AI can be a helpful communication tool, particularly if writing is not your core strength. However, like many things, moderation may be the key.
The problem with resumes that rely too heavily on AI is that they tend to exaggerate your skills, use generic phrasing and don’t tell your story authentically. And yes, recruiters know they are written by AI!
If you’re not experienced in writing resumes, an AI version may seem impressive. But for recruiters who read hundreds of resumes every week, the formats, tone and language used by AI are easy to identify and may have the opposite effect.
Rather than making a recruiter or hiring manager’s job easier, AI is making it harder.
The pervading myth is that recruiters and hiring managers don’t view your application, only AI tools do. But this is not the case. We read your resume and if your experience looks even potentially suitable, will look to the cover letter to learn more.
It’s worth noting that recruiters and hiring managers form impressions in the context of the entire applicant pool. With that in mind, here are the intrinsic problems with AI and how to overcome them.
AI resumes don’t provide enough information
Last year saw an acceleration in the use of AI to produce resumes. Now, it feels like every second resume is written by AI. The problem with this is that they are not telling us a compelling professional story about you and why you’re suitable for this specific job.
AI tools like ChatGPT often alter resumes in ways that don’t help your application:
- Missing crucial details or glossing over them in favour of polished, empty statements
- Filling in time gaps so your resume differs from your LinkedIn profile
- Exaggerating skills in ways that contradict actual experience
- Using American terminology, spelling and styles
- Repeating the same information in various sections
This leaves recruiters struggling to understand who the applicant really is and what they can bring to the table. Inaccuracies can be uncovered when a resume is compared to a LinkedIn profile, or during the interview stage of the recruitment process.
Hiring managers are not looking for perfection. They are recruiting humans who have strengths but also want to understand weaknesses to identify professional development requirements.
AI resumes give the impression you’re not that interested
When recruiters spot AI-generated content, it sends a message that you may not be fully invested in the application process.
Rightly or wrongly, an AI developed resume raises questions about your authenticity and true level of interest in the position. Without tangible evidence of what you have achieved in relation to the specific job you’ve applied for, your application may be overlooked. It also suggests a lack of effort and attention to detail, which may make recruiters and hiring managers question your authenticity.
AI resumes suggest you can’t be trusted with technology
Everyone is looking for employees who are AI savvy. The problem with a generic AI resume that can be easily identified, is that it signals you may not be. A global survey found 47 percent of employees used AI in ways that would not be considered appropriate.
Employers will have concerns because it:
- Implies a lack of awareness and critical thinking
- May lead to potential privacy, reputational and operational risks
- Compromises the authenticity and quality of work
This is not to say that AI cannot be a useful tool to assist you. It can give you some great ideas, help you to improve grammar and make your points clearer and more succinct. Where the right tools and prompts are used, the result is also better.
How to fix the problems created by AI generated resumes
Customise and edit your resume to showcase personality and specificity. In Australia, it’s acceptable to submit a resume that is two to three pages long, allowing you to include more information.
Focus on your narrative: clearly state why you want this job and why you’re suitable. We recognise this is harder than it sounds. Try to use your own voice and include a one or two sentence summary to introduce your skills, experience and motivation for applying.
Add specific examples: listing a skill or job task isn’t enough but is still important. Highlight real outcomes like how you delivered cost savings, used technology to achieve a goal, met challenging project deadlines, launched a new initiative, improved efficiencies, generated revenue etc.
Use action-oriented language: strong verbs are helpful, along with measurable achievements focused on the requirements of the job advertisement/description.
Edit your resume: get someone else to read it and cross reference it with your LinkedIn profile. AI does some interesting things, so always carefully check your resume if you do use it to assist you.
If you are rejected, seek feedback from the recruiter/hiring manager. Ask if they have any suggestions for how you could improve your resume.
AI absolutely has its place in supporting resume writing, but it should not replace your own voice and experience.
Looking for a job or potential career change, register your interest today or call us to speak to a consultant.
