A recent survey by Canva found that 45% of job seekers have used generative AI to prepare or improve their resumes.
Since ChatGPT (and some other generative AI tools) are available for free, many job seekers have started leveraging generative AI to improve their resumes and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
However, using AI to prepare resumes brings both opportunities and challenges for job seekers. While AI can reduce the time spent on preparing your resume, it also risks creating generic or false content that fails to showcase your true worth.
The question for job seekers is no longer whether they should use AI when preparing their resumes, but rather how to strategically use it to stand out.
the benefits of using AI to prepare your resume
Using AI in resume writing offers many benefits for job seekers.
Not only can job applicants save time and reduce errors, they could use generative AI to brainstorm ideas on how to highlight your skills and achievements that match with what employers are looking for based on the job advertisements.
1. be more efficient with your time with AI
The most obvious benefit of using AI for resume writing is how much time you could save. A survey found that candidates with straightforward backgrounds spend an average of 10 hours preparing their resumes the traditional way, while others in more specialised careers spend more than 30 hours a week writing and refining resumes for different job applications.
AI can be particularly helpful for candidates who are applying for multiple positions or exploring different industries. When AI supports resume writing, job seekers can use the time to find more relevant job openings, network and track their applications for more timely follow-ups.
2. objective brainstorming AI partner
Beyond just preparing the basic resume, job seekers can use AI to brainstorm which parts of their resumes to highlight to match what employers are looking for based on the description in the job advertisements.
When given the right resources such as work experience, performance review feedback, job advertisements, or a link to the updated LinkedIn profile, AI tools can analyse job seekers’ career history, skills, and achievements to identify and highlight relevant skills and qualifications that are important to the hiring manager. It can also be used to identify any gaps in your resume that might have been overlooked.
This is particularly useful for anyone facing a writer’s block. AI tools can generate job-specific bullet points, write tailored elevator pitches, and recommend additional relevant skills that can help strengthen the resume.
3. use AI for professional and clean formatting
Most job seekers use AI to reduce common formatting issues and correct grammar mistakes that can negatively impact first impressions.
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can help to reduce grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Beyond basic error correction, these tools can be used to improve sentence flow and suggest more impactful action verbs for a more impressive CV.
Some job seekers also use AI to design, consistent font use and logical section organisations to improve readability for recruiters and hiring managers.
be responsible when using AI for resume writing
AI can be a collaborative partner to help job seekers improve resume writing and job searching outcomes. However, when candidates find themselves not being able to survive without AI, it could be a hint that there is an over-reliance on AI.
It is important for job seekers to know that over-reliance on AI without critical human review can actually be more risky. More importantly, being too dependent on AI reduces critical thinking and can prove to the hiring manager that you can be easily replaced with new technology.
1. embellishment and false information
One of the most serious risks associated with using AI to prepare resumes is the potential for inaccuracies, exaggerations, and outright fabrication of information.
AI’s capabilities are limited by the quality and updates of training data and algorithm, which can lead them to generate outdated or incorrect information that misrepresents a candidate’s actual qualifications and experience. AI models may sometimes make assumptions that are illogical or “stretch the truth” by transforming modest accomplishments into grandiose achievements, such as changing “assisted” to “spearhead”.
AI models may also “hallucinate”, which is when they generate plausible-sounding but entirely false information. Such inaccuracies would never be tolerated if exposed during the interview or background checks. A blind trust in AI is considered to be a professional liability for any organisation.
The job seeker’s role now shifts from that of a “writer” to an “editor” and “fact-checker”, and they are responsible for reviewing and verifying AI-generated content against personal truth.
2. how recruiters spot red-flag resumes
AI tools have improved over the years because they learn from large datasets of resumes and job descriptions found on the internet. However, it is also because of the large datasets that AI zoom-in on common keywords and phrases that appear frequently in job advertisements.
AI-generated resumes tend to sound vague, formulaic, and lack the unique voice, personality, and specific motivations of the job seeker. An overly polished resume can also raise questions about its authenticity and whether it was thoughtfully crafted by the candidate.
