Best ChatGPT Prompts for Resume and Cover Letter

Writing the perfect resume and cover letter can be a daunting task in today’s competitive job market. With recruiters spending an average of just 7.4 seconds scanning each resume, job seekers need to make an immediate impact. Additionally, 75% of large companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter candidates, which means your documents must not only be compelling but also optimized for these automated systems. In this challenging landscape, job seekers are increasingly turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance their application materials and improve their chances of success.

ChatGPT offers a wealth of prompts and suggestions that can help you create a resume and cover letter that stand out. According to research, resumes with targeted and clear language are 40% more likely to lead to an interview, making the quality of your writing crucial. ChatGPT can assist by providing prompts that guide you in highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, tailoring your documents to the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. This tool also helps in overcoming common writing hurdles, such as articulating achievements concisely and addressing employment gaps effectively.

Here, we will look at some of the best ChatGPT prompts for writing resumes and cover letters.

How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Resume

1. Resume Formatting

ChatGPT can help you create a visually appealing and professional resume by offering formatting and layout suggestions.

Prompt: I want my resume to stand out but am unsure of the formatting. Could you provide some ideas to make it look more professional?

2. Resume Keywords

ChatGPT can help you find the relevant keywords and phrases for the job you’re applying for and suggest adding them to your resume.

Prompt: I am applying for a [Job Title] position and want to ensure my resume is keyword-optimized. Can you suggest some keywords to include?

Example

I am applying for an advertising copywriter position and want to ensure my resume is keyword-optimized. Can you suggest some keywords to include?

3. Professional skills and experience

ChatGPT can help you highlight your relevant experience and skills on your resume by gathering information about your work history and qualifications.

Prompt: I have experience in both [Skill Name] and [Skill Name] but I’m unsure how to emphasize the most relevant skills on my resume. Can you help me highlight the key information?

Example

I have experience in both copywriting and advertising but I’m unsure how to emphasize the most relevant skills on my resume. Can you help me highlight the key information?

4. Customize Resume For Specific Job

ChatGPT can assist you tailor your resume to specific job positions by suggesting how to highlight your relevant experience and skills.

Prompt: I am applying for a [Job Title] position at a [Company Name]. Can you help me customize my resume to emphasize my [Skill Name] and [Skill Name] experience?

Example

I am applying for an advertising copywriter position at an auto parts shop. Can you help me customize my resume to emphasize my digital marketing and creative writing experience?

5. Update Old Resume

ChatGPT can assist you in updating an outdated resume by suggesting ways to highlight your most relevant experience.

Prompt: I haven’t updated my resume in a few years and want to ensure it’s up-to-date and relevant. Can you provide tips on what to include and what to leave out?

6. Make Resume Visually Appealing

ChatGPT can suggest ways to make your resume look good and easy to read, like using bullet points, headings, and white space.

Prompt: I want to make my resume look better but don’t know how. Can you give me tips on using design elements effectively?

7. Write Concise Bullet Points

ChatGPT can help you create a concise and effective bullet points for your resume by gathering detailed information about your accomplishments and responsibilities.

Prompt: I want to ensure my resume bullet points are concise and highlight my achievements. Can you provide guidance on how to do this effectively?

8. Include Industry-Specific Terms

ChatGPT can assist you in incorporating industry-specific language and terminology into your resume to showcase your knowledge and expertise.

Prompt: I am applying for a copywriting position in the advertising industry and want to ensure my resume highlights the specific skills and knowledge relevant to this field. Can you suggest some industry-specific terms to use?

9. Create Resumes for Multiple Industries

ChatGPT can help you make different versions of your resume for various industries or job positions by asking about your relevant experience and skills.

Prompt: I’m applying for copywriting jobs in both the advertising and education industries. Can you help me create two versions of my resume, each focused on the skills and experience relevant to these industries?

10. Resume Feedback

ChatGPT can provide feedback on on your resume’s structure, tone, formatting, and content.

Prompt: I want to ensure my resume is well-structured, has the right tone, is properly formatted, and includes relevant content. Could you provide feedback on the structure, tone, formatting, and content of my resume?

How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

1. Personal Branding

A cover letter should get you noticed and showcase your strongest selling points, or personal brand. ChatGPT can help with that.

