Resume & Cover Letter Formatting

4. AI Prompts for Stronger Applications

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AI tools can be valuable resources when preparing application documents, but it’s important to know how to use them effectively and responsibly. This chapter will guide you in writing and using AI prompts to receive meaningful feedback on your resume and cover letter, all while maintaining your authenticity and professionalism.

What Is an AI Prompt?

An AI prompt is a set of instructions or input you give to an AI tool to generate a specific kind of response. In the context of job applications, prompts can help you:

  • Get feedback on your resume or cover letter
  • Improve clarity, tone, and impact
  • Identify missing keywords or weak phrasing
  • Rewrite vague statements into stronger ones

Some options of AI tools to use are: Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Mistral, and Llama.

 

Responsible Use of AI

  • Use your own content: AI can help refine your writing, but it shouldn’t invent achievements or experiences.
  • Avoid copying responses verbatim: Integrate only the most relevant suggestions into your application documents.
  • Protect your privacy: Never include personal details like your name, phone number, or email in prompts.
  • Stay authentic: AI can enhance your voice, but your story should still sound like you.

Sample Prompt Framework

The following prompt structure is adapted from the document “AI Prompts_Resume and Cover Letter Review Analysis” and is designed to help you receive targeted, actionable feedback from an AI tool.

 

Copy and paste the text below into your AI tool, including the job post, resume, and cover letter information as noted. Do not include your name, email address, phone number, or any other personal information.

Carefully read the full job advertisement supplied between the tags <JOB_AD> </JOB_AD>. Review my current resume and cover letter supplied between the tags <RESUME> </RESUME> and <COVER LETTER> </COVER LETTER>. Important: Use only the information provided. Do not invent achievements, credentials, or personal details. Produce a concise, well-structured critique with the exact section headings below:

A. Alignment & Relevance

  • List the top 8-10 keywords/skills from the job ad.

B. Organization & Clarity

  • Comment on layout, section order, and readability for both documents.
  • Flag any sections that should be moved, consolidated, or removed.

C. Impact & Persuasiveness

  • Identify achievements lacking quantifiable results or strong action verbs.
  • Highlight sentences that merely restate the job posting without added value.

D. Professionalism & Tone

  • Note spelling/grammar issues, tense/voice inconsistencies, and tone mismatches.

E. Actionable Recommendations: Provide specific, numbered suggestions under each sub-heading:

  • Revise Language - ≤ 20-word rewrites that better target the role
  • Reformat / Reorder - Indicate where and how to change the layout or sequence.
  • Quantify Achievements - Convert one vague bullet into a STAR-style metric example.
  • Integrate Keywords - Show where missing keywords from Section A fit naturally.
  • Consistent Tone - Edits to maintain a confident, professional voice.

Optional Resources: If relevant, list up to three reputable resources (title + URL only) that could further strengthen my documents.

Output Format

  • Use clear headings, short paragraphs, and bullet lists.
  • Limit the critique to ~600 words.
  • Do not repeat the full job ad, résumé, or cover letter text.

The feedback you receive will help you:

  • Align your application with the job description
  • Spot vague or repetitive language
  • Improve layout and readability
  • Strengthen your tone and voice
  • Rewrite weak statements using action verbs and measurable impact

 

More AI Prompts for Resume and Cover Letter Review

  • Review my resume and cover letter for clarity, tone, and structure. Use only the information I’ve provided.
  • Compare my resume and cover letter to the job ad below and suggest improvements based on alignment and relevance.
  • Identify vague language or weak action verbs in my resume and recommend stronger alternatives.
  • Suggest 3 specific edits to improve the professionalism and impact of my cover letter.
  • Highlight any missing keywords from the job ad that should be integrated into my resume.
  • Provide feedback on how well my resume communicates measurable achievements.
  • Evaluate the tone of my cover letter and suggest changes to make it more confident and engaging.
  • Check my resume layout and section order for readability and effectiveness.
  • Suggest ways to improve the persuasiveness of my application documents without adding new content.

 

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