Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot-button topic, especially with the recent introduction of ChatGPT. While some have fully embraced AI tools by using them for work projects, school essays, and even writing books, others are more cautious, concerned about what AI will mean in the long run. But one thing is for sure, more and more people are using AI tools such as ChatGPT to produce high-quality work — including resumes.

In 2023, Resume Builder found that 46% of job seekers used ChatGPT to write their resumes and cover letters, with 78% of them reporting success in securing an interview. Another study, conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that job seekers who used AI for feedback on spelling, grammar, and word usage were 8% more likely to get hired compared to those who didn’t use such tools.

Though these are impressive statistics, don’t be too quick to ask ChatGPT or other AI resume builders to write your resume. AI can be a helpful tool, but it also has its limitations.

One of AI’s biggest drawbacks is its lack of human touch. While ChatGPT can write blog posts, emails, and even entire books, it often sounds robotic and generic. Your resume serves as an employer’s first impression of who you are and what you bring to the table. And while AI can compile your experiences and skills into a list, it can’t convey your tone of voice or personality.

If AI makes your resume come across as impersonal, it can end up sounding like every other resume in the stack. In a competitive job market where recruiters are reviewing hundreds of resumes daily, yours needs to stand out in the first few seconds they glance at it. Also, if 46% of job seekers are using AI to write their resumes, won’t your AI-generated resume look similar to others?

Because AI only knows the facts you feed it, it has a tendency to make things up, such as skills you acquired from certain jobs or tasks you completed. If you use AI to craft your resume, you have to make sure the information it provides about you is accurate, truthful, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. AI can jam-pack your resume with keywords from the job description, but only a human’s touch can drive the point home that your experience as a waitress gave you time management and leadership skills because the restaurant was often short-staffed.

So, should you use AI to write your resume? In the same Resume Builder study, they found that of those who created their resumes with AI, only 11.1% did no editing, and 50% did some editing. AI can be the stepping stone to drafting your resume, but it shouldn’t have the final say. Here are some ways AI can help in resume-building:

1. Use it as a starting point. AI can give you a solid draft by organizing your skills, experiences, and education. This can be especially helpful if you’re just beginning your job search or if you’re returning to the workforce after some time. From there, you can tailor your experiences to the job description and the company, adding a personal touch.
2. Use it as an editor. As we learned in the post, Say It Right: The Do’s and Don’ts of Resumes, resumes need to be accurate and error-free. AI tools such as ChatGPT or Grammarly can identify spelling and grammatical errors for you, ensuring your resume looks polished and professional. However, don’t let this be a replacement for human eyes. It’s always helpful to let a friend or colleague look it over. And don’t underestimate the value of guidance from a real-life career advisor or coach.
3. Use it to strengthen your writing. Can’t think of a word to use? Ask AI! Sometimes when there’s a word on the tip of your tongue, or you’re trying to think of a better word to use because you’ve repeated “communicator” twice already, AI can help you out. You can also ask AI to help you restructure your sentences for clarity and flow. That way, you’re still writing in your own words, but improving the readability of your writing.

If you do choose to use AI to write your resume, do so with caution. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. While it can be helpful, it also has its limitations.

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