Prompt: I want my cover letter to present me as a creative writer with strong critical thinking skills through my personal brand. Can you help me create a cover letter that demonstrates this?

2. Write a Strong Introduction

ChatGPT can help you write a cover letter introduction that grabs attention and shows your enthusiasm for the job.

Prompt: Write a persuasive introduction and expression of interest for a cover letter for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

3. Write an Effective Cover Letter Ending

ChatGPT can help you write a strong closing for your cover letter that makes a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Prompt: I’m trying to write a strong and confident closing sentence for my cover letter. It should be short, professional, and specific to the job, showing my enthusiasm for the role and how I can help the company grow. Can you help me write this in 50 words or less?

4. Highlight Your Achievements

ChatGPT can help you showcase your key accomplishments in your cover letter and resume to show your value to potential employers.

Prompt: I want to highlight my achievements in my resume and cover letter. Can you help me identify and describe them effectively?

5. Explain Career Gaps and Job Changes

If you have a career gap or job switch, ChatGPT can help you craft a positive explanation by highlighting the skills and experiences you’ve gained, minimizing potential employer concerns.

Prompt: Explain why I had a [Career Gap or Job Change] and how my experiences during that time have prepared me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

6. Resume Summary

ChatGPT can help you create a resume summary that clearly highlights your qualifications and value to potential employers.

Prompt: Can you help me write a professional summary using my resume? Here is my resume: [paste your resume]

7. Edit Your Writing Style

If you have already completed your cover letter but are applying to a smaller company, you may need to adjust the language to make it more accessible to recruiters. ChatGPT can help with that.

Prompt: Can you help me change the tone of my cover letter? I’ve written one that is currently more professional, but I want it to sound friendlier since I’ll be applying for a role within a [Company Name]. I’ll first share you with my original cover letter. Is that okay?

8. Write Cover Letter based on Job Description

The recommended maximum length for a cover letter is 400 words. Let ChatGPT review the job description for which you are applying, and it will help you create a cover letter that is more ATS-friendly.

Prompt: Write a cover letter that incorporates metrics for the following job description. Use my resume as a reference, and keep it shorter than 400 words.

9. Basic Cover Letter Prompt

Start with a paragraph introducing yourself, mentioning the job you’re applying for, and where you found it.

Next, highlight your skills, experience, or accomplishments that match the job requirements.

Then, explain how you can contribute to the company’s growth.

End with a paragraph expressing your excitement for the role or company and thank the hiring managers for their time.

Prompt: I need help writing a cover letter that will be three paragraphs long and follow this standard structure: In the first paragraph, mention the position I’m applying for [Creative Copywriter] and where I learned about it [from a job posting on Indeed.com]. Use the next paragraph to highlight any relevant skills, experience, or accomplishments I have that align with the job. The third and final paragraph should express my enthusiasm for the role. I’d also like to thank the recruiters for their time in evaluating my resume and mention how excited I am about the next steps in the process. Make sure the cover letter uses professional language and tone and follows industry best practices. Here’s my resume: [paste your resume].

10. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After creating your cover letter using ChatGPT prompts, it’s important to proofread it for errors and improvements. This step ensures your letter is polished and conveys the right message. ChatGPT can also help with this task.

Prompt: Proofread my cover letter for grammatical and spelling errors, and ensure all necessary information is included and clearly conveyed. [paste the cover letter]

If you need further help crafting your application, consider leveraging professional resume writing services for expert guidance and support.

Use ChatGPT to Write Your Resume

This is one of the best ChatGPT prompts for creating a resume. Use this prompt to ensure comprehensive coverage:

Prompt: Write a resume for someone with experience in [Your Area of ​​Expertise], highlighting [Number] years of experience, education at [College/University], and skills in [Skill List]. Include experience in [Specific Companies] and growth from [Entry Position] to [Current Position]. Tailor the resume to attract employers seeking [Job Title], focusing on ATS-friendly formatting and content.

Using a ChatGPT for your resume can save time, but it shouldn’t replace your own efforts. AI is a tool, not a substitute for human input, so always review and edit any content ChatGPT creates before submitting it. Think of ChatGPT as an aid for your job search, and you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job.