Learn how AI can help you present your skills and experience more effectively
Returning to school, transitioning careers, or re-entering the workforce can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes time to update your resume. The good news is that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, can help make the resume writing process more efficient. When used thoughtfully, AI can serve as a valuable resume writing partner. However, AI is only as effective as the information you provide.
The quality of the output depends on the quality of the prompt. Use the following guide to learn more about AI and how to use it responsibly. To protect your privacy, be sure to avoid sharing sensitive personal information with AI tools including Social Security numbers, date of birth, home addresses, financial information, or any other confidential data.
Before using AI for resume writing, it's important to have a foundation to build from. Consider using the VMock tool to create an initial draft or strengthen your current resume. Having a document that outlines your education, work history, accomplishments, skills, certifications, military experience, volunteer work, and other relevant experiences will help AI generate more accurate and meaningful recommendations.
Below are four AI resume writing prompts designed to help strengthen and streamline your resume development process. To achieve the most accurate and personalized results, replace the placeholder text and fill in the blanks with your own information.
The more specific information you provide, the more tailored and effective the AI-generated content will be. Make sure to include your experience, skills, accomplishments, and target career goals. Remember to review and edit all AI-generated suggestions to ensure they accurately reflect your background and professional voice.
AI Resume Prompts to Help You Get Better Results
1. Crafting a Strong Summary Statement
This prompt can help you craft a compelling summary statement that directly communicates your qualifications and the value you bring to an organization.
Prompt:
Act as a professional resume writer. I am a [Job Title] with [Years of Experience] in [Industry or Field]. My strongest skills include [3-5 Skills], and I am interested in opportunities related to [Career Goal or Target Role]. Write a three-sentence professional summary that highlights my experience, strengths, and value to employers. Ask any follow-up questions that would improve the quality and accuracy of the summary.
2. Translate Transferable Skills
Use this prompt to help translate experiences such as employment, military service, volunteer work, research, etc. into language that resonates with employers.
Prompt:
Act as a recruiter and resume expert. I am interested in applying for the following role: [Insert Job Title and Job Description]. I want to better communicate the transferable skills I have developed through my experiences that are relevant to this position.
Here is my experience: [Paste Experience].
Review my experience and identify transferable skills that align with the qualifications, responsibilities, and competencies outlined in the job description. Provide a summary of the key transferable skills I should emphasize throughout my resume. Ask any follow-up questions that would improve the quality and accuracy of your recommendations.
3. Achievement-Focused Bullet Point Generator
Consider using this prompt to transform job duties into stronger, results-oriented statements that showcase your impact.
Prompt:
Act as an experienced resume writer. I am updating my resume and want my accomplishments to be more clearly communicated to employers.
Here are my current job experience bullet points for [Role/Company]: [Paste Bullet Points].
Rewrite each bullet point using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Where measurable accomplishments are missing, identify the types of metrics I should consider adding. Ask any follow-up questions that would improve the quality and accuracy of the revised bullet points.
4. Tailor My Resume to a Specific Job Description
To tailor your resume for a specific position, use the prompt below to identify areas of alignment between your experience and the employer’s needs while improving keyword relevance.
Prompt:
Act as a hiring manager and professional resume writer. I am applying for the position described below and would like to tailor my resume while remaining truthful and accurate.
My Resume: [Paste Resume]
Job Description: [Paste Job Description]
Compare my resume to the job description and identify:
- Skills and qualifications that align with the role
- Important keywords I should consider incorporating
- Relevant accomplishments that deserve greater emphasis
- Potential gaps or areas that may need stronger supporting evidence
Rewrite my professional summary and suggest revisions to my experience section so it better reflects the qualifications the employer is seeking. Ask any follow-up questions that would improve the quality and accuracy of your recommendations.
Final Thoughts
AI can be a valuable partner during the resume writing process, but the best results come from combining AI-generated recommendations with your own experiences, accomplishment focused metrics, and professional judgment. The more context and detail you provide, the more personalized and effective the recommendations will be. After all, your name is at the top of the resume, so make sure the final version tells your unique career story and accurately represents the value you bring to an employer.
Connect with UMGC Career Services
For additional information or support, please set up an appointment with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist. Find out more information about UMGC's Accessibility Services.
Jennifer Lucke is a Career Advising Specialist at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she supports adult learners and non-traditional students as they navigate meaningful career transitions. In her work with the School of Integrative and Professional Studies, she partners with students and alumni to build confidence, clarify goals, and take purposeful steps toward the next stage of their careers.
Her advising approach is grounded in strengths-based, solution-focused practices and shaped by a commitment to creating a supportive, approachable environment where advisees feel understood and empowered. She provides individualized advising, resume and interview preparation, job search guidance, and career assessments. Additionally, she has designed and facilitated several initiatives aimed at strengthening college student engagement, personal and career identity development, and overall career readiness.
Jennifer holds a Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Development from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Carolina University. She is also a Certified Career Counselor (CCC) through the National Career Development Association and remains committed to lifelong learning through ongoing engagement with the NCDA and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
