How to write a resume with AI in Word

A standout resume targets the right role, hits the right keywords, and communicates clearly. With over 99.7% of recruiters using keyword filters in Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software to find the right candidate, getting those details right matters more than ever. Speed up the process of drafting resume sections, finding job-specific keywords, and refining language to suit any role with Copilot in Word.

Read on to explore how AI can help at every stage of resume writing, from generating an outline to optimizing for ATS with the resume builder in Microsoft Word.

Seven ways AI can help write a resume

Writing a resume involves more than listing experiences. Each of the seven resume sections below covers a different way Copilot in Word can strengthen every part of the process. Explore practical tips and example prompts to get the best results from the AI resume builder.

1. Create an AI-generated resume outline

Generate a resume outline with Copilot based on the target job title and description. Copilot will return suggested headings and descriptions to build from, ready to update with personal career details. Use the outline as a starting point, then refine with credentials and tone of voice to make it unique.

Try this Copilot prompt example

Create a clear resume outline for a [job title] role. Include sections for a professional summary, work experience, key skills, and education.Click to copy this Copilot prompt

2. Summarize career history and work experience from LinkedIn

Gather the key information to include in a resume, covering work experience, educational history, career qualifications, soft skills, and any volunteering interests relevant to the role. Save time by using Copilot to summarize information from an existing resume, a LinkedIn profile, or past job and project documents into a professional career summary.

To maximize a resume for a specific role, Copilot analyzes keywords and phrases within a job description, and tailors work experience, training, and skills to meet role-specific criteria. Strengthen every entry with specific and verifiable information, a storytelling framework, and business impact metrics.

Try this Copilot prompt example

Use this LinkedIn profile content [URL], and summarize my career history into a professional resume experience section tailored to a [job title] role.Click to copy this Copilot prompt

3. Personalize a CV or resume template with Copilot

Customize a professional-looking resume template with Copilot to create a resume or CV more efficiently. Browse resume templates across popular job titles and career paths, available in a range of styles, color palettes, fonts, and layouts. From simple resume formats to more structured designs, there is a template to suit every career path and experience level. Choose the right resume format to best showcase skills, training, and experience, whether chronological, functional, or combination.

Select a template, highlight the example text, then use Copilot to generate tailored copy. Copilot keeps the existing layout intact while updating the content with personal career details. Attach a previously used resume file so Copilot can source and add relevant information directly.

Try this Copilot prompt example

Rewrite the work experience section of this resume template for a [job title] role, reflecting [X] years of experience in [industry].Click to copy this Copilot prompt

4. Generate ATS-friendly resume keywords

Choosing the right format for a resume and adding ATS-compliant keywords are two of the most effective ways to get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems. 88% of employers find they lose highly qualified candidates if their resumes don’t include ATS-friendly keywords. Try to include these suggested keywords within the resume summary section, skills section, and any relevant achievements or work experience sections.

Copilot can suggest ATS-relevant keywords based on a job description or role. Explore ATS-friendly resume templates in Word to get started with an ATS-optimized layout.

Try this Copilot prompt example

Review this job description and suggest the top ATS keywords to include in a resume for this role: [paste job description].Click to copy this Copilot prompt

5. Add impactful verbs and phrases in skills section

Write an engaging and appealing resume with standout career-related verbs or phrases suggested by Copilot. Adding impactful verbs and phrases helps a resume sound more professional, with experiences and accomplishments framed in a stronger, more engaging way. Ask Copilot to suggest verbs and phrases for a specific job application, and it may return something like this.

• Leadership and management: spearheaded, orchestrated, pioneered, transformed, championed

• Innovation and problem solving: engineered, innovated, developed, devised, optimized

• Teamwork and collaboration: collaborated, partnered, aligned, coordinated, supported

• Growth and development: cultivated, expanded, advanced, strengthened, scaled

• Customer and client relations: nurtured, built, strengthened, retained, delivered

Copilot can evaluate the skills section of a resume to ensure it aligns with the job description, offering rewrites to emphasize relevant strengths and suggesting additional skills to enhance candidacy. Copilot can also enhance the education and job qualifications section by writing about educational achievements professionally.

Try this Copilot prompt example

Suggest impactful action verbs and phrases for the skills section of a resume for a [job title] role in [industry].Click to copy this Copilot prompt

6. Rewrite professional summaries or career objectives

Use the professional summary to tell a career story in two or three compelling sentences, tailored to the target job or career path. Copilot drafts a focused professional summary that highlights key strengths, accomplishments, and career aspirations, creating a clear introduction to the resume.

When writing a professional summary, avoid generalizations or buzzwords and lean on profession-specific phrases instead. Use keywords from the job description to show alignment to the role's requirements. For applicants with no experience or those making a career change, a career objective works well, using transferable skills to pitch suitability for the role.

Try this Copilot prompt example

Rewrite the professional summary section of this resume for a [job title] role. Limit it to two or three sentences and emphasize [key strengths].Click to copy this Copilot prompt

7. Convert a resume into a cover letter

Copilot in Word can help draft a cover letter based on the skills and experience outlined in a resume. Using the details and accomplishments within a resume as a foundation, Copilot generates a cover letter template aligned with the specific job requirements. The AI cover letter generator presents skills and experience in a way that complements the resume and strengthens the overall application.

Try this Copilot prompt example

Using this resume, draft a cover letter for a [job title] role at [company type]. Keep the tone professional and concise.Click to copy this Copilot prompt

How to create a resume draft with AI

Follow these steps to create a resume draft using the resume builder in Word.

1. Open a new Word document to use Copilot to begin drafting a resume outline.

2. Attach existing resumes, CVs, or job application letters from OneDrive, or paste relevant LinkedIn profile content into the document.

3. Review the resume draft by asking Copilot to refine tone, format, or style as needed.

4. Insert the generated content into the Word document by copying and pasting it or selecting Add to doc.

5. Save, export, and share a finished resume as a PDF.

Helpful tips when using Copilot to write resumes

To ensure Copilot is being used in the most efficient and effective way possible, explore these tips below.

• Ask Copilot to adjust, edit, or add information: the first Copilot chat is just a starting point. To edit, add missing information, or adjust some text, simply ask Copilot to generate another answer. Copilot is here to co-create a resume, answer questions, solve problems quickly, and learn new information.

• Add specific examples: to generate accurate and relevant Copilot suggestions, enter examples of career path or job title related achievements and responsibilities. This gives Copilot context about experience and skills to generate accurate suggestions.

• Refine and edit the resume outline: Copilot can help write the best resume or CV, but it is important to use the Copilot outline suggestions as a starting point. Personalize resume examples to suit individual style and experience. Aim to write in clear, concise language throughout.

• Avoid common AI resume mistakes: AI-generated content works best as a foundation. Review every section carefully and rewrite anything that does not accurately reflect skills, experience, or career goals.

• Check accuracy and proofread before sending: always review resumes for factual accuracy, consistent formatting, and any errors before submitting. Use document editor in Word for a final check.

Resume writing is faster and more focused with Copilot in Word. Get started with the AI resume builder, then complete the application with the AI cover letter generator. For more job application tips, read the guides on the best resume fonts and sizes and how to write a cover letter.