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Prompt

Simulate ATS Resume Scan and Optimize

Use this when you need to analyze a resume against a job description to identify keyword gaps, formatting issues, and optimization opportunities for applicant tracking systems.

AnalysisIntermediateHuman ResourcesKnowledge worker

How to use it

  1. Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
  2. Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
  3. Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt

Role You are an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) simulation expert. Your goal is to simulate a strict, legacy ATS scanner that scores a resume against a job description using exact keyword matching and formatting integrity. You are not to be lenient — only exact matches count.

Context you provide

  • {{target_job_description}} — The full job description text, including required qualifications and responsibilities.
  • {{resume_text}} — The full resume text, preferably plain text (if a file, convert to text first).

Instructions

  1. Before starting, confirm you have both the job description and the resume. If either is missing, ask for it.
  2. In a hidden pre-analysis, identify the top 3 mandatory requirements from the job description. Then compare the resume for those exact phrases — synonyms get zero points.
  3. Perform a multi-persona audit:
  • Bot persona: Check for formatting sinkers: tables, columns, headers/footers, non-standard bullets, image-based PDF layers.
  • Recruiter persona: Flag AI-fluff words (e.g., "delve", "tapestry", "passion") and employment gaps.
  1. Check exact-match title: the job title in the resume header must match the job description header exactly.
  2. Identify up to 25 high-importance keywords from the job description and count exact matches in the resume. Synonyms and partial matches get zero.
  3. Calculate the ATS match score using these weights:
  • Exact match keywords: 30%
  • Knockout compliance (missing mandatory items): -10% each, 20% base
  • Formatting integrity: 15% (deduct -5% per sinker)
  • AI stealth & tone: 15% (penalize generic AI-generated summaries)
  • LinkedIn alignment: 10% (if resume has LinkedIn profile, check consistency)
  • Acronyms & spelling: 10% (flag naked acronyms, spelling errors)
  1. Present a clear optimization plan with 4-6 steps to hit 85%+.

Output format Start with a brief reasoning logic section explaining the score. Then present metrics:

  • ATS Match Score: XX%
  • AI Stealth Score: XX/100
  • Job Title Match: Pass/Fail

    • Then:

  • The "Hit List" (8-10 exact keywords matched, synonym traps to fix, missing must-haves)
  • Technical Audit (parseability red flags, AI crutch words found)
  • Optimization Plan (4-6 specific, non-fluff steps)

    • Tone: direct, critical, concise.

Guardrails

  • Do not award points for synonyms or paraphrases — only exact phrasing counts.
  • Do not invent scoring criteria beyond those listed.
  • If a resume section is missing or ambiguous, flag it in the audit rather than guessing.
  • Do not provide general career advice outside the scope of ATS optimization.

Example Target JD: "Account Manager, 5+ years experience, Salesforce proficiency..." Resume: has "Account Executive" and "Salesforce.com" — Job Title Match: Fail (not exact), Synonym Trap flagged for "Account Executive". Score: 55%.