Why it helps
Updating a CV is one of those jobs everyone puts off. Then a good job comes up with a Friday deadline, and you're trying to remember what you did three years ago and how to say it without sounding like a robot. Writing a cover letter for each application is even harder.
AI can help you tidy up your CV, match it to what the job ad asks for, and draft a cover letter that sounds like you. It's good at structure and wording. It can't know your real experience, so everything in it needs to come from you and be true.
The prompt
Copy it, swap the bits in [square brackets], and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
I'm applying for this job in New Zealand. Help me update my CV and write a cover letter. First, read the job ad and list the 5 most important things they're looking for. Then, using only the information in my current CV and notes: 1. Suggest how to update my CV so it matches the ad. Use NZ CV conventions: no photo or date of birth needed, a short profile at the top, most recent experience first, achievements as bullet points, 2 to 3 pages is fine, and referees at the end (or "available on request"). 2. Write a cover letter under 350 words, plain English, NZ English spelling. Friendly and confident, not over the top. Important: don't invent experience, qualifications, results, numbers or dates. Only use what I've given you. If the ad asks for something I don't seem to have, tell me instead of making it up. Job ad: [paste the job ad] My current CV: [paste your CV, with your contact details removed] Extra notes: [anything not on your CV, e.g. recent training, volunteering, why you want this job]
Then keep chatting
Make the cover letter shorter and a bit more relaxed.
Rewrite my bullet points to focus on results, using only facts I've given you.
What questions might they ask me in an interview for this job?
Give me a short email to send with my application.
Step by step
- Find the job ad and copy the full text, including the "about you" part.
- Copy your current CV, and take out your phone number, email, address and referees' details first. You'll add them back at the end.
- Add a few notes about anything new since you last updated it, then run the prompt.
- Read everything carefully. Check every job title, date, qualification and achievement is accurate, and change any wording that doesn't sound like you.
- Paste the final version into your own document, add your contact details back in, and save it as a PDF with a clear file name before you apply.
Worked example
Example details are made up. Your results will vary, so always read and check before you use them.
Watch out for
- Keep it truthful. Don't let AI add skills, qualifications, results or numbers you don't have. Employers check, and it can cost you the job.
- Privacy: take your phone number, email, address and your referees' details out before you paste your CV in. You don't need a photo, date of birth, marital status or IRD number on an NZ CV either.
- Check the job ad yourself for anything specific they ask for, like a cover letter format, a closing date or visa requirements.
- For CV and job hunting help, careers.govt.nz has free NZ guides and templates. If you're unsure about your rights as a job applicant, check employment.govt.nz.
Go further
Keep a "master CV" with everything you've ever done, then use AI to make a tailored version for each job. Once you get an interview, ask AI to quiz you with likely questions and give you feedback on your answers. The learn anything tutor use case is great for brushing up a skill the ad mentions.
