How to Create a Resume and Cover Letter Using ChatGPT & Canva (Free in 2025)

Let’s be real—creating a resume and cover letter from scratch can feel like a chore. It’s one of those things we all know we need to do, but never actually look forward to. You sit down with the best intentions… and then spend hours staring at a blank Google Doc.

If that sounds like you, I’ve got great news: you don’t have to go through that anymore.

Thanks to tools like ChatGPT and Canva, you can now create polished, professional-looking job application materials in a fraction of the time—and with zero stress.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how I (and many others) have used ChatGPT and Canva to write resumes and cover letters that not only look great but actually work. Whether you’re applying for your first job or pivoting into a new career, this method will save you time—and probably a few headaches too.

Why Use ChatGPT and Canva in 2025?

Because together, they do what used to take hours in under 30 minutes.

• ChatGPT helps with the words—the part most people struggle with.

• Canva handles the look—making sure your resume stands out without going over the top.

You don’t need to be a designer, a writer, or a techie. You just need to follow the steps.

Step 1: Use ChatGPT to Write Your Resume (Even If You’re Not a Writer)

Let’s start with the writing. Here’s how I do it—and how you can too.

Gather Your Info

Before opening ChatGPT, make sure you have the basics:

• Job title you're applying for

• Work experience (company names, roles, dates, tasks)

• Skills, certifications, tools you use

• Education and any side projects or achievements

Use Prompts Like These:

You don’t need fancy prompts. Here’s what I use:

Prompt for a summary:
“Write a short, confident resume summary for someone applying to a [job title] role with experience in [industry or field].”

Prompt for bullet points:
“Write 3 bullet points for my job as a [role] at [Company], highlighting what I achieved.”

Prompt for skills:
“What are the top skills employers look for in a [job title] in 2025?”

You can even paste in your rough draft and ask ChatGPT to rewrite it:
“Make this sound more professional and action-oriented: [your text]”

This step alone usually takes me 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Make It Look Amazing with Canva (No Design Experience Needed)

Once you’ve got the content, it’s time to make it pop.

How to Do It:

1. Head to Canva.com and create a free account.

2. Search for “Resume” in the templates section.

3. Pick one that’s clean and fits your style (or your industry).

4. Swap in your text from ChatGPT.

5. Customize the colors, fonts, and icons if you want—but keep it readable.

6. Download as a PDF, and boom—you’ve got a great-looking resume.

When I was applying for a freelance writing job, I used a Canva resume that looked like something off a design blog. I got a reply within 24 hours.

Step 3: Use ChatGPT to Write a Tailored Cover Letter (That Doesn’t Sound Boring)

Cover letters get a bad rap—and honestly, I used to hate writing them too. But once I started using ChatGPT, I stopped dreading them.

Here's What I Do:

Copy the job description from the company website.

Then paste this prompt into ChatGPT:
“Write a friendly, concise cover letter for a [job title] role. The candidate has experience in [industry] and the job description is: [paste job posting here].”

That’s it. You’ll get a solid draft that sounds human and actually matches what the company is looking for.

Take a few minutes to personalize it—maybe mention why you love the company or how you discovered the job—and you’re good to go.

Pro Tip:

Use the same header from your resume on your cover letter to keep things consistent. Canva has cover letter templates too, so you can match the design.

A Real-Life Win: How Sarah Got 3 Interviews in One Week

Sarah, one of my close friends and a recent marketing grad, had been job hunting for months with zero luck. I suggested she try this method.

She followed the steps:

• Used ChatGPT to rewrite her resume

• Picked a bold, modern Canva template

• Created custom cover letters using the job descriptions

One week later, she had three interviews scheduled. One hiring manager even told her: “Your resume really stood out.”

No fluff. No expensive services. Just the right tools.

Quick Tips to Boost Your Results

• Match the language: Use keywords from the job posting in your resume and letter

• Show numbers: “Increased sales by 30%” sounds way better than “Helped with sales”

• Don’t over-design: Simple = professional

• Proofread: Use Grammarly or even ask ChatGPT to check for grammar mistakes

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of job hunting—or maybe just overwhelmed by where to start. I’ve been there. It’s tough.

But you don’t have to do it the hard way anymore. Tools like ChatGPT and Canva make the whole process way easier, faster, and (dare I say) kind of fun.

Your resume doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be clear, tailored, and professional-looking. And with these tools, you can absolutely make that happen.

Want to get started faster?
Download our free resume and cover letter kit. It includes prompts, templates, and design tips—everything you need to start applying today.

Let’s get you hired.