Write Your CV with ChatGPT—But Make It Yours

Posted on: 21st May 2025
by Cathal McAliskey
CV Assistance

Over the past year, I’ve seen a noticeable shift in the CVs landing in my inbox. Some are beautifully written, polished to perfection… but oddly soulless. Others repeat the same phrasing, almost like they’ve been copy-pasted from a chatbot. And in many cases, that’s exactly what happened.

As an IT recruiter, I get it. Writing a CV is a daunting task, especially for engineers and developers who’d rather be solving technical problems than trying to “sell themselves” on paper. With tools like ChatGPT, it’s tempting to hand over the reins. But here’s the thing—when candidates let AI write their CVs entirely, they often lose their voice, and worse, they risk losing credibility.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to use ChatGPT correctly—as a tool to support your CV writing, not replace your story. I’ll also share real mistakes I’ve seen, tips that work, prompts you can use, and a free downloadable CV template to help you get started.

First, Let’s Talk About the Pitfalls of Using ChatGPT Blindly

Too often, candidates use ChatGPT to create a CV from scratch with little to no editing. And I can spot it a mile away. Here’s what usually happens:
 

1. Overly Generic Content

   “Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record of success…”

   I’ve seen this line hundreds of times. It’s vague and tells me nothing. Worse, it makes the candidate sound like everyone else.

2. Fake or Exaggerated Skills

   One candidate claimed to have "extensive experience in Kubernetes orchestration"—but during a screening call, they admitted they had only watched a Udemy course. It turned out they used ChatGPT to fill in their “tech stack” without verifying the content.

   Recruiters and hiring managers will dig deeper into your claims. If your CV doesn’t match your real experience, it damages trust from the outset.

3. Irrelevant Buzzwords

   I’ve seen developers with 2 years of experience list “digital transformation strategy” and “enterprise architecture planning.” It might impress an AI, but not a hiring manager. Be careful of including jargon that doesn’t reflect your actual role, use wording that aligns with your position and level.

How to Use ChatGPT to Support (Not Replace) Your CV Writing

The key is using ChatGPT as a brainstorming and editing assistant, not a ghostwriter. Here’s a smarter way to use it:
 

Step 1: Start with Your Raw Experience

Before using ChatGPT, write down:

• Your job titles

• Key Responsibilities

• Projects you’ve worked on

• Tools, tech, and frameworks you’ve used

• Achievements or impact (metrics help!)

This is your real experience—the foundation. You can even write it down as bullet points or voice notes.

Step 2: Use ChatGPT to Refine, Not Invent

Here’s a prompt that works well:

ChatGPT Response:

This works as you’re still providing the facts, but ChatGPT helps polish the language without straying from the truth. The outcome is a stronger, more confident CV that still reflects you.

Another prompt to try:

Make AI work for you while keeping your voice—your real story—front and centre.

Result:

How to Keep Your Voice

Here’s my rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t say it in a job interview, don’t let ChatGPT write it into your CV.

A good test is reading your CV out loud. Does it sound like something you’d confidently talk about? Or does it feel stiff, overly formal, or too “buzzwordy”?

Another trick: share your CV with someone who knows your work. Ask, “Does this sound like me?”

Downloadable Tech CV Template

Here’s a clean, up-to-date CV template I recommend for tech candidates in Ireland. It includes space for:

• A short personal summary (keep it honest and specific to your strengths)

• Core tech stack

• Experience (with bullet points)

• Projects (especially useful for junior devs or contractors)

• Education and certifications

• LinkedIn/GitHub links

Download CV Template Below. 

Final Thoughts

There’s no harm in using ChatGPT to help structure or enhance your CV. It can save time, reduce anxiety, and help highlight your strengths in a more articulate manner. But it’s just a tool—and like any tool, its value depends on how you use it.

In the Irish tech market, authenticity goes a long way. Hiring managers don’t just want buzzwords—they want real engineers with real experience. Be honest about what you’ve done. Be specific. And don’t be afraid to let your personality show through—it could be the difference that gets you shortlisted.

If you’re not sure whether your CV is hitting the mark, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always happy to offer advice or review a CV with a recruiter’s eye.

Download Your Free Tech CV Template