How to Prompt AI to help you tell a compelling career story for your summary section
By Marc LeFevre, COO at Nextstep
There is a disease that infects many resumes. It is called “Objectivitis.” I’m not sure where the trend of writing an objective on your resume started, but it must be stopped. There is no need to say that you’re looking for a job on your resume. When the employer gets your application, they will figure that out. 😂
However …
A summary written correctly can make the difference between an interview and rejection. The summary should satisfy as many job requirements as possible … as quickly as possible. AI is good at this if you prompt it correctly.
3 things you can do right now:
1. Ask AI to identify the narrative arc of your career. Paste your resume and job description then prompt: “What’s the career story here? What progression, theme, or through-line connects this role?” You may have a more compelling story than you realize.
2. Ask AI to write your summary in first person, in your voice. Prompt: “Write a 3-4 sentence summary for someone with this background who is targeting [role]. Make it conversational, specific, and confident … not a list of adjectives.”
3. Ask AI to give you the “so what” test. After drafting, prompt: “Read this summary as a skeptical recruiter. What questions does it leave unanswered? What would make you want to reach out?” Fix whatever it flags.
The bottom line:
Your summary isn’t a job description of yourself. It’s a reason for someone to want to meet you. AI helps you write one that earns that meeting
