With AI transforming the job market, it’s no surprise that applicants are turning to various tools to streamline their job hunting.
Naturally, you might be wondering: Can ChatGPT make a resume? Not just any resume, but one that actually lands interviews. The answer is yes—but there’s a catch.
The thing about large language models (LLMs) is that, in their current stage of development, they’re only as good as the input provided by the user. There are limitations to what they can do.
Here, we’ll take a look at what ChatGPT is useful for when it comes to resume writing and the parts of the process you’ll need to take care of yourself.
Key takeaways
- The best resumes combine AI-generated efficiency with a final human review for authenticity and impact.
- ChatGPT can help generate, structure, and refine a resume, but it relies on user-provided details for accuracy.
- AI can optimize resumes for ATS by incorporating relevant keywords and maintaining a clear format.
- While ChatGPT suggests strong action verbs and bullet points, it cannot quantify achievements without user input.
- A ChatGPT-generated resume still requires human judgment to ensure personalization and strategic career positioning.
- ChatGPT lacks insight into company-specific preferences, so researching employer expectations is essential.
What ChatGPT can do for your resume
ChatGPT can make the resume writing process smoother and more efficient, whether you aim to improve your current content or start from scratch.
Here’s what it can take care of.
Edit your content
A poorly written resume can ruin any job application. However, ChatGPT is a masterful editor.
The algorithm can:
- Quickly review your content and offer suggestions.
- Make the language polished and professional.
- Eliminate typos and grammatical errors.
- Adjust the tone to match your industry.
- Refine the sentence flow.
Tailor your resume to match a job posting
One of the most important steps when applying for a job is to prepare a targeted resume. This means tailoring your content to match the job description of the role you want to land.
You can task ChatGPT to analyze the job posting and identify the most relevant keywords. After that, you can ask it to use these terms and phrases in your content. This way, your resume will mirror the job ad, which is important because of the next point.
ATS optimization
Nowadays, most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter job applicants. This means that if your resume isn’t formatted correctly or if it doesn't contain the right keywords, it might receive a lower ATS score.
Here’s what ChatGPT can do to optimize your resume for ATS:
- Identify and incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to improve ATS ranking.
- Ensure a clear, structured resume format that ATS can easily read without confusion.
- Check for spelling and grammar consistency to prevent mismatches.
- Keep section headings standard (e.g., "Work Experience" instead of "Career Journey").
- Remove unnecessary jargon or fluff that doesn’t add value.
- Avoid excessive use of abbreviations.
Suggest bullet points and strong action verbs
ChatGPT can transform your bullets from simply listing duties to ones that tell recruiters about your achievements. This will make your contributions and work experience more compelling.
Also, the right wording can make the difference between a resume that blends in and one that leaves a lasting impression. ChatGPT can modify your bullets to be more impactful and engaging by replacing weak and passive language with strong action verbs.
Example of a ChatGPT-assisted resume
Did you know Enhancv’s resume builder is integrated with ChatGPT? We used it to create the following resume example.
Beyond the writing capabilities of ChatGPT, with Enhancv you also benefit from:
- Customizable resume templates
- AI-powered content suggestions
- ATS optimization
- Interactive resume sections
- Content and design flexibility
- One-click resume import
- Resume score and feedback tools
- Cover letter builder
- Multiple resume versions
- Export options (PDF, web link)
If you already have a resume, you can easily upload it and start personalizing it right away.
Is your resume good enough?
Drop your resume here or choose a file. PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
What ChatGPT can’t do for your resume
ChatGPT is a great tool for improving resumes but it has certain limitations—it can’t do all of the work for you just yet. This means there are a few things you’ll have to handle yourself.
Generate accurate work experience details
While ChatGPT can refine your work experience, it won’t be able to generate accurate company names, job titles, or employment dates. The same applies to your personal details, such as your name and contact info.
