How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume and Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile with ChatGPT: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume and Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile with ChatGPT: Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital job market, standing out is crucial. A well-designed, ATS-friendly resume and an optimized LinkedIn profile can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. This guide will show you how to leverage ChatGPT to refine your resume and profile, ensuring they capture attention and get past filters.

As a marketing professional, storytelling has always been one of my super powers. For years, I’ve crafted narratives for brands, products, and services, helping them connect with the right audience. Now, as I navigate this phase of finding my next career opportunity, the challenge is to tell my own story.

To do this, I’ve put into action all the strategies, tricks, and skills I’ve developed over the last 15 years. This guide is the result of my research, personal trial-and-error, and proven methods. I believe in the power of knowledge and love sharing it with others. These steps have worked for me, and I hope they work for you too.

Let’s take control of our professional narrative together!

What Is an ATS and Why Is It Important?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a software that companies use to manage and filter job applications. It scans resumes for keywords, skills, and other criteria to determine if a recruiter should review them.

Key Facts About ATS:

  • First Round of Screening: Large companies use ATS to automatically reject resumes that don’t meet specific criteria.
  • Keywords Matter: ATS searches for job-related terms, including skills, tools, and certifications. Missing these keywords can result in rejection.
  • Simple Format Wins: Overly creative designs may confuse ATS, reducing your chances of passing the first round.
  • LinkedIn Similarities: While LinkedIn isn’t an ATS, its algorithm prioritizes optimized profiles with relevant keywords.

How to Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile for ATS

1. Use Relevant Keywords

Analyze job descriptions of roles you´re interested in with ChatGPT to identify recurring skills and terms. Incorporate these strategically into your resume and LinkedIn profile.

2. Keep the Format Simple

Avoid columns, tables, graphics, or complex designs. Stick to clear headings and bullet points.

3. Highlight Achievements with Data

Use measurable results and action words like “increased,” “led,” or “developed.” Include metrics whenever possible to showcase your impact.

4. Tailor Each Application

Customize your resume and LinkedIn profile for each job application by aligning with the job description’s requirements and keywords.

Now that you know about the basics of ATS and how it impacts your job search, let’s dive into actionable steps to optimize your professional story with the help of ChatGPT.

Step 1: Gather Key Information with ChatGPT

Upload or Copy Your Resume into ChatGPT

Example prompt:
“I’m seeking a job in digital marketing. Here’s my current resume: [insert text]. Can you help optimize it for ATS?”

Share Ideal Job Descriptions

Go to LinkedIn or any other job board and copy 2–3 job descriptions of positions you’re targeting. Include skills, responsibilities, and qualifications for ChatGPT to analyze.

Answer ChatGPT’s Questions

Example prompt:
“Based on my experience and these job descriptions, what additional information do you need to optimize my resume?”

ChatGPT will ask follow-up questions. Provide detailed responses to as many questions you can, to ensure your resume is fully customized.

This step is key! Here’s where you take you’re time and go back to every role you’ve had and take notes (on a notebook or directly on ChatGPT) of all the great things you have accomplished. This step may not be as quick as the rest, but is the foundation for ChatGPT to help you tell your professional story.

Step 2: Personalize Your Resume

Review and Edit ChatGPT Suggestions

Use ChatGPT’s recommendations as a foundation. Validate the language and adjust to reflect your personal style.

Create a Professional Summary

Example prompt:
“Write a professional summary under 500 characters highlighting my 10+ years of experience in marketing, leadership skills, and key achievements.”

List Your Key Skills

Ask ChatGPT for a list of 10–15 key skills tailored to the jobs you’re targeting.

Example prompt:
“Based in my experience and the jobs I’m targeting, give a list of 10-15 skills that would attract recruiters and hiring managers, in order of importance.”

Keep It Concise

Limit your resume to two pages. Focus on roles from the last 10 years and summarize older positions in an “Additional Experience” section.

Step 3: Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Ensure Consistency with Your Resume

Sync your LinkedIn profile with your updated resume. A consistent professional image builds credibility.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Headline

Example prompt:
“Help me create a LinkedIn headline under 220 characters that showcases my expertise in digital marketing and leadership.”

Leverage All LinkedIn Sections:

  • About Section: Expand your professional summary and include key details about your expertise.
  • Work Experience: Add skills relevant to each role, which helps recruiters find you through LinkedIn’s algorithm.
  • Education and Certifications: Highlight degrees and relevant certifications.
  • Recommendations: Request endorsements from colleagues to boost your credibility.

Visual Enhancements:

  • Use a professional photo with a clean background.
  • Customize your banner image to reflect your industry or areas of expertise.

Feel free to check out my LinkedIn Profile for inspiration, and send me an invite to connect!

Looking for a Ready-Made ATS-Friendly Template?

If you want to save time creating a professional, easy-to-read, and ATS-friendly resume in English, you can now acquire my professionally designed resume template on my Etsy shop, created with functionality and style in mind. I got to this template after several iterations, research, trial-and-error, and it has given me great results. The job toolkit includes:

  • An ATS-compatible Word template: Simple and effective, ensuring your resume passes ATS filters effortlessly.
  • A second version with space for a photo: Add a professional touch if desired.
  • A detailed guide: Learn how to format your resume and create a strong first impression that captures recruiters’ attention.
  • A summary of this guide with more prompts: Get step-by-step instructions and additional ChatGPT prompts to help you tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile for any job application.
  • A Canva link to create your LinkedIn header.

Start building your professional brand today!

Click here to get it today!

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