15 ChatGPT Prompts for ATS Resume

You are an expert resume optimization specialist with deep knowledge of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Your task is to analyze and rewrite [resume_content] to ensure maximum ATS compatibility while maintaining readability for human recruiters.

Start by scanning the resume for common ATS issues including: complex formatting, tables, graphics, headers/footers, unusual fonts, text boxes, columns, and improper section headings. Then restructure the resume using a clean, single-column format with standard section headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”

For the [target_role] position, integrate relevant keywords from [job_description] naturally throughout the resume. Focus on hard skills, software proficiencies, certifications, and industry-specific terminology. Ensure dates are formatted consistently (MM/YYYY), bullet points use standard symbols, and contact information is in plain text.

Preserve all quantifiable achievements and metrics, but present them in ATS-friendly language. Replace any acronyms with their full forms on first use, followed by the acronym in parentheses. Avoid phrases like “references available upon request” or personal pronouns.

Do NOT use creative section names, decorative elements, or embedded objects. Do NOT reduce font size below 10pt or use colors other than black. Do NOT include photos, logos, or signatures.

Present the optimized resume in a clean format, followed by a brief analysis highlighting the key changes made and an ATS compatibility score out of 100.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[target_role]:

[resume_content]:

[job_description]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Transform standard job responsibilities into compelling, achievement-based bullet points that pass ATS screening while impressing hiring managers. You’re an expert at quantifying accomplishments and using action verbs that ATS systems recognize and recruiters value.

For each responsibility provided in [responsibilities] for the [job_title] role, create 3-4 bullet points that follow this structure: Start with a strong action verb, describe the specific action taken, and conclude with measurable results using numbers, percentages, or concrete outcomes. Use the CAR (Challenge-Action-Result) or STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result) method where applicable.

Incorporate keywords from [industry] that ATS systems scan for, such as technical skills, methodologies, software tools, and relevant certifications. Vary your action verbs—avoid repeating the same verb across bullets. Examples include: spearheaded, optimized, implemented, streamlined, generated, reduced, increased, launched, collaborated, and directed.

Each bullet should be one to two lines maximum. Front-load the most important information and keywords. Use concrete metrics wherever possible: dollars saved, percentages improved, time reduced, projects completed, team members managed, or customers served.

Do NOT write vague statements like “responsible for” or “duties included.” Do NOT use weak verbs like “helped” or “assisted” without context. Do NOT create bullets longer than two lines.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[industry]:

[responsibilities]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Act as a strategic resume consultant specializing in ATS optimization and job matching. Your objective is to tailor [current_resume] to align perfectly with the [job_title] position while maintaining authenticity and passing ATS screening.

First, analyze [job_description] to identify: required technical skills, soft skills, years of experience, educational requirements, certifications, industry keywords, and preferred qualifications. Create a keyword matrix from this analysis.

Next, review the existing resume and identify transferable skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Rewrite the professional summary to mirror the job description’s language, incorporating 5-8 primary keywords naturally. Adjust the skills section to prioritize those mentioned in the job posting, removing or de-emphasizing irrelevant skills.

Reorder work experience bullets to highlight relevant achievements first. Where direct experience doesn’t exist but transferable skills do, reframe past accomplishments using the job description’s terminology. For instance, if the job requires “stakeholder management” but the resume mentions “client relations,” bridge that language gap.

Ensure the resume includes: all mandatory qualifications prominently displayed, industry-specific jargon from the posting, matching job title variations, and relevant technical proficiencies.

Do NOT fabricate experience or skills. Do NOT copy exact phrases from the job description verbatim—paraphrase naturally. Do NOT remove legitimate experience just because it doesn’t match the job.

Provide the tailored resume followed by a match percentage analysis showing alignment between the resume and job description.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[job_description]:

[current_resume]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

You are a keyword optimization expert specializing in ATS technology. Analyze the [job_description] to extract every keyword and phrase that an ATS would scan for, then audit the [current_resume] to identify gaps and optimization opportunities.

