Using ChatGPT to tailor your CV for bespoke applications

You have heard about the importance of writing a bespoke CV for every application, but it can be a lot of work and so you’ve sent off the same CV to a ton of companies. GenAI can help and I will give you an example of how we can use ChatGPT to save you time and write better and more tailored applications.

Let’s start a simple code of conduct. “I will use Generative AI for good, I will not use it to cheat, plagiarise, for any unlawful activities, or unethical purposes.”

So how can ChatGPT help in your job search?

Tailoring your CV is absolutely critical for all of your applications. GenAI can save considerable time if you ask the right questions and provide clear context, limits, audience information, details, and specify what you want as an output. To be clear you are not asking ChatGPT to write your CV for you. That’s still your job.

The task is for ChatGPT to analyse the job spec for key skills and keywords that you can include in your application for each specific role you want to apply for. You want this information quickly and for it to pick up on what makes sense for you.

Go into ChatGPT and start with personal context on who you are. “I am a __________ and applying for roles in ___________, I have experience in ____________ and am applying for the job of _____________ in _______________.” This helps because it will highlight the most important skills for the job, but also ones which you have, if you don’t provide context the list tends to get long and irrelevant.

Be specific with what information you want and provide numerical limitations on what it gives you back. “Please summarise the top 5 technical skills and competencies required for this role.” You might choose to lower the number or ask it for company values or qualifications as well.

You could also explain the audience and let it know that the CV will be assessed by an HR professional or a hiring manager.

Ask it to identify 10 key words in the job spec that should be included in the CV or application form that will be screened by an HR professional.

Copy and paste in the job spec with the title and the company summary if you have it.

ChatGPT will provide you with a nice summary of the skills required and a list of key words to include in your CV. I suggest completing a quick audit, do these seem like the right skills for the job? Is this a job where you have the skills and does it play to your strengths? If there’s a mismatch, reconsider.

Review your professional profile or summary where you include the key skills that you believe are your strengths and signpost the reader to experiences in your CV where you developed these skills. Rewrite your profile for every job you apply for.

The best CVs will look and feel authentic to you. Recruiters want to see effort and conscientiousness, so do hiring managers. Use AI to help you identify what’s important and audit where you’re not meeting expectations, but write the content yourself to incorporate great examples, impact statements, and signposting to get yourself an interview.