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CV Prompt Best Practices

Learn how to write effective instructions for AI CV rewriting

What Are Prompt Instructions?

When you generate a new CV variant using AI, the system uses a "prompt" - a set of instructions that tell the AI how to rewrite your CV. You can customise part of these instructions to get results that better match your preferences and style.

Best Practices

1. Be Specific and Clear

Vague instructions lead to vague results. Be specific about what you want.

Bad:

"Make it better"

Good:

"Emphasize quantifiable achievements and include specific metrics (percentages, dollar amounts, timeframes) wherever possible"

2. Emphasize Enhancement, Not Reduction

The AI should add detail and context, not simplify your content.

Bad:

"Keep descriptions short and concise"

Good:

"Expand descriptions with relevant context, achievements, and impact. Include specific examples of work performed and results achieved"

3. Use Action-Oriented Language

Guide the AI to use strong action verbs and active voice.

Example: "Use strong action verbs (e.g., 'Led', 'Developed', 'Implemented', 'Achieved') and active voice throughout. Avoid passive constructions."

4. Specify Industry Keywords

If you're targeting a specific industry, mention relevant terminology.

Example: "Include industry-specific terminology such as 'Agile methodology', 'Scrum', 'CI/CD', and 'DevOps' where relevant to the experience described."

5. Request Quantifiable Results

Ask the AI to include metrics and numbers where appropriate.

Example: "Wherever possible, include quantifiable results such as percentages, dollar amounts, timeframes, team sizes, or volume metrics. For example: 'Increased sales by 25%' or 'Managed a team of 10 people'."

6. Maintain Professional Tone

Always emphasize maintaining a professional, confident tone.

Example: "Maintain a confident, professional tone. Use positive language and avoid negative phrasing. Focus on achievements and contributions."

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Asking for Fictional Content

Never ask the AI to invent experiences, skills, or qualifications you don't have. Always emphasize maintaining factual accuracy.

2. Being Too Vague

Instructions like "make it better" or "improve it" don't give the AI enough direction. Be specific about what "better" means.

3. Requesting Simplification

Avoid asking to "simplify" or "reduce" content. Instead, ask to "enhance with relevant detail" or "add context and achievements."

4. Ignoring Job Description Alignment

Remember that the AI uses both your instructions and the job description. Your instructions should complement, not contradict, the job requirements.

Example Instructions

For Technical Roles

Emphasize technical skills and specific technologies used. Include version numbers, frameworks, and tools where relevant. Highlight problem-solving achievements and technical challenges overcome. Use industry-standard terminology.

For Management Roles

Focus on leadership achievements, team management, and strategic impact. Include team sizes, budget responsibilities, and organizational improvements. Emphasize results achieved through team coordination and strategic planning.

For Sales/Marketing Roles

Emphasize revenue impact, growth metrics, and campaign results. Include specific numbers: percentage increases, revenue amounts, conversion rates, and campaign reach. Highlight customer acquisition and retention achievements.

Tips for Different AI Models

Ollama (Local Models)

  • Be more explicit and detailed in instructions
  • Repeat important points for emphasis
  • Use clear, simple language
  • May require more specific examples

OpenAI (GPT Models)

  • Can handle more nuanced instructions
  • Better at understanding context and tone
  • May benefit from more creative phrasing

Anthropic (Claude)

  • Excellent at following detailed instructions
  • Good at maintaining consistency
  • Responds well to structured, numbered instructions

Getting Started

  1. Start with the default instructions and generate a test CV variant
  2. Review the results and identify what you'd like to change
  3. Add specific instructions addressing those areas
  4. Test again and refine as needed
  5. Save your preferred instructions for future use

Go to Prompt Settings →

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