and recommendations that are more closely aligned with what hiring managers in those industries are looking for.

How to Access and Use Custom GPTs for Resumes

Accessing custom GPT models may require some research. Platforms that host or offer GPT services, like OpenAI's marketplace or other AI platforms, might list custom models available for use. Additionally, professional networking sites, industry forums, or AI communities can be valuable resources for finding recommendations.

Once you've identified a custom GPT model suited to your needs, the next step is to interact with it much like you would with ChatGPT. Prepare your materials (resume, job description, skills list) and begin by asking the model to help tailor specific sections of your resume or to suggest language that aligns with your target industry.

Popular Custom GPTs for Resume Tailoring

Here's a highlight of some standout custom GPTs that can transform your resume tailoring process:

Resume by Jobright: By combining the expertise of top resume writers with advanced AI, this GPT assists in diagnosing and enhancing your resume.
Merlin, the Job Application Wizard 1.1 by Feridoon Malekzadeh: It helps you to tailor your resume, write your cover letter, develop a personal tagline and pitch, craft LinkedIn connection requests, prepare you for your interview, and more!
Resume Match by Resume Match: It helps you match your resume to every job description.
CV Tailor by CV Tailor: This GPT lets you update and review your CV and helps you tailor your Resume for a specific job offer.

Do's and Don'ts When Using AI for Resumes

Do:

Be Specific with Your Requests: When interacting with ChatGPT or custom GPT models, the more specific you can be with your requests, the more relevant and useful the output will be. Provide clear context and detailed information to guide the AI.
Verify and Customize AI Suggestions: Always review and customize the AI-generated suggestions to ensure they accurately represent your experience and skills. AI can provide a strong starting point, but personalization is key.
Use AI to Enhance Your Own Words: Consider the AI's output as a draft to build upon. Use it to inspire or refine your language, ensuring your resume remains authentically in your voice.

Don't:

Rely Solely on AI for Content Creation: AI tools should not be used in isolation. Your resume should reflect your unique professional journey and personal brand, which requires a human touch.
Overstuff Your Resume with Keywords: While it's essential to include relevant keywords for ATS compatibility, avoid overstuffing your resume to the point where it reads unnaturally. Balance is key to ensuring your resume appeals to both machines and human readers.
Ignore the Importance of Formatting: While AI can assist with content, the formatting of your resume is up to you. Make sure the final document is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to read.

Conclusion

As we look towards the future of job applications, keeping up with AI advancements will surely be advantageous. However, it's the careful and smart use of these technologies—finding the right balance between AI's capabilities and the real, genuine story of your career—that will truly make your resume stand out.