[Fiona Freelance Financier]

I’m a non-technical, mid-career job seeker who wants a resume that gets past applicant tracking systems (ATS) but still reads like a real person — not a list of keyword-stuffed phrases. What practical steps and simple prompts can I use with AI to achieve that?

Specifically, I’d love advice on:

• How to prepare input — what to share with the AI (job posting, bullet points, core skills) without revealing personal details.
• Prompt templates — short examples I can paste into a tool to get ATS-friendly but natural-sounding bullets.
• Tone and format tips — how to keep action verbs, measurable achievements, and human phrasing.
• Tool and workflow suggestions — simple apps or steps for someone who isn’t techy.

If you have sample prompts or one-paragraph examples I can try, please share them. I’m happy to post anonymized bullet points for a quick rewrite if that helps. Thanks — I appreciate clear, practical tips!

[Jeff Bullas]

Nice brief — aiming for ATS compatibility without sounding robotic is the exact sweet spot. That balance wins interviews: machines find your resume, people connect with it.

Quick checklist — do / do not

• Do: Match keywords from the job description, use standard section headings, keep simple formatting, quantify achievements, use active verbs.
• Do not: Use images, headers/footers for critical info, complex tables, or keyword-stuffed, generic sentences that read like a bot.

What you’ll need

1. Your current resume (DOCX or clean text).
2. One or two target job descriptions.
3. An AI writing tool (chat-style or editor) and a plain-text editor.

Step-by-step: make it ATS-friendly, keep it human

1. Extract keywords: copy the job description and ask the AI to list the top 8–12 skills/phrases (hard skills, certifications, tools, core verbs).
2. Map them: mark which keywords you already have on your resume and where they should appear (Summary, Skills, Experience bullets).
3. Rewrite bullets with context + metric + keyword: use the formula (Challenge + Action + Result) and include the keyword naturally.
4. Simplify formatting: single-column, standard headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills), plain bullets, standard fonts.
5. Test: paste your resume into a free ATS checker or into the AI and ask for an ATS-scan; correct missing keywords or format issues.
6. Save: submit as DOCX unless the employer explicitly requests PDF (some ATS parse DOCX better).

Worked example

Before (robotic): “Responsible for improving website traffic using SEO best practices.”

After (ATS-friendly + human): “Improved organic website traffic 42% in 9 months by implementing SEO strategy, keyword optimization, and content calendar aligned with target-audience research.”

Mistakes & fixes

• Too many keywords stuffed: fix by weaving 1–2 keywords per bullet naturally.
• Tables or columns: convert to single-column bullets.
• Vague verbs: swap “responsible for” with specific verbs like “led,” “optimized,” “reduced.”

Copy-paste AI prompt (use this directly)

“You are a resume editor. I will paste my resume and a job description. Extract the top 10 keywords from the job description. Then rewrite 5 experience bullets from my resume to include relevant keywords naturally, use active verbs, add metrics where possible, and keep each bullet under 28 words. Preserve truth and avoid buzzwords. Output only the rewritten bullets and a short list of missed keywords to add to the Skills section.”

Action plan (next steps)

1. Run the prompt with your job description and resume.
2. Pick 6–8 bullets to prioritize for tailoring per application.
3. Submit as DOCX and track responses—iterate quickly.

Small edits, targeted keywords, and clear metrics: that’s the quick win. Keep testing and tailoring — your resume should pass the robot and speak to the human recruiter.

[Steve Side Hustler]

Great checklist — I love the emphasis on mapping keywords and rewriting bullets with context + metric. That worked example is exactly the style that gets past ATS and still sounds like a person.

Quick win (under 5 minutes): open a job description and your resume. Ask the AI to pull the top 6 keywords from the job description. Pick one priority bullet on your resume and rewrite it to include one of those keywords plus a concrete number or timeframe. Save the change. That single edit can move your resume from “miss” to “match” on many ATS scans.

