How to use ChatGPT to build your resume

Whether you are embarking on your first job search after college or have decades of experience, we can all agree that the job search process is tedious. It's not easy to find a job that aligns with your qualifications and expectations. On top of that, you have to condense all your professional experiences and strengths into one application.

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That application consists of various components, such as references, experiences, a cover letter, creative portfolio, and the most daunting one for some— the CV or resume.

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Luckily, ChatGPT is here to simplify the resume building process.

How ChatGPT Can Improve Your Job Application Process

ChatGPT can assist you in generating ideas and bullet points for your roles, helping you start from scratch or refine your existing bullet points that may not be hitting the mark. It can also provide guidance on resume structure and best practices. Here's how you can get started:

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Side note: If you have access to Bing Chat, it can serve as an excellent assistant for this process as well, offering the same capabilities as ChatGPT with access to the internet.

1. Select a Resume Template

Before using ChatGPT to assist with your resume, you'll need to choose a template. The program you are using, such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Canva, likely offers pre-existing resume templates.

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You can also find numerous editable resume templates through a quick Google search. Pick one that best represents your needs and showcases your unique qualities.

2. Sign into ChatGPT

Visit OpenAI's ChatGPT homepage and sign in or create an account. It's a free service, so the sign-up process is straightforward and doesn't require credit card information or obscure details.

3. Add Text

If you want ChatGPT to generate text for your resume from scratch, simply ask it to do so.

Ask directly for help with your professional summary or individual bullet points. For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you write a short, professional resume summary about my role as a tech reporter?" Within seconds, it delivered a response, as seen in the photo.

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While ChatGPT can provide ready-to-use resume content, it's important to customize the text to reflect your actual experiences and to sound less robotic. Employers want to learn about what sets you apart, and without your input, ChatGPT will only have access to generic prompts about your role.

4. Use ChatGPT to Enhance Your Own Text

Whether you've attempted to fill out the template yourself before seeking assistance from ChatGPT or you have an existing resume that you want to improve, ChatGPT is a valuable resource for polishing your text. Simply copy and paste your own text and ask ChatGPT to enhance it.

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For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you improve this resume bullet point: 'I write stories about technology'?" Within seconds, it provided a more elaborate bullet point that incorporated a professional tone, as seen in the photo. After obtaining the result, you can further customize it by asking ChatGPT to make it shorter or include additional details.

FAQs

How much does it cost to have ChatGPT write your resume?

Currently, ChatGPT is free to use for all purposes, including resume building assistance.

How can ChatGPT help me with my resume?

ChatGPT can generate text for different sections of your resume, including the professional summary and individual bullet points for each experience. It can also enhance your existing resume by optimizing your current text. If you have any questions about resume formatting and content, ChatGPT is capable of providing guidance.

What should a resume include?

An ideal resume should highlight your career accomplishments. Include relevant educational, professional, and leadership experiences that are meaningful to you. Provide detailed information about your unique experiences to make yourself stand out among other applicants.