How to Tailor Your Resume for Any Job with Microsoft Copilot AI in Word Online

When applying for jobs, one of the best ways to stand out is to customize your resume for each position. But tailoring a resume manually can take a lot of time. That’s where Microsoft Copilot AI in Word Online comes in. With just a few steps, you can align your resume with a specific job posting and highlight the skills and experience employers are looking for.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Open Word Online and Access Copilot

The Copilot feature we’re using is available only in Word on the web, not the desktop app.

1. Go to word.microsoft.com.

2. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 account (or create one for free).

3. Open a new blank document.

Look for the Copilot paperclip icon in your browser—this is where you’ll add prompts, job descriptions, and attachments.

Step 2: Prompt Copilot to Tailor Your Resume

Click inside the Copilot prompt box and enter a request such as:

“Rewrite my attached resume to better align with the skills and experience needed in the attached job description.”

This ensures Copilot knows you want to customize your resume for a specific job posting.

Step 3: Add the Job Description

Copy the entire job posting from the employer’s website and paste it into the Copilot prompt.

This gives AI the context to identify key skills and qualifications required for the role.

Step 4: Upload Your Resume

Next, attach your current resume:

1. Click the paperclip icon.

2. Upload your resume file from your computer.

3. Click Generate to let Copilot analyze both documents.

Step 5: Review the AI-Tailored Resume

Copilot will create a new AI-enhanced resume draft customized for that specific role.

• Click Keep it to save the draft.

• Open your original resume template side by side with the tailored version for comparison.

Step 6: Transfer Copilot’s Suggestions Into Your Resume

To keep your professional design and formatting intact:

1. Review the summary or qualifications section—Copilot usually improves this with stronger keywords.

2. Copy the improved text into your resume template using Paste as Text.

3. Check the core competencies section. Add any accurate skills Copilot suggests that match the job posting.

4. Compare professional experience bullet points and swap in stronger AI-generated wording where appropriate.

This process keeps your resume looking polished while integrating AI-powered improvements.

Step 7: Add Extra Skills or Sections

Sometimes Copilot identifies additional skills or technical areas to include.

• If relevant, create a new section such as Additional Skills or Technical Skills.

• Paste Copilot’s suggestions, format them as bullets, and double-check for accuracy.

Step 8: Final Edits and Save Your Resume

Before submitting:

• Proofread your tailored resume for accuracy.

• Ensure formatting (fonts, bullets, page breaks) is clean.

• Save it as a new file labeled for the specific job.

Now you have a job-specific AI-powered resume ready to upload with your application.

Final Tips

• Accuracy is everything: Don’t include anything Copilot generates that you can’t back up in an interview.

• Keep your formatting clean: Always paste text as unformatted to keep your resume’s consistent look.

• Save different versions: Tailoring your resume doesn’t mean starting over every time—you can reuse and tweak your master resume for each job.

💡 Want more resume tips? Check out my other tutorials on SharonSmithHR.com or subscribe to my YouTube channel for step-by-step guides.

Good luck tailoring your resume and landing that next opportunity! 🚀