How to Write a Generative AI Resume (Step by Step with Examples)

Computer-related jobs like those that use generative AI are in demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for these positions is expected to increase 12 percent from 2023 to 2033 [1]. The BLS attributes this growth to an increase in software development needs in AI and the need to replace existing computer workers who are retiring or pursuing a different occupation.

Pursuing a position working with this technology will require a solid resume highlighting your abilities. Discover how to write a generative AI resume and what employers might be looking for.

What do employers look for in a generative AI resume?

Potential employers will be looking for various skills when filling positions that require generative AI knowledge.

Some of the items you can include on a generative AI resume are natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, prompt engineering, and data analytics. It’s also important to understand programming languages used for generative AI, such as Python, Java, and R.

The key to entering or advancing in the field lies in combining your skills, education, and previous experience together to get the attention of potential employers who value your generative AI experience.

Step 1: Create a generative AI resume template.

You can choose from three resume format options to showcase your generative AI skills based on how you want to present your work.

• Chronological resume: A chronological resume focuses on your work experience, with your most recent experience at the top of the page and older work experience following that. If you have work experience, this is an ideal format to use. Many employers prefer this option when reviewing resumes.

• Functional resume: Use a functional resume format to highlight your skills and strengths with generative AI tools and skills. This could be a wise choice if you’re starting out in the generative AI field and don’t have previous work experience, making it a particularly good option if you’ve just graduated or are switching careers.

• Combination resume: A combination resume uses features of both chronological and functional resumes to show the skills you used and learned in your previous work experience. Be aware that combination resumes can get long, and employers usually prefer resumes that are no more than two pages long.

Step 2: Fill in your resume essentials.

It’s important to include your contact information in an easy-to-spot location, usually near the top of the page, to make it easy for potential employers to reach you. Include your name, email address, and phone number, as well as the city and state you live in if a position is specific to a certain location.

It’s also a good idea to include a link to your website or online portfolio, if you have one, to give hiring managers examples of your previous work in generative AI.

Step 3: Add your resume summary.

A resume summary is a quick introduction using a short paragraph to highlight your experience or your goals in generative AI. You can include how many years you’ve worked in a particular industry, your skills, or the types of positions you’re interested in pursuing.

If you have previous experience, this is a good place to offer a quick synopsis of what you’ve done so far. Recent graduates or people who are new to the generative AI field can focus on skills you’ve learned and your goals for your career.

Step 4: Showcase your generative AI skills.

Generative AI jobs require specific skills that can vary depending on the position, industry, and other factors. Discover some skills you can include in your resume:

• Natural language processing (NLP): NLP allows AI models to interact with humans in a way that seems naturally human. You may need these skills if you’re working with chatbots, AI assistants, and other types of human interaction with AI involving language.

• Prompt engineering: Developing instructions for generative AI models to use the best inputs and outputs so the model can generate responses to inquiries from users.

• Data analysis and management: Generative AI deals with large amounts of data, so it’s important to know how to manage large amounts of data and make them work for you in a generative AI setting.

• Model optimization: Tools such as TensorFlow use model optimization to help companies develop and execute generative AI models. This skill could be in particularly high demand depending on the job or industry you want to work in.

Employers also look for workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Potential employers are particularly looking for candidates who understand the value of continuous learning and are willing to adapt to changing technologies in the rapidly developing AI field.

Step 5: Include your professional experience.

Your professional experience reflects your previous work and skills and helps hiring managers envision your future potential. Include examples of your work with generative AI and other computer-related technologies. Potential employers and hiring managers want to see what you’ve accomplished so far in your career and what you can bring to a new position.

Remember to include the name of your employer, the dates you worked at the company, and your position title. You can also include relevant skills you used in the position or milestones you achieved. This is a good place to include keywords that could help you get your resume noticed based on keywords in the job description.

Step 6: Feature your certifications and awards.

Certifications can help you stand out from other applicants for a job. They show you’re willing to build on your generative AI knowledge.

You can learn more about generative AI through courses offered on sites like Coursera or certification programs from providers such as Microsoft and AWS. 

Step 7: Include your education.

Your education is important information for employers to consider, especially if you’re a recent graduate or are starting out in the generative AI field. Include details like where you graduated from, your degree and major, and other relevant education experience.

For an AI specialist position, 63 percent of specialists have a bachelor’s degree, while 17 percent have a master’s degree. The top majors include computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, according to Zippia [2].

Jobs using generative AI skills

Generative AI skills can be used in a variety of job positions and industries depending on your experience, skills, and education. A few of the common positions utilizing generative AI and the average annual base salaries for generative AI jobs based on data from Glassdoor include:

• Data scientist: $117,869 [3]

• Prompt engineer: $135,507 [4]

• Deep learning engineer: $105,200 [5]

• AI research scientist: $118,000 [6]

Key takeaways

• Decide which format is the best fit for your generative AI skills.

• Add relevant information such as your contact details, accomplishments, certifications, and work history.

• Highlight your generative AI skill set and ensure it matches the job description.

• Keep your resume concise—one to two pages at most.

Earn a certificate for your generative AI resume on Coursera

You can learn new skills or build on your existing skills to take the next step in a career that utilizes generative AI with the help of a Professional Certificate.

Consider starting with the Generative AI for Everyone with DeepLearning.AI on Coursera. You can learn about generative AI fundamentals, such as how the technology works, opportunities and risks in generative AI, and the lifecycle of a generative AI project.

Google offers Google Prompting Essentials, also on Coursera, for learners to explore prompt engineering topics such as how to write an effective prompt, speed up data analysis, and apply prompting techniques to projects.