АI doesn’t have access to your work history so it relies on the details you provide it with. In other words, your role is to give ChatGPT accurate information and leave the presentation to it.
Quantify your achievements
Quantifying your achievements by using numbers and metrics helps hiring managers see the tangible impact of your work. This makes your resume more impressive and shows you’re a result-driven professional.
ChatGPT can’t automatically access the exact metrics of your accomplishments. You need to feed it accurate data so it can weave the numbers into your content.
Provide insight into company-specific preferences
ChatGPT can help tailor your resume to match a job posting but it doesn’t have inside knowledge of a specific company’s hiring process and their preferred resume format.
For example, some employers might favor a detailed career overview while others prefer a concise one-page resume. And then there are industry-specific standards that require research beyond what AI can provide.
After reviewing the job posting with AI, consider researching the company’s website and social media profiles to gain further insight into their culture. This can help you align your resume with the employer's expectations.
Replace human judgment
ChatGPT lacks the ability to grasp the complexities of individual career paths. AI can offer general guidance but can’t make critical decisions for you.
In other words, the human factor remains essential when working on a resume. That’s why you should always review your content and finalize it based on your own professional understanding of the role and the industry.
How to work with ChatGPT for the best results
AI is most effective when you provide it with clear, detailed information about your work experience, skills, and career goals.
So rather than relying on ChatGPT to complete your resume on its own, think of it as a tool to structure and refine your content. Here’s how you can approach the resume writing process with this in mind.
Gather your work history, dates, and accomplishments
Before you start using ChatGPT, it’s best to have a clear record of your work history. Have your job titles, employment dates, list of skills, and key accomplishments outlined.
Provide ChatGPT with the job description you're applying for
What’s great about AI is that you can provide it with multiple sources of information and it’ll be able to use them to produce the content you need.
To customize your resume effectively, give ChatGPT the job description in advance so it can write targeted content.
This way, it’ll be able to:
- Identify relevant keywords to improve your resume’s ATS compatibility.
- Spot the most important skills and qualifications employers are looking for.
- Suggest tailored bullet points that match the responsibilities of the role.
- Adjust the tone and focus of your resume to align with the company's expectations.
Ask for specific resume sections
Instead of prompting ChatGPT to write your entire resume, break down the process into steps. Have it work on one section at a time. This way you can stay in control of each response and tweak it with additional input if necessary.
Conduct a final review with your own insights
As mentioned earlier, it's important to carefully review the content generated by ChatGPT and refine it using your best judgment. Your personal insights play a crucial role in making your resume truly customized.
Beyond checking for accuracy and clarity, focus on personalization—ensuring that the content reflects your professional identity and unique career story. Taking the time to fine-tune the final version won’t only enhance the AI-generated suggestions but also create a resume that’s both optimized and authentic.
Frequently asked questions
If you’ve used ChatGPT before, then you’re well aware of its capabilities. Still, you might have a few questions about how they relate to making a resume.
Can ChatGPT write my entire resume?
ChatGPT can generate a huge portion of your resume but it relies on your input. It can structure and refine your content, but it can’t automatically pull in all the important details. For the best results, use it as an assistant and provide it with detailed resume writing prompts.
Is a ChatGPT resume ATS-friendly?
Yes, you can create an ATS-friendly resume with ChatGPT. Ask the AI to include keywords from the job description, maintain a clear structure, and use specialized language to match your industry.
Do I still need a resume writer if I use ChatGPT?
This depends on your personal needs. If you have a straightforward career history, then ChatGPT and your own edits should be enough to produce an effective resume. However, if you’re going through a career change or need to create a highly tailored executive resume, then working with a professional resume writer might be a viable option.
Conclusion
ChatGPT is a powerful tool when it comes to crafting polished, optimized resumes. But the real magic happens when you add your unique touch to the mix. Take the time to personalize your content and you’ll grab the attention of every hiring manager who reviews your application.
Make one that's truly you.