A common characteristic of AI-generated resumes is the overuse of industry jargon and buzzwords. Phrases such as “proven rack record of delivering innovative solutions to drive organisational efficiency” may sound impressive initially but convey little to no meaningful information.
This can be problematic in a competitive job market, as recruiters and hiring managers who review hundreds of applications a day have developed an intuitive ability to identify this formulaic content. This cookie-cutter approach can mask a candidate’s unique strengths and motivations that would otherwise capture a recruiter’s attention.
how do recruiters really feel about job seekers using AI?
The perception of AI-generated resumes among recruiters and hiring managers has improved over the years, especially since they are also using AI to streamline their own recruitment efforts.
Many organisations, particularly large or digital-forward companies, use AI to write job descriptions, screen resumes for keywords, and schedule job interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Despite growing acceptance of the use of AI, hiring managers maintain high expectations for resume quality and authenticity that extend beyond technical competence. The challenge for hiring managers lies in identifying candidates who have used AI responsibly versus those who have relied too heavily on it.
Hiring managers have also expressed concerns on AI’s impact on their ability to assess soft skills and communication abilities through resume content. Since many AI tools strip away individual communication styles and personal voice, recruiters may sometimes struggle to evaluate the candidate’s interpersonal skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth.
are recruiters using AI to detect AI in resumes?
Some companies are building algorithms that analyse language patterns, structure, and originality into their ATS platforms. These tools are used to identify patterns and phrases that are normally generated by AI, like uniformed or repetitive language, generic statements and unnatural tone of voice.
However, most experienced recruiters can often spot AI generated resumes just by reading it due to the lack of personalisation and detail, as well as overuse of certain buzzwords that are unsupported by proof points.
industries or careers that favours or frowns the use of AI
For many job seekers, using AI to generate resumes seems like a no-brainer. It reduces the time they need to showcase their work experience and achievements to stand out.
However, recruiters and hiring managers from different industries and careers may also view the use of AI differently, which we will explore further in this section of the article.
using AI for job applications to technical roles
Technical fields such as technology, engineering, and data science, generally have a greater acceptance of AI-assisted resumes. Hiring managers in these fields often prioritise technical competencies and measurable achievements over creative writing abilities, and view such tools as practical solutions for efficiency and accuracy.
Some employers from the finance sector could also view the use of AI tools for resume preparation a positive trait, particularly those who are looking for talent in AI-driven roles like data analytics and compliance. The manner in which a candidate uses AI to craft their resume can serve as a subtle yet useful insight of their AI literacy and adaptability.
However, the emphasis remains on using AI as an enhancement tool rather than a replacement for human input.
Technical hiring managers still value candidates who can clearly communicate complex concepts and demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills through their resume narratives.
using AI to apply to creative and communication roles
For roles heavily reliant on creativity, communication, or unique expression, the use of AI can be an issue. Using AI-generated content can indicate a lack of creativity or confidence in one’s own abilities, potentially raising questions about the candidate’s suitability for the job.
Resumes in creative fields are expected to showcase personality, artistic vision, and original thinking, which are the qualities that AI tools struggle with. There is also an expectation for resumes from creative and communications professionals to include creative strategies, original concepts, and visual design that reflects the candidate’s aesthetic sensibilities and technical skills.
AI tools, while capable of producing professional-looking documents, typically generate standardised designs that fail to showcase the individual flair and design judgment that creative employers seek.
AI as your co-pilot, not pilot, the future of resume writing
When used strategically and skillfully, AI serves as a powerful assistant to support throughout the job search journey.
The most compelling resumes are those that subtlety and seamlessly integrate AI’s capabilities with the candidate’s human touch and thoughtful effort. The optimal approach to securing the next opportunity lies in leveraging your intelligence, strategically amplified by the power of AI.
If you are already in the midst of preparing your resume, why not check out some of our job openings? Research and assess the job requirements against your skills, define your career motivations, and get the help from an AI to highlight your best quality.