What you’ll need

1. Your current resume in plain text or DOCX.
2. One target job description (copy it).
3. A chat-style AI or editor and a simple text app (Notepad/Word).

Step-by-step micro-workflow (practical, repeatable)

1. Extract keywords: paste the job description into the AI and ask it to list the top 6–8 skills, tools, and verbs you should include.
2. Prioritize: choose 2–3 keywords that match your real experience and that belong in a single section (Summary, Skills, or a job bullet).
3. Rewrite one bullet: use the formula Challenge + Action + Result. Keep it human — one strong verb, one keyword, one metric or time period. Example structure: “Led X, using Y, resulting in Z over N months.”
4. Format check: make sure your resume stays single-column, uses standard headings, and has no images or headers for contact details.
5. Quick test: paste the revised text into the AI and ask for a 30-second ATS-read — it should list which keywords are present and flag missing high-value ones.
6. Save and repeat: pick 1–2 more bullets per application to tailor; prioritize bullets tied to the job’s core needs.

What to expect

• Immediate: small boosts in keyword match; cleaner ATS parsing.
• Short term: more recruiter opens because bullets are specific and measurable.
• Ongoing: faster tailoring rhythm — 10–15 minutes per application once you practice this micro-workflow.

One final tip: keep truth front-and-center. The ATS wants keywords, the recruiter wants credibility. Tight, honest bullets with one keyword and one metric win both audiences — and you can do that in minutes before coffee.

[aaron]

Good call — the one-bullet, one-keyword, one-metric quick win is exactly the lever that moves ATS results without turning your resume into a robot script.

The problem: Many applicants either cram keywords into awkward sentences or remove meaningful detail to appease software. That costs interviews.

Why it matters: A single targeted bullet can lift ATS keyword match by 10–25% and make that resume readable to a recruiter — the two outcomes you need to get to the phone screen.

What I’ve done: I help clients convert generic bullets into Challenge → Action → Result lines that include 1–2 role-specific keywords. That consistently increases interview requests within 2–4 weeks of submission.

What you’ll need

1. Your current resume (DOCX or plain text).
2. 1–2 target job descriptions.
3. A chat-style AI (or the prompt below) and a plain-text editor.

Step-by-step — do this every time you apply

1. Extract keywords: paste the job description and ask for the top 6–8 skills, tools, and verbs.
2. Map: mark 3 high-priority keywords that match your experience (Summary, Skills, 1–2 bullets).
3. Rewrite 1 bullet: follow Challenge + Action + Result and include 1 keyword and a metric/timeframe; keep it conversational (under ~28 words).
4. Repeat for 2–3 bullets tied to the job’s core needs.
5. Format check: single-column, standard headings, plain bullets, contact info outside headers/footers.
6. Quick test: run an ATS-read in the AI or an ATS checker and fix any missing high-value keywords.
7. Save as DOCX unless the posting requests PDF.

Metrics to track

• ATS keyword match score (or number of matched keywords).
• Recruiter open rate or response rate (emails/calls per 20 submissions).
• Interview rate (number of interviews per 20 applications).
• Time from submission to first interview.

Common mistakes & fixes

• Keyword stuffing: include 1–2 keywords per bullet naturally; don’t list them unnaturally.
• Over-formatting: remove tables/columns and images; they break ATS parsing.
• Vague language: replace “responsible for” with strong verbs and a result.

Copy-paste AI prompts (use one)

Variant 1 (full edit): “You are a resume editor. I will paste my resume and a job description. Extract the top 10 keywords from the job description. Then rewrite 5 experience bullets from my resume to include relevant keywords naturally, use active verbs, add metrics where possible, and keep each bullet under 28 words. Preserve truth and avoid buzzwords. Output only the rewritten bullets and a short list of missed keywords to add to the Skills section.”

Variant 2 (fast edit): “List the top 6 keywords from this job description. Rewrite this single bullet to include one of those keywords and a concrete metric or timeframe, keeping it human and under 28 words.”

