Why “directives” matter (and why most prompts fail)
If you’ve ever typed “write me a resume” and gotten a generic wall of text, you already know the problem: AI does exactly what you ask—so vague inputs create vague outputs. A directive is a clear, constrained instruction that tells the tool who you are, what job you want, what evidence you have, what tone to use, and what to output.
Below is a current set of practical, copy‑paste directives designed for job seekers around Grand Rapids, Minnesota—including roles common in Itasca County and nearby communities (healthcare, education, public sector, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, trades, forestry, and office/admin). Use them as written, then customize the bracketed fields.
How to use these: Paste one directive at a time into your AI tool. Attach (or paste) the job posting and your resume when the directive asks for it.
Before you start: a simple “truth-first” rule
Use this micro-directive at the top of almost any request:
Directive 0 — The accuracy guardrail
- “Only use information I provide or that appears in the job posting. If you’re unsure, ask me questions. Do not invent employers, degrees, dates, titles, certifications, metrics, or projects.”
This one line prevents most résumé and cover letter damage.
Section A: Strategy directives (choose your target and plan)
Directive 1 — Clarify my best-fit roles (local reality check)
Copy/paste:
- “I live near Grand Rapids, MN. Based on my background below, propose 5 realistic job targets within a 30–45 minute commute, plus 3 remote-friendly targets. For each target, list: typical employer types here, must-have skills, and a 2-week plan to become a stronger candidate. Background: [paste]. Constraints: [schedule, transportation, pay range, shift].”
Directive 2 — Translate my experience into employer language
Copy/paste:
- “Convert my experience into skills employers recognize. Output a table with columns: ‘What I did,’ ‘Skill name,’ ‘Proof/impact,’ ‘Example interview story.’ Use my resume text: [paste].”
Directive 3 — My 30-day job hunt schedule (small-town pacing)
Copy/paste:
- “Build a 30-day job-search plan optimized for a small labor market like Grand Rapids, MN. Include weekly goals for applications, networking, follow-ups, and skill practice. Assume I can spend [X] hours/week. Output as a calendar-style checklist.”
Section B: Posting analysis directives (beat ATS without sounding robotic)
Directive 4 — Extract the real requirements (and hidden priorities)
Copy/paste:
- “Analyze this job posting. Output: (1) must-have requirements, (2) nice-to-haves, (3) ‘soft requirements’ implied by wording, (4) keywords/phrases to mirror, (5) top 3 concerns the hiring manager may have. Posting: [paste].”
Directive 5 — Fit-gap analysis with honest fixes
Copy/paste:
- “Compare my resume to this posting. Output three lists: ‘Strong matches,’ ‘Partial matches,’ and ‘Missing.’ For each missing item, propose an ethical workaround (training, portfolio piece, volunteer project, or framing of existing experience) without claiming I already have it. Resume: [paste]. Posting: [paste].”
Directive 6 — ATS keyword integration (without keyword stuffing)
Copy/paste:
- “Rewrite my resume bullets to naturally include the most relevant posting keywords, while keeping my claims true and measurable. Keep my voice straightforward and Midwest-professional. Output: updated bullets only (not the full resume). Resume: [paste]. Posting: [paste].”
Section C: Resume + cover letter directives (clean, specific, credible)
Directive 7 — Build impact bullets from messy notes
Copy/paste:
- “Turn my notes into 8–12 resume bullets. Use the format: Action verb + task + tool/process + scope + outcome. If a metric is missing, suggest 2–3 safe ways to estimate it and ask me to confirm. Notes: [paste].”
Directive 8 — Two versions of my resume summary (choose tone)
Copy/paste:
- “Write two resume summaries for me: Version A ‘direct and practical,’ Version B ‘warm and service-oriented.’ Keep each to 3–4 lines. Base only on my resume. Resume: [paste]. Target role: [title].”
