Building Resumes Using Microsoft Word and Copilot

Purpose

This standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines the process for all Copilot licensed users to effectively build a professional resume using Microsoft Word and Copilot. It covers scenarios for both updating an existing resume and creating a new resume from scratch.

Scope

This procedure applies to all VERTO users responsible for preparing, updating and reviewing resumes for clients or similar tasks.

Process Overview

The process is divided into two scenarios: updating an existing resume and creating a new resume from scratch.

Scenario 1: Updating an Existing Resume

Open the client’s existing resume in Microsoft Word. Start by thoroughly reviewing the document to identify any outdated information, errors, or sections that could be improved. Pay close attention to formatting, grammar, and content accuracy.
Next, utilize Copilot to refine or enhance specific sections of the resume. To do this, highlight the area you want to update, click the Copilot icon (within the document window- not the icon in the toolbar) and enter a clear prompt for Copilot. For instance, you could use the prompt:
“Refine the career summary and objective sections to highlight the client’s qualifications and tailor them to the role of “Truck Driver”. Expand the responsibilities in each role under the experience section for better clarity and impact.”
As Copilot generates suggestions, review them carefully to ensure they align with professional standards. Adjust or fine-tune the text if necessary to maintain a polished and consistent tone. You can also make use of Word’s built-in styles and templates to ensure the formatting is clean and appealing.
Finally, proofread the revised resume to catch any grammatical or spelling errors and to confirm that all updates are accurate. Check the overall structure and ensure the finished resume is clear, professional, and tailored to the client’s objectives.

Scenario 2: Creating a New Resume from Scratch

Open Microsoft Word and start with a blank document.
Gather all necessary client information, including:
1. Personal details: Compile the client’s full name, current address, phone number, and email address to ensure accurate and professional contact information is included.
2. Qualifications and certifications: List all relevant qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, or certifications like the RSA certificate or driver’s license. Verify their accuracy and ensure they are presented in a way that aligns with the requirements of the role.
3. Work experience: Collect detailed information about the client’s professional history, including job titles, company names, locations, and the duration of employment. Note the key responsibilities and accomplishments for each role, as these will be essential for crafting a compelling experience section.
4. Skills and achievements: Identify the client’s key skills—such as team management, technical expertise, or communication abilities—and highlight any significant achievements or recognitions that set them apart.
5. Additional details: If there are other elements that could strengthen the resume—such as volunteer experience, languages spoken, or hobbies relevant to the role—make sure to include them in the document preparation.
Organize all the gathered information clearly and logically in the document. This step will enable Copilot to analyse the data effectively and generate a tailored resume that meets the client’s needs and professional standards.
Once the basic structure is in place, use Copilot to generate a polished version. Example prompt:
“Act as my professional resume writer and create me a resume in Australian English including all sections you would expect to see in a high-performing resume. Include in the resume a career summary section under the title and an objective section which highlights the experience tailored to the goal of becoming a truck driver. Within the experience section, include an opening sentence for each role and include three primary summarized responsibilities under each role. Ensure the resume is structured correctly and expand on sections where applicable. Also, I have a driver’s license and an RSA certificate.”
Review the generated content and make necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy and personalization.
Apply professional formatting using Microsoft Word’s preset styles and tools.
Proofread the final document for errors and consistency.

General Guidelines for All Resumes

Use Australian English for all content.
Ensure the resume follows a clean and professional layout, using logical section breaks and consistent formatting.
Tailor resumes to specific roles by emphasizing relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences.
Highlight certifications like RSA and driver’s license where applicable.
Use inbuilt Microsoft Word themes and styles to enhance the visual appearance of the resume.
Ensure you, as the owner of the document, always proof reads and applies final touches to the resume. It is important to maintain the concept of "human in the loop" meaning AI can get things wrong and requires intervention where applicable.

Review and Approval

Ensure the resume meets professional standards before sharing it with the client.
Obtain feedback from the client and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

By following this workflow, case managers can efficiently produce high-quality resumes tailored to client needs and industry expectations. Copilot’s advanced capabilities, combined with Microsoft Word’s formatting tools, ensure precision, professionalism, and impactful presentation.

Human-in-the-Loop Responsibility

It is crucial to ensure that human oversight is incorporated throughout processes involving artificial intelligence (AI). All personnel are responsible for thoroughly reviewing, editing, and validating the information before its distribution and implementation. This ensures accuracy, relevance, and compliance with our organisational standards. The final ownership of the content lies with the individuals and it is their duty to ensure the information is correct and up-to-date.