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 by 17 percent by 2033 [1]. The BLS attributes this growth to an increase in software development needs in AI and the need to replace retiring employees or those pursuing a different occupation.

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 seek.

What do employers look for in a generative AI resume?

Potential employers will look for various skills when filling positions requiring generative AI knowledge. Some of the skills you could include in your generative AI resume are natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, prompt engineering, and data analytics. Understanding programming languages used for generative AI, such as Python, Java, and R, is also important.

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 may be a smart option if you're new to the generative AI field and lack prior work experience, especially if you've recently graduated or are transitioning from another career.

• Combination resume: A combination resume uses features of 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. If a position is specific to a certain location, include your name, email address, phone number, and city and state of residence.

If you have one, it’s also a good idea to include a link to your website or online portfolio 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. Recent graduates or people new to the generative AI field can focus on skills you’ve learned and your career goals.

Step 4: Showcase your generative AI skills.

Generative AI jobs require specific skills that 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 user inquiries.

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

• Model optimization: Tools like TensorFlow use model optimization to help companies develop and execute generative AI models. This skill could be in 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 industry.

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 tech-based solutions. Potential employers and hiring managers want to see what you’ve accomplished 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. 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 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 various 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:

• Deep learning engineer: $105,863 [5]

• AI research scientist: $118,594 [6]

• Data scientist: $119,481 [3]

• Prompt engineer: $136,573 [4]

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.