We’ve all been there – staring at our resume or cover letter for ages, unsure of what to write or how to tweak it. Is it a fair summary of your experience and why you want the job? Sure. But is it the best way to present the information? Will it help you stand out?
Job searching is overwhelming enough. The added stress of needing to get it right on the first (and only) try can make it feel impossible.
The good news is, with AI being as common and accessible as it is, you can effectively use AI to get you out of the slump.
The trick is getting the prompt right – and that’s where we can help! Here are 5 tailor-made AI prompts you can copy-paste into ChatGPT to help with your job hunt.
1. Tailor your resume to a specific job description
Prompt:
You are an expert resume writer familiar with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring trends. Here’s my current resume and a job description I want to apply for. Can you suggest specific changes to tailor my resume for this role? Please highlight any bullet points I should rephrase, add, or remove to align with the role and include relevant keywords—without losing my unique voice or transferable skills.
[Paste your resume]
[Paste job description]
Why it works:
Employers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. This prompt helps you match the right language and skills to get past the bots and catch the recruiter’s eye.
What to watch out for:
Don’t over-optimize. If your resume feels like it was written by a robot, it can backfire during human review. Also, by focusing solely on the job description, you risk erasing your unique or transferable strengths. Use the AI’s suggestions to enhance—not erase—your original story.
2. Write a personalized cover letter
Prompt:
You are a professional career coach and copywriter. Based on my resume (insert resume) and this job posting (insert job post link), can you draft a personalized, enthusiastic cover letter? I want it to sound human, confident, and aligned with the company’s values. Please include examples that show why I’m a great fit, and avoid clichés or generic phrasing.
[Paste resume]
[Paste job description]:
Why it works:
A compelling cover letter doesn’t just repeat your resume—it shows why you care and what you bring. This prompt ensures your letter feels authentic and tailored.
What to watch out for:
AI can sometimes sound too generic or flattering. Avoid letting the letter become a string of buzzwords with no substance. Edit the output to include real anecdotes or values that matter to you. Make sure your voice and motivation come through.
3. Get feedback on your resume tone and clarity
Prompt:
You are a hiring manager with experience reviewing hundreds of resumes. Can you give me honest, actionable feedback on the tone, clarity, and overall impact of my resume? Please suggest edits to make it sound confident, concise, and achievement-focused, without overselling or sounding robotic.
[Paste resume]
Why it works:
Even the best resumes benefit from a second pair of eyes. This prompt helps tighten your wording and highlights areas that might feel vague or underwhelming.
What to watch out for:
Be cautious with AI suggestions that strip too much detail or oversimplify technical achievements. If you’re in a specialized field, ensure the edits preserve the credibility and nuance of your expertise. AI tends to favor brevity, but sometimes your impact needs context.
4. Practice for interviews (and get better answers)
Prompt:
You are a career coach helping clients prepare for interviews in [industry/job title]. Can you simulate a practice interview by asking 5 relevant questions for this role? After I answer each one, please provide detailed feedback—pointing out where I can improve clarity, impact, or storytelling, and how to strengthen my responses.
Job Title/Industry: [Insert]
I’ll respond to each question after you ask
Why it works:
Practicing with AI simulates the pressure of an interview while giving you real-time, unbiased feedback. You can test responses and improve them without judgment.
What to watch out for:
AI isn’t a substitute for real interview interaction. Practice with a friend or mentor too. And when using AI feedback, avoid sounding rehearsed—interviewers value authenticity. Also, double-check facts in your answers; AI won’t verify your work history or metrics.
5. Create a strong LinkedIn “About” section
Prompt:
You are a LinkedIn branding expert. Based on my resume, can you help me write a compelling “About” section for my profile? I want it to sound friendly, confident, and professional—something that highlights my skills, experience, and what drives me, in a way that stands out to recruiters and peers.
[Paste resume]
Why it works:
Your LinkedIn summary is your elevator pitch. This prompt helps you make a great first impression online, especially with recruiters browsing profiles.
What to watch out for:
AI-generated summaries can lean too much into clichés—“results-driven,” “passionate,” “innovative.” Don’t let your profile read like a thousand others. Add a line or two that shows personality: what excites you about your work, or the kind of problems you love solving.
Final Thought
You don’t need to be an AI expert to make AI work for you.
The key is using the right prompts—clear, specific requests that turn AI into a creative and strategic job-hunting assistant. But don’t hand over the wheel entirely. Let AI be your co-pilot, not your voice. Keep in mind that employers are increasingly wary of AI written resumes and cover letters – so while you’re using AI to help, make sure to inject your own story, voice, and your “why” into everything you write.
