Get Past AI Recruiter Gatekeepers with ChatGPT Prompts

Recruiters and HR use Artificial Intelligence too. Here is how you can beat them at their own game.

Organizations are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to review job applications. But AI is not just a tool for recruiters—it can be your weapon too.

I am Guillaume Foutry and I believe that you can understand how AI is used in hiring, and then apply it to your approach.

How Recruiters and HR Use AI

There’s a strange contradiction in the hiring world when it comes to AI. Surveys show that many hiring managers dislike AI-generated resumes, yet 98% of Fortune 500 companies rely on AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Ever wondered why some companies ask you to upload your CV, only to make you manually enter all the same information? That’s because the ATS parses and scores resumes against the job description based on content, format, skills, and writing style.

AI is so ingrained in recruitment that even new AI products like Manus showcase CV review and ranking as a prime use case. And let’s not forget—recruiters likely use AI to draft job descriptions too. By inputting a rough outline and past job descriptions into ChatGPT, they can generate a refined listing in minutes.

Now that you know how they are using AI, let’s build your strategy.

How to Use AI Tools to Your Advantage

You want to make it past the ATS AI filter and into the hands of a human recruiter. You have two choices at this stage. You can:

• Follow the four steps we outline below with ChatGPT

• Use the free GenAI tool from HireCoach

You’ll get about the same result either way.

Step 1: Score the job description against your resume

AI can help assess your resume’s compatibility with the role.

Try this prompt:

• “You are a recruiter hiring for this role. Be very analytical in your responses. Analyze this job ad [insert link] and this resume [upload your resume]. Create a job score system to compare the job description against the resume. Assign a compatibility score between 1-10, with 10 being highly compatible. List all the areas of compatibility and the gaps.”

This prompt will help you determine if the role is worth applying to, and where you might need to work on your resume or your skills.

Step 2: Identify important keywords in the job description

Some postings read like novels—AI can distill the core skills and terms recruiters care about and present them to you in a clear and concise way that will help you edit your resume.

Try this prompt:

• “Identify the key elements in the job description and associated keywords.”

You can then make sure your resume speaks to those key elements and contains those keywords.

Step 3: Refine your resume for better matching

Once you have a draft resume that speaks to the key themes and contains the keywords, ask AI to optimize it.

Useful prompts:

• “Check if my resume is missing any of the key terms or keywords you found in the job description. Suggest ways to include them.”

• “Edit my bullet points to make them more action-orientated and quantitative [paste in your bullet points]. ”

• “Review the document for grammar, spelling, and fluidity. Avoid repetition. Keep the same writing style.”

Remember - Generative AI is a start. You still need to edit the output to make it your words.

Step 4 Review and format your CV for AI readability

Your final review should be to run Step 1 again. If you didn’t score high (over 80%), then go through step 2 and 3 again.

Also, have ChatGPT check for ATS-friendly formatting—no images, icons, or fancy graphics. Ask it to review your resume and perform a word count. If the results are odd, your formatting could be the problem.

Use Your Own Judgment

Think of AI suggestions as advice from a friend—helpful, but not always perfect. Keep these common-sense checks in mind:

• Avoid AI-generated red flags: Some words scream “AI-written” (e.g., delve, realm, intricate, showcasing, pivotal, as explained in this article). If it sounds robotic, rewrite it.

• Be truthful about achievements: AI tends to exaggerate—do not let it turn your resume into a fantasy novel.

• Make it personal and human: Even if you get past the ATS, a real person will review your application. Stand out with specific anecdotes—mention past collaborations, industry events, or company content you have engaged with.

Beat AI with Human Connections

As a Career Pivot subscriber, you’ve heard this advice before: Networking is key.

One of the best ways to bypass AI gatekeeping is through personal connections. If someone within the company vouches for you, your resume is far more likely to be reviewed by a human before the ATS even processes it.

When you network correctly, you can submit a blank PDF as your resume. (Okay, maybe not that, but you get the point).

So, don’t just rely on AI—get out there, engage with professionals, and let real connections work in your favor.

• Please tell me, does advice like this help you?