Begin by categorizing keywords into: Hard Skills (programming languages, software, tools, methodologies), Soft Skills (leadership, communication, problem-solving), Certifications and Education, Industry Terminology, and Job-Specific Phrases. Rank each category by importance based on frequency and placement in the job description.

Compare your keyword list against the current resume. Calculate the keyword match rate as a percentage. Identify high-priority missing keywords that should be integrated and low-value keywords currently present that dilute relevance.

Provide specific recommendations for keyword placement: which should appear in the professional summary (top 5 keywords), which belong in the skills section (15-20 keywords), and which should be woven into work experience bullets (context-specific usage). Suggest natural phrase variations to avoid keyword stuffing.

Create a keyword density analysis showing optimal usage frequency—typically 2-3 mentions for critical keywords across the entire resume. Flag any overused keywords that might trigger ATS spam filters.

Do NOT recommend adding keywords for skills the candidate doesn’t possess. Do NOT suggest keyword stuffing or invisible text tricks. Do NOT include soft skills in the technical skills section.

Output: comprehensive keyword list, gap analysis, integration strategy, and revised resume sections with optimized keyword usage.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_description]:

[current_resume]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Craft a powerful professional summary for a [job_title] in [industry] that captures attention in the first 10 seconds while being fully optimized for ATS scanning. This summary must serve dual purposes: pass algorithmic screening and compel human readers to continue.

Structure the summary in 3-5 sentences (60-100 words total). Opening sentence: State your professional identity with [years_of_experience] of experience and primary expertise area, incorporating 2-3 core keywords. Middle sentences: Highlight your top 3-4 achievements from [key_achievements] using quantifiable metrics and industry-relevant keywords. Closing sentence: Articulate your unique value proposition or career objective aligned with the target role.

Integrate 8-12 keywords from the target job naturally, focusing on: technical competencies, industry certifications, specialized skills, and relevant soft skills. Use variations of key terms (e.g., “project management” and “managing complex projects”) to increase keyword coverage without redundancy.

Maintain active voice throughout. Lead with your strongest credentials. Use numbers, percentages, and concrete outcomes to substantiate claims. Avoid clichés like “results-driven professional” or “team player” unless you pair them with specific evidence.

Do NOT use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Do NOT include objective statements about what you’re seeking unless specifically relevant to the target role. Do NOT write more than 100 words—brevity paired with impact is crucial.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[industry]:

[years_of_experience]:

[key_achievements]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Design a comprehensive, ATS-optimized skills section for a [job_title] position that maximizes keyword matching while remaining authentic and strategically organized. You understand how to parse [current_skills] and expand them based on [job_requirements] while maintaining relevance to [industry].

Divide skills into logical categories using standard ATS-recognized headings: Technical Skills, Tools & Technologies, Certifications, Languages, and Professional Competencies. Within each category, list skills in order of relevance to the target role, with the most important appearing first.

For technical skills, use industry-standard names: write “Python” not “Python Programming” unless the job description specifically uses the longer form. Include version numbers for software proficiency where relevant (e.g., “Microsoft Excel 2019” or “Python 3.x”). Spell out acronyms with the abbreviation in parentheses on first use: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO).”

Balance breadth and depth: include 20-35 skills total across all categories. Prioritize hard skills over soft skills in this section. Use simple formatting—comma-separated lists or simple bullets, no graphics, bars, or ratings. Ensure every listed skill appears somewhere in your work experience section to demonstrate application.

Do NOT list outdated technologies unless the job requires them. Do NOT use subjective proficiency levels like “expert” or “beginner”—let your experience demonstrate mastery. Do NOT include soft skills like “good communicator” here; save those for your experience section.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[industry]:

[current_skills]:

[job_requirements]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Transform the work experience section from [work_history] for the [job_title] role to achieve maximum ATS compatibility and recruiter impact. You’re an expert at balancing keyword optimization with compelling storytelling that showcases career progression, incorporating [target_keywords] naturally throughout.

For each position, structure as follows: Job Title | Company Name | Location | Dates (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY). Ensure this header information uses standard formatting that ATS can easily parse. Below each header, include a one-sentence company descriptor if the organization isn’t widely known, incorporating industry keywords.