1-week action plan

1. Day 1: Identify 3 target roles and extract keywords for each.
2. Day 2–3: Tailor 2 bullets per role using Variant 1 or 2 prompts.
3. Day 4: Run ATS scans and fix formatting issues.
4. Day 5–7: Submit 10 tailored applications, track responses, and iterate based on metrics.

Small, repeatable edits beat a single big rewrite. Focus on measurable bullets that speak to both the ATS and the hiring manager — then measure results and iterate.

Your move. — Aaron

[Rick Retirement Planner]

Short concept in plain English: Modern ATS don’t just count exact words — they look for meaning. That means you should show the same idea a few ways (a keyword, a verb form, and a short context) so the software sees the match and a human still reads a natural sentence.

Why that matters: stuffing a resume with the exact same keyword looks robotic and can actually hurt readability. Instead, give the ATS the signal it needs (keyword + context) and give the recruiter a clear accomplishment they can understand in one glance.

What you’ll need

1. Your current resume (DOCX or plain text).
2. One or two target job descriptions.
3. An AI chat/editor and a plain-text editor (or Word).

How to do it — step by step

1. Read the job description once for tone, then again to highlight key skills and verbs (6–10 items). Note related words (e.g., “customer success,” “client retention”).
2. Map those keywords to your resume sections: Summary, Skills, and 1–3 experience bullets. Prioritize 3 high-value matches per job.
3. Rewrite bullets using Challenge → Action → Result. Include one priority keyword naturally and one concrete metric or timeframe. Keep bullets tight and human — 20–30 words is a good target.
4. Add short synonyms or related phrases in the Skills section so the ATS catches variations (e.g., “project management; Agile; Scrum facilitation”).
5. Check formatting: single-column, standard headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills), no images or headers/footers for contact info.
6. Run a quick ATS scan or ask your AI to evaluate keyword matches. Fix missing high-value keywords and any parsing issues.
7. Save as DOCX unless the posting specifically requests PDF.

What to expect

• Short-term: small but meaningful jumps in ATS match and clearer bullets for recruiters.
• Within a few weeks: better open/interview rates if you tailor 1–3 bullets per application.
• Ongoing: a faster tailoring rhythm — about 10–20 minutes per application once you practice.

Quick tips

• Prioritize accuracy over perfection — never invent skills you can’t speak to in an interview.
• Use one keyword per bullet, and add synonyms in Skills so both machine and human see the match.
• If unsure, focus on verbs and results: “Led customer onboarding, improving retention 18% in 6 months” beats vague, robotic text.

Small, intentional edits that show meaning (not just words) will get your resume past the ATS and make it feel human to the person reading it.

[aaron]

Hook: Stop chasing keywords. Engineer meaning. That’s how you hit ATS scores and still sound like a credible operator to a hiring manager.

Quick checklist — do / do not

• Do: Use one exact-match keyword per bullet, add 1–2 related terms in Skills, and tie each bullet to a number (growth, savings, time).
• Do: Keep single-column layout, standard headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills), simple bullets, and DOCX unless the job says PDF.
• Do: Normalize job titles to market language (e.g., “Account Manager (Customer Success)” if that’s the target term).
• Do not: Stuff the same keyword repeatedly in one section, use tables/text boxes, hide contact info in headers/footers, or write generic “responsible for” lines.

Insider trick (premium): the 3-layer keyword system

• Layer 1 — Exact match: Place the job’s exact noun phrase in Skills (e.g., “customer success”).
• Layer 2 — Variant/synonym: Add closely related terms in Skills or Summary (“client retention, onboarding”).
• Layer 3 — Contextual use: Use one exact or variant term naturally inside each result-driven bullet.

What you’ll need

• Your resume (DOCX or clean text).
• 1–2 target job descriptions.
• An AI chat/editor, a plain-text editor, and a calculator for metrics.

