First and foremost, it excels at resume writing and editing (or CV writing and editing in the UK). It serves as your guiding light refining your content by providing recommendations on what to include in your resume. Additionally, it assists with phrasing and highlighting key strengths and offers feedback for further improvement. You can simply paste your CV into ChatGPT and request its assistance in enhancing it. Allow me to demonstrate this process to you.
Let’s walk through an example using a mock CV for someone applying to work as a software tester for example. We can input it into chat GPT. See how it performs.
In this blog post, we will explore the ways that ChatGPT can serve as your very own personal assistant during your job search. We will look into the following topics:
– Discover how to use ChatGPT to create better CVs and captivating cover letters that truly make an impact
– Discover how ChatGPT can support you in preparing for interviews boosting your self-assurance and composure
How to use ChatGPT to create a better CV
- Open ChatGPT (you may have to log in if you already have an account).
- In the chat window, type: “Forget all previous instructions” then Enter.
- Then using your own CV (I used a mock CV for the purpose of this article), type: “This is my resume that I want you to learn from when applying for a job in a moment:” and paste the whole CV in. Press Enter.
- ChatGPT will reply something like: “Thank you for providing your resume. I’ve taken note of the information you’ve shared, and I’ll use it as a reference when assisting you with job-related tasks or applications. If you have any specific questions or need assistance with anything related to your job search or resume, please feel free to ask.
- For the purpose of our post, and our mock CV example, we want to apply to work as a software tester. Let’s look for Software Tester jobs in London on LinkedIn. Let’s use the job below.
- In the chat window, type “I would like you to apply for the following job role and I would like you to help me tailor my resume accordingly by highlighting relevant skills and experiences for that specific position:”, then copy the whole role description on LinkedIn, and paste it below in ChatGPT. Then Enter.
- ChatGPT instantly replies: “To tailor your resume for the Software Tester position described, you should emphasize relevant skills and experiences that align with the job responsibilities and requirements. Here’s a modified version of your resume with these highlights:BEN MARTIN
London
Phone: 0207000000 | bm@somedomain.com
LinkedIn Profile | BeKnown Profile | Twitter HandleSOFTWARE TESTER
Automation Software Development | CI/CD Integration | Collaboration with Agile Teams
• Experienced software tester with a strong background in developing high-quality automation software using JavaScript.
• Proficient in creating and modifying CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins and Concourse) for efficient automation testing.
• Adept at collaborating with development teams to ensure stable and scalable test solutions in alignment with industry best practices.
• Committed to delivering high-quality, maintainable code and promoting a culture of technical excellence within the organization.Skills Summary
• Automation Software Development (JavaScript/TypeScript)
• CI/CD Integration (Jenkins, Concourse)
• Test Framework Development (TDD/BDD)
• Git/Github Version Control
• Node.js/React.js
• WebDriver JS and Cucumber JS
• Agile Methodologies
• Code Review and Technical Debt ManagementPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ABC COMPANY — London
Software developer specializing in transportation, airline, and defense sector solutions.
Senior Software Quality Assurance Tester, 4/12 to Present
Serve as the lead QA tester on development projects for government, DoD, and transportation industry clients. Supervise a five-member software QA testing team and focus on developing automation solutions and CI/CD integration. Key achievements include:
• Developed high-quality automation software using JavaScript, aligning with industry best practices.
• Created and maintained CI/CD pipelines for automated testing, resulting in improved testing efficiency.
• Collaborated closely with development teams to ensure stable and scalable test solutions.
• Conducted code reviews and addressed technical debt, promoting a culture of technical excellence.
• Implemented test framework enhancements using TDD and BDD principles.XYZ GROUP — London
External testing group providing quality-assurance assessment of software, hardware, and systems.
Lead QA Tester, Software & Systems Group, 8/08 to 3/12
QA Tester, Software Solutions Group, 8/04 to 8/08
Led QA testing and teams for client software and systems development projects. Conducted system, unit, performance, and regression testing. Key achievements include:
• Developed a comprehensive database of documented test defects and procedures, accelerating testing turnaround time.
• Designed and implemented automated testing tools and programs, enhancing testing capabilities.
• Documented software defects and provided detailed QA testing reports.EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
XYZ UNIVERSITY — London
Graduate Certificate in Computer Analytics, 2009
ABC UNIVERSITY — London
BS in Computer Science, 2002
PMI-Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), 2010
Six Sigma Green Belt, 2008TECHNOLOGY SKILLS (Complete list on request)
JavaScript/TypeScript; Git/Github; Node.js/React.js; WebDriver JS and Cucumber JS; Jenkins; Concourse; Agile Methodologies; TDD/BDD; Code Review; CI/CD Integration“ - ChatGPT also adds: “This modified resume highlights your experience in JavaScript, CI/CD integration, test framework development, and collaboration with development teams, aligning it with the job requirements. Make sure to adjust any additional details or qualifications as needed and review it thoroughly before submission.” – Go through the CV before you send it, to correct any typo or replace placeholders with the appropriate information.