Create 4-7 bullet points per role (more for recent positions, fewer for older ones). Each bullet must begin with a strong action verb in past tense (or present for current role). Follow this formula: [Action Verb] + [What You Did] + [How You Did It] + [Measurable Result]. For example: “Implemented agile methodology across 3 development teams, reducing project delivery time by 35% and increasing stakeholder satisfaction scores from 3.2 to 4.7 out of 5.”

Thread [target_keywords] naturally throughout—aim for the target role’s top 15 keywords to appear across all work experience bullets. Show career progression through increasing responsibility, larger scope, or more complex challenges. Connect past experiences to the target role’s requirements even if job titles differ.

Do NOT use tables, columns, or text boxes for work experience. Do NOT write paragraphs—use bullets exclusively. Do NOT include every responsibility—focus on achievements and impacts.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[work_history]:

[target_keywords]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

You are a resume formatting specialist focused on ATS compliance. Take the [existing_resume] and reformat it using best practices that ensure every ATS can accurately parse and extract information, regardless of the system’s sophistication level.

Use this structure: Contact Information (name, phone, email, LinkedIn, location—no street address needed), Professional Summary, Core Competencies/Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications (if applicable), Additional Sections (publications, languages, volunteer work—only if relevant).

Apply these formatting rules: Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Garamond, Georgia, or Times New Roman) in 10-12pt size. Employ standard section headings that ATS systems recognize. Use simple bullet points (• or -). Apply bold only for emphasis on job titles and company names. Avoid all caps except for section headings. Ensure margins are 0.5-1 inch on all sides.

For dates, use consistent formatting: MM/YYYY format throughout. For education, include degree type, major, institution name, and graduation year—list GPA only if it’s 3.5 or above and you’re within 3 years of graduation.

Save the file with a clear naming convention: FirstName_LastName_Resume.docx—use .docx format as it’s most ATS-compatible.

Do NOT use headers or footers for important information. Do NOT insert tables, images, charts, or graphics. Do NOT use columns—stick to single-column layout. Do NOT use special characters or symbols beyond standard bullets.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[existing_resume]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Convert generic job responsibilities from [responsibilities] into quantifiable accomplishments that resonate with both ATS algorithms and human hiring managers. You excel at uncovering metrics and transforming routine tasks into impressive achievements for [job_title] roles in [industry].

For each responsibility provided, ask yourself: What changed because of this work? Who benefited? How much time/money was saved or generated? What was the before-and-after scenario? Then craft accomplishments using this framework:

Quantifiable Metrics Include:

• Financial impact: revenue generated, costs reduced, budget managed
• Efficiency gains: time saved, process improvements, productivity increases
• Scale: team size, project scope, customer base, geographic reach
• Quality: error reduction, customer satisfaction scores, retention rates
• Growth: percentage increases, year-over-year comparisons

When exact numbers aren’t available, use reasonable estimates or ranges with qualifiers like “approximately” or “over.” Turn percentages into concrete context: instead of “30% increase,” write “30% increase, adding $400K in annual revenue.”

Begin each bullet with impactful verbs: achieved, delivered, exceeded, generated, improved, increased, launched, reduced, saved, transformed. Follow with specific actions and conclude with measurable outcomes. Aim for 2-3 metrics per accomplishment when possible.

Do NOT use vague quantifiers like “many,” “several,” or “significant” without numbers. Do NOT fabricate metrics—estimate conservatively if needed. Do NOT focus solely on daily tasks without showing impact.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[industry]:

[responsibilities]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Develop a comprehensive, ATS-optimized resume tailored specifically for [industry] that demonstrates deep sector knowledge through appropriate terminology, relevant experiences, and industry-standard formatting conventions. You’ll be working with [background_experience] to create a compelling case for the [target_role] position.

Research [industry]-specific keywords including: specialized terminology, regulatory knowledge, technical competencies, industry-standard software/tools, relevant certifications, and common methodologies. Integrate these throughout the resume, with highest concentration in the professional summary and skills section.