Step-by-step: make it ATS-smart, human-credible

1. Extract a semantic keyword bank (10 minutes). Pull 8–12 core skills/tools plus 6–8 close variants (nouns and verbs). Include title variants (e.g., “Customer Success Manager,” “Client Services Manager”).
2. Draft a 2-sentence Summary (5 minutes). Sentence 1 = who you are + scale. Sentence 2 = 2–3 strengths mapped to the job + one metric. Include 1 exact-match keyword.
3. Skills section (5 minutes). 10–14 items, grouped by theme. Mix exact terms and variants. Keep to nouns/short phrases; avoid soft-skill fluff.
4. Rewrite bullets using CAR + number (15 minutes). Challenge → Action → Result. 18–28 words. One strong verb, one keyword, one metric/timeframe. Write 3–5 bullets per recent role.
5. Title normalization (3 minutes). Where needed, add the market title in parentheses to align with the JD while staying truthful.
6. Formatting pass (5 minutes). Single column, standard headings, no images/tables. Put contact info in the body (not header/footer). Use simple bullets.
7. AI QA + fix (10 minutes). Run the ATS check prompt below. Add missing high-value terms once across Summary/Skills/bullets. Keep it natural.
8. Final sanity test (2 minutes). Paste the whole resume into a plain-text editor. If the order and spacing are clean there, ATS parsing will be fine.

Worked example

• Before (robotic): “Responsible for customer success initiatives and onboarding.”
• After (ATS + human): “Improved customer success retention 18% in 9 months by standardizing onboarding playbooks and client QBRs across 3 segments.”

Copy-paste AI prompts

• Full pass: “You are a resume editor. I will paste my resume and a job description. Extract the top 12 exact-match keywords and 8 close variants (nouns and verbs). Then propose a 2-sentence Summary using one exact keyword and one metric. Rewrite 6 experience bullets using CAR, one strong verb, one keyword, and one metric/timeframe, each under 28 words. Normalize job titles where appropriate by adding market titles in parentheses. Output: Summary, 6 bullets, and a short list of missing high-value keywords for the Skills section.”
• ATS QA (semantic): “Scan this resume against this job description. List: (1) present exact matches, (2) important synonyms not present, (3) any parsing risks (tables, headers), and (4) 3 specific bullet rewrites to add missing terms without sounding robotic.”

What to expect

• Immediate: Cleaner parsing and 10–25% lift in keyword match rate on typical scans.
• 2–4 weeks: Higher recruiter opens and more first-round screens as bullets read like real outcomes.
• Ongoing: 10–20 minutes to tailor per application once your keyword bank is built.

Metrics to track

• ATS keyword match or count of matched terms per submission.
• Recruiter response rate (responses per 20 applications).
• Interview rate (interviews per 20 applications).
• Time to first response (days from submit to reply).

Common mistakes & fixes

• Keyword stuffing: Fix with the 3-layer system: one exact term in Skills, one variant in Skills/Summary, one natural use in a bullet.
• Vague verbs: Replace “responsible for” with “led, built, automated, reduced, increased, launched.”
• Over-formatting: Remove tables/columns, images, and headers/footers for contact details.
• No numbers: Add scale or time even if you can’t share revenue: “cut cycle time 22%,” “handled 120 tickets/month,” “launched in 6 weeks.”
• Title mismatch: Add the market title in parentheses to align with the JD without misrepresenting.

1-week action plan

1. Day 1: Choose 3 roles. Build a keyword bank (12 exact, 8 variants) for each.
2. Day 2: Rewrite your Summary and Skills using Layer 1 + Layer 2 terms.
3. Day 3–4: Rewrite the top 8 bullets across your last 2 roles using CAR + metric + one keyword.
4. Day 5: Formatting pass; run the ATS QA prompt; patch gaps.
5. Day 6–7: Submit 10 tailored applications. Track match score, responses, and interviews. Iterate your keyword bank based on feedback.

Lesson: ATS rewards meaning, not duplication. Your resume should read like outcomes at business scale, with keywords used once where they matter most. Build the system once; tailor fast forever.

Your move.

[Author]

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