How to use ChatGPT to create captivating cover letters that truly make an impact
Another useful feature of ChatGPT is its ability to assist with cover letters. In fact, a good cover letter is often more important than the CV itself. If the cover letter is poorly written and happens to be the thing a potential employer reads, they may not even bother looking at your CV. This feature can help you craft a tailored letter for the job you’re applying for. That’s what I really appreciate about it. When applying for jobs even if they are roles there will always be slight differences, between each company. Having a personalised letter tailored to that company can greatly improve your chances of success. If you want to make sure your letter is tailored for that job, you can leverage the expertise of ChatGPT to help you rewrite it. This will greatly improve your chances of getting an interview opportunity.
- To use ChatGPT to help you write your cover letter, following the rewriting of your CV, type “I would like you to apply for the above job role and I would like you to create a cover letter in a friendly, polite, and professional style, using the information that you have tailored in my new resume” then Enter.
- ChatGPT will then produce the following: “Certainly, here’s a job application letter tailored to the Software Tester position. This letter is written in a friendly, polite, and professional style:[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Your Email Address]
[Today’s Date][Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Postcode]Dear [Employer’s Name],I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Software Tester position at [Company Name], as advertised. With my extensive experience in automation software development, CI/CD integration, and a strong commitment to quality, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your close-knit team and help deliver exceptional online services to your valued customers.As detailed in my attached resume, I have a proven track record of developing high-quality automation software using JavaScript. I am proficient in creating and modifying CI/CD pipelines, including Jenkins and Concourse, to streamline and enhance the automation testing process. My experience aligns perfectly with your requirement for recent experience in writing feature tests using WebDriver JS and Cucumber JS.Collaboration is at the heart of my work ethic, and I have a successful history of working closely with development teams to ensure the stability and scalability of test solutions. I am dedicated to adhering to software delivery principles and guidelines based on internal standards and industry best practices, which is reflected in my commitment to delivering clean, maintainable code.Furthermore, my role as a Senior Software Quality Assurance Tester at my current organization has equipped me with strong leadership skills, enabling me to promote a culture of technical excellence, conduct code reviews, and manage technical debt effectively. I believe these attributes make me a strong fit for your team ethos, which places a high emphasis on collaboration and working relationships across different teams within the organisation.I am genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing to the technical quality of applications at [Company Name], including code reviewing, addressing technical debt, and architecting solutions for CI. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a valuable asset to your team’s success.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with your team’s goals and how I can contribute to the continued success of [Company Name]. Please find my attached resume for your reference.
I look forward to the possibility of an interview, where we can explore how my skills and experience can benefit your organisation. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or via email at [Your Email Address].
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
- ChatGPT will also add “Remember to replace “[Your Name],” “[Your Address],” “[City, Postcode],” “[Your Email Address],” “[Today’s Date],” “[Company Name],” “[Employer’s Name],” “[Your Phone Number],” and “[Your Full Name]” with your actual information. Feel free to further customize the letter to suit your preferences and specific circumstances. Good luck with your application!”
- I even asked “What do I write if I don’t have the name of the recruiting person?” and ChatGPT replied “If you don’t have the name of the recruiting person, you can use a generic salutation in your job application letter. A common and polite option is to address it as follows:Dear Hiring Manager,This approach is respectful and professional when you don’t have a specific individual’s name. It’s a widely accepted way to address your letter when you’re unsure about the recipient’s identity.”
How ChatGPT can support you in preparing for interviews
When it comes to interview preparation, it’s excellent at equipping you with the knowledge and insights, about the questions commonly asked for that particular role. If you are applying to work as a software tester for example, ChatGPT has the capability to anticipate and familiarise you with the questions that potential employers might ask during an interview. It can even simulate an interview to help you prepare effectively – which is truly remarkable. Additionally, it can assist you in devising a job search strategy tailored to your desired role. It provides guidance on where to look for job opportunities and how to network efficiently. Moreover, it offers advice, on how best to follow up with employers after attending an interview or submitting your application. It’s not a matter of applying and then forgetting about it; following up with the job application is highly recommended. ChatGPT excels at helping you compose crafted letters or emails for this purpose. Furthermore despite what one might assume ChatGPT can also provide career advice across various fields of expertise. Its comprehensive knowledge of job roles allows it to understand the responsibilities associated with each role and how they interconnect.
- In the same chat window as above, type “The hiring manager liked my cover letter and resume and is going to give me a quick call to discuss the role above today. Can you give me 5 of the most likely questions an interviewer will want to ask me for this job as a Software tester? Please ask them to me one at a time and wait for me to answer. After I have submitted my answer, tell me if it is a good one and if there is anything I could have said better. Then ask me the second question, and so on until we reach 5 questions.” Choose Enter. You can choose less than 5 questions if needed.
- ChatGPT answers: “Certainly, I can provide you with five common interview questions for a Software Tester position. Let’s start with the first one:Interviewer: “Can you describe your experience with automation software development in JavaScript, and how it has contributed to the quality of the projects you’ve worked on?”Please go ahead and answer this question, and I’ll provide feedback and the next question afterward.”
- Try it for yourself. I am not a Software tester in real life, but have used this in my field of specialty, it is a great tool to use to prepare for a possible interview. Once you answer the first question to the best of your knowledge, and press Enter, ChatGPT will tell you if you did a good job at answering that particular question, what it shows to the interviewer about you, and what you could add. Go through the 5 questions and you will then get an overall opinion from ChatGPT.