Structure the resume to emphasize industry-relevant qualifications: If it’s a technical field, lead with technical skills. If it’s a regulated industry, prominently display certifications and compliance knowledge. If it’s creative, showcase portfolio links and notable projects. Adjust the hierarchy of information to match what matters most in [industry].

Incorporate industry-specific achievements from [background_experience]: For healthcare, emphasize patient outcomes and regulatory compliance. For technology, highlight product launches and technical innovations. For finance, focus on ROI and risk management. For education, showcase student outcomes and curriculum development.

Use industry-standard job titles and terminology even if your actual title differed. For example, if you were a “Sales Ninja” but you’re applying in finance, translate that to “Business Development Associate.”

Do NOT use generic, one-size-fits-all language. Do NOT ignore industry-specific requirements like licensure or certifications. Do NOT include irrelevant experience that doesn’t translate to the target industry.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[industry]:

[target_role]:

[background_experience]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Create an ATS-compatible resume for someone transitioning from [current_field] to [target_field]. Your expertise lies in identifying transferable skills from [work_history] and [relevant_skills], reframing experience, and positioning career changers competitively despite non-traditional backgrounds.

Lead with a powerful Career Transition Summary (instead of “Professional Summary”) that immediately addresses the career change. Structure it: [Current expertise] + [Transferable skills from [relevant_skills] relevant to new field] + [Motivation/preparation for transition] + [Value proposition for target role]. Include 6-10 keywords from the target field.

Create a Relevant Skills or Transferable Competencies section prominently positioned after the summary. Map [relevant_skills] to target industry requirements: project management, data analysis, communication, problem-solving, technical proficiencies. Use the target industry’s terminology.

In the Professional Experience section, reframe [work_history] with a focus on transferable achievements. For each position, write bullets that emphasize skills relevant to [target_field]. Lead with the most relevant accomplishments regardless of recency. You may use a functional-hybrid format if chronological doesn’t serve your narrative.

Add a Professional Development or Transition Preparation section listing: relevant coursework, certifications, bootcamps, volunteer work, or projects in the target field. This shows commitment and current knowledge.

Do NOT apologize for or highlight lack of direct experience. Do NOT use the phrase “seeking to transition”—show, don’t tell. Do NOT hide your previous career—reframe it as an asset.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[current_field]:

[target_field]:

[work_history]:

[relevant_skills]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Analyze the [current_resume] for optimal length and content density while maintaining ATS compatibility. Your goal is to create a lean, impactful resume that includes everything necessary and nothing extraneous for a [job_title] with [years_experience] years of experience.

Apply these length guidelines: 0-5 years experience = 1 page maximum; 5-15 years = 1-2 pages; 15+ years = 2 pages maximum. Executive-level positions may extend to 3 pages. Calculate the resume’s current length and determine if condensing or expanding is needed.

Content prioritization: The top third of page one is prime real estate—ensure it contains your professional summary, core competencies, and the start of your most relevant experience. This is what recruiters see in the first 7 seconds and what ATS algorithms weight most heavily.

For condensing: Remove outdated experience (10+ years old unless extremely relevant), cut redundant skills, eliminate full address (city/state sufficient), reduce older job bullets (1-2 bullets for positions beyond 10 years), remove “References available upon request,” and tighten language (eliminate filler words like “responsible for,” “duties included”).

For expanding: Add quantifiable achievements to vague bullets, include relevant projects or publications, add a certifications section, expand technical skills with specifics, include relevant volunteer leadership.

Do NOT use font sizes below 10pt or margins below 0.5 inches to force content onto fewer pages. Do NOT include irrelevant early-career positions if space-constrained. Do NOT sacrifice impact for brevity—quality beats length every time.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[current_resume]:

[job_title]:

[years_experience]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Create a compelling cover letter that complements the ATS-optimized resume for the [job_title] position at [company_name]. While cover letters receive less ATS scrutiny than resumes, this letter will be optimized for keyword matching from [job_description] while maintaining natural, persuasive language that connects with human readers and showcases [relevant_experience].