Directive 9 — A cover letter that doesn’t waste a page
Copy/paste:
- “Draft a one-page cover letter that is specific to this posting. Structure: (1) why this role/employer, (2) 2 proof paragraphs tied to posting needs, (3) short close with availability and thanks. Avoid clichés and avoid ‘I’m passionate.’ Keep it under 260 words. Resume: [paste]. Posting: [paste].”
Directive 10 — “Short-form” application answers (better than cover letters)
Many local employers use application portals with short questions.
Copy/paste:
- “Write 3 responses (120–180 words each) to common application questions using my experience: (1) ‘Tell us about yourself,’ (2) ‘Why are you a good fit?,’ (3) ‘Describe a time you handled conflict.’ Use STAR format lightly and keep it natural. Resume: [paste]. Posting: [paste].”
Section D: Networking directives (Grand Rapids-style: respectful and direct)
Directive 11 — Polite outreach message to a local contact
Copy/paste:
- “Write two versions of a networking message: (A) text message style, (B) email style. Goal: ask for 10 minutes of advice about [role/company type] without pressuring them. Keep it friendly, brief, and not salesy. My connection is: [how you know them].”
Directive 12 — Informational interview questions that get real answers
Copy/paste:
- “Create 10 informational interview questions for someone working in [field]. Prioritize questions that uncover hiring timelines, ‘what good looks like,’ training expectations, and local realities (shift patterns, busy seasons).”
Directive 13 — Follow-up after meeting someone (without being awkward)
Copy/paste:
- “Write a follow-up note that thanks them, references one specific thing they said, and asks one small next step (e.g., another person to talk to or a resource). Keep it under 120 words.”
Section E: Interview directives (practice that actually changes outcomes)
Directive 14 — Build my interview story bank (local, practical examples)
Copy/paste:
- “From my resume, create 8 interview stories in STAR format: teamwork, customer service, safety, reliability, learning quickly, handling stress, conflict, and initiative. Keep each story to 6–8 lines and end with a clear outcome. Resume: [paste].”
Directive 15 — Mock interview with scoring rubric
Copy/paste:
- “Act as an interviewer for a [job title] role. Ask one question at a time and wait for my answer. After each answer, score me 1–5 on clarity, relevance, evidence, and concision. Then rewrite my answer into a stronger version that still sounds like me.”
Directive 16 — Pay and schedule negotiation script (firm, not aggressive)
Copy/paste:
- “Create a negotiation script for pay and schedule. Include: (1) how to ask about range early, (2) how to counter respectfully, (3) how to negotiate shift, PTO, or training if pay is fixed. My targets: [min]-[goal]/hour or $[salary]. Constraints: [days, childcare, commute].”
Section F: Post-application directives (the follow-up system)
Directive 17 — Follow-up email after applying
Copy/paste:
- “Write a follow-up email I can send 5–7 business days after applying. It should be short, professional, and include one sentence that reinforces my fit with a specific posting requirement. Posting highlights: [paste]. My key proof: [paste].”
Directive 18 — Rejection review (turn a ‘no’ into progress)
Copy/paste:
- “Help me diagnose why I may have been rejected and what to change next time. Ask me up to 8 questions about the process (resume, interview, references, availability). Then propose 5 improvements ranked by impact.”
A quick “don’t get burned” checklist (use every time)
- Never claim certifications, degrees, or licenses you don’t have.
- Never invent metrics (use ranges or estimates only if you can justify them).
- Mirror keywords from the posting, but keep sentences human.
- Local credibility wins: reliability, safety, schedule honesty, and references matter.
- One role, one resume version: small edits beat one-size-fits-all.
Your next step: pick the 3 directives that move you fastest
If you want the shortest path to better results this week, start here:
- Directive 4 (posting analysis)
- Directive 6 (ATS keyword integration)
- Directive 15 (mock interview)
If you paste a job posting and your current resume into those three workflows, you’ll usually see sharper callbacks—without sounding artificial.