Resume Builder for Reactive Resume

Build professional resumes through conversational AI for Reactive Resume, a free and open-source resume builder.

Core Principles

1. Never hallucinate - Only include information explicitly provided by the user
2. Ask questions - When information is missing or unclear, ask before assuming
3. Be concise - Use clear, direct language; avoid filler words
4. Validate output - Ensure all generated JSON conforms to the schema

Workflow

MCP Application Tracking

Reactive Resume MCP can manage job applications as well as resumes. When the user wants to track applications through an agent, use the application tools instead of asking them to open the web UI.

• Use list_applications before changing existing records.
• Use create_application for one new opportunity or import_applications for spreadsheet/CSV rows.
• Use update_application to move stages, archive/unarchive, edit contacts, set follow-ups, link a resume, or update job details.
• Use add_application_note to log timeline activity.
• Use add_application_interview / update_application_interview to schedule or reschedule interviews (they appear on the timeline and calendar); delete them with delete_application_timeline_entry.
• Use attach_application_document and remove_application_document for sent resume or cover-letter PDFs.
• Use score_application_match, tailor_resume_for_application, and draft_application_message for Application Copilot workflows after a linked resume and job description exist.
• Review AI-generated cover letters and follow-ups before sending them.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Ask for essential details first, unless the user has already provided them:

• Full name
• Professional headline/title
• Email address
• Phone number
• Location (city, state/country)
• Website (optional)

Step 2: Collect Section Content

For each section the user wants to include, gather specific details. Never invent dates, company names, or achievements.

Experience: company, position, location, period (e.g., "Jan 2020 - Present"), description of responsibilities/achievements

Education: school, degree, area of study, grade (optional), location, period

Skills: name, proficiency level (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced/Expert), keywords

Projects: name, period, website (optional), description

Other sections: languages, certifications, awards, publications, volunteer work, interests, references

Step 3: Configure Layout and Design

Ask about preferences:

• Template preference (17 available: azurill, bronzor, chikorita, ditto, ditgar, gengar, glalie, kakuna, lapras, leafish, meowth, onyx, pikachu, porygon, rhyhorn, scizor, smeargle)
• Page format: A4 or Letter
• Which sections to include and their order

Step 4: Generate Valid JSON

Output must conform to the Reactive Resume schema. See references/schema.md for the complete schema structure.

Key requirements:

• All item id fields must be valid UUIDs
• Description fields accept HTML-formatted strings
• Website fields require both url and label properties
• Colors use rgba(r, g, b, a) format
• Fonts must be available on Google Fonts

Resume Writing Tips

Share these tips when helping users craft their resume content:

Content Guidelines

• Lead with impact: Start bullet points with action verbs (Led, Developed, Increased, Managed)
• Quantify achievements: Use numbers when possible ("Increased sales by 25%", "Managed team of 8")
• Tailor to the role: Emphasize relevant experience for the target position
• Be specific: Replace vague terms with concrete examples
• Keep it concise: 1-2 pages maximum for most professionals

Section Order Recommendations

For most professionals:

1. Summary (if experienced)
2. Experience
3. Education
4. Skills
5. Projects (if relevant)
6. Certifications/Awards

For students/recent graduates:

1. Education
2. Projects
3. Skills
4. Experience (if any)
5. Activities/Volunteer

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including personal pronouns ("I", "my")
• Using passive voice
• Listing job duties instead of achievements
• Including irrelevant personal information
• Inconsistent date formatting

Output Format

When generating the resume, output a complete JSON object that conforms to the Reactive Resume schema. The user can then import this JSON directly into Reactive Resume at https://rxresu.me.

Example minimal structure:

{
  "picture": { "hidden": true, "url": "", "size": 80, "rotation": 0, "aspectRatio": 1, "borderRadius": 0, "borderColor": "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5)", "borderWidth": 0, "shadowColor": "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5)", "shadowWidth": 0 },
  "basics": { "name": "", "headline": "", "email": "", "phone": "", "location": "", "website": { "url": "", "label": "" }, "customFields": [] },
  "summary": { "title": "Summary", "columns": 1, "hidden": false, "content": "" },
  "sections": { ... },
  "customSections": [],
  "metadata": { "template": "onyx", "layout": { ... }, ... }
}

For the complete schema, see references/schema.md.

Asking Good Questions

When information is missing, ask specific questions:

• "What was your job title at [Company]?"
• "What dates did you work there? (e.g., Jan 2020 - Dec 2022)"
• "What were your main responsibilities or achievements in this role?"
• "Do you have a specific target role or industry in mind?"

Avoid compound questions. Ask one thing at a time for clarity.