Structure the letter in 3-4 concise paragraphs (250-400 words total):

Paragraph 1 – The Hook: Open with why you’re excited about this specific role at [company_name]. Demonstrate research by mentioning a recent company achievement, value, or initiative that resonates with you. Include 2-3 primary keywords from [job_description] naturally.

Paragraph 2 – The Match: Draw direct connections between the job requirements from [job_description] and your qualifications from [relevant_experience]. Use specific examples: “Your need for [requirement from job posting] aligns perfectly with my experience [specific achievement from [relevant_experience]].” Incorporate 4-6 relevant keywords while telling achievement stories with quantifiable results.

Paragraph 3 – The Value Addition: Go beyond resume regurgitation. Explain what unique perspective or approach you’d bring based on [relevant_experience]. Address any potential concerns (career gap, industry switch) proactively and positively if applicable.

Closing: Express enthusiasm for an interview, indicate your availability, and thank them professionally.

Use the hiring manager’s name if discoverable. Match the company’s communication tone—formal for conservative industries, conversational for startups. Save as FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf

Do NOT simply summarize your resume. Do NOT use generic templates that could apply to any job. Do NOT exceed one page. Do NOT start with “I am writing to apply…”

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[company_name]:

[job_description]:

[relevant_experience]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Format and optimize the education section from [education_details] for maximum ATS compatibility and relevance to the [job_title] position. You understand how to present educational credentials strategically based on career level ([years_since_graduation]) and industry requirements.

Position the education section appropriately: If [years_since_graduation] is 0-2 years or the role requires a specific degree, place education near the top, after the summary. If [years_since_graduation] is 3+ years, position education after work experience.

Format each degree entry from [education_details] consistently: Degree Type and Major | Institution Name | Location (City, State) | Graduation Date (MM/YYYY). Use full degree names that ATS systems recognize: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Business Administration, Associate of Arts in Graphic Design.

Include relevant details from [education_details]: GPA if 3.5 or higher and within 3-5 years of graduation, academic honors (cum laude, Dean’s List, scholarships), relevant coursework for recent graduates or career changers (list 4-6 courses using official course names), thesis/capstone project titles if directly relevant to the target role.

For incomplete degrees: List the degree in progress with “Expected MM/YYYY” or state “Completed X credits toward [Degree].” For multiple degrees, list in reverse chronological order. For certifications that rival degrees in importance (PMP, CPA, CFA), consider a separate certifications section.

Do NOT include high school education if you have a college degree. Do NOT list unfinished degrees without clarification. Do NOT abbreviate degree names (write out Bachelor of Science, not B.S.).

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[job_title]:

[education_details]:

[years_since_graduation]:

Additional Instructions (optional):

Audit the [resume] for common ATS errors that cause qualified candidates to be filtered out. You’re an ATS troubleshooting expert who identifies and fixes parsing problems, formatting issues, and keyword deficiencies that prevent resumes from reaching human reviewers.

Scan [resume] for these critical errors: Parsing Problems – headers/footers containing essential information, text boxes, tables, columns; Formatting Issues – inconsistent date formats, special characters (©, ®, ™), unconventional fonts, images or graphics; Content Problems – missing keywords, skills listed without context, unexplained employment gaps, vague job titles.

Test for ATS readability by checking: Can dates be extracted consistently? Are job titles clearly distinguishable from company names? Is contact information in plain text at the top? Are section headers standard and recognizable? Can skills be easily identified and categorized?

Fix each identified issue with a specific solution: Replace tables with simple formatting, move header/footer content to main body, standardize date formatting, simplify design elements, add missing keywords naturally, clarify ambiguous job titles, fill employment gaps with brief explanations.

Run a keyword density check: Ensure critical skills appear 2-3 times throughout the document without stuffing. Verify that technical skills are spelled correctly and match job description exactly (including capitalization: “JavaScript” not “javascript”).

Provide both the corrected resume and a detailed error report listing: issues found, risk level (high/medium/low), fixes applied, and ATS compatibility score before/after.

Do NOT over-correct by removing all formatting—some formatting aids readability. Do NOT add keywords inappropriately just to increase density.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===

[resume]:

Additional Instructions (optional):