Many job seekers look to AI for résumé improvement, but experts warn that AI can sometimes do more harm than good.
Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful when used correctly, streamlining the résumé writing process and enhancing the final product.
However, misusing this technology can lead to various pitfalls.
Thankfully, experts have shared valuable insights on how job seekers can steer clear of these pitfalls.
Amanda Augustine, a career expert at TopResume, a professional résumé writing service, emphasizes the importance of understanding the pros and cons of using AI in résumé creation.
She states, “When it comes to the résumé… leveraging [AI] certainly has some benefits. But it also has some drawbacks.
It’s crucial to grasp its strengths and weaknesses and learn how to manage them effectively to ensure that your final résumé is truly impactful.”
Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
What you'll learn:
1️⃣ Write accurate prompts
Marc Cenedella, the CEO and founder of Leet Resumés, an AI-based résumé writing company, highlights a crucial aspect of AI assistance:
“Chat-GPT, like any computer, will do exactly what you tell it. The issue is if you don’t know the right thing to tell it, the end result will not be successful.”
He points out that ChatGPT lacks awareness of the specific strategies that résumé writers use to capture the attention of potential employers.
For example, résumé experts often advise clients to incorporate quantitative data to highlight their achievements, such as specifying the number of new clients acquired in a quarter for a sales director position.
Cenedella emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of résumé writing to create a document that resonates with both automated applicant tracking systems and human hiring managers:
“There’s some ins and outs to what you’ve got to do on a résumé… how to do a résumé that appeals to the computer software that companies use, that appeals to the HR manager, that appeals to the résumé screening, or that appeals to the hiring manager. You don’t know how to write that in your prompt, and we do.”
2️⃣ Keep your unique voice
Amanda Augustine points out that relying too heavily on AI can hinder a job seeker’s ability to convey their authentic self, potentially making them sound inauthentic.
Rue Dooley, an HR Knowledge Advisor for the Society for Human Resource Management, concurs with Augustine.
He suggests that individuals should tailor the format and language of their résumé to align with their personal style, encompassing factors like intelligence, age, and even a sense of humor.
Dooley recommends finding a balance between showcasing one’s personality and maintaining a professional tone.
While AI is a valuable tool, it’s not infallible and cannot fully replace the human touch. As Dooley puts it, “You need the AI. It’s as smart and much faster than we can ever be. But it’s not all-knowing and sometimes you have to have that human element.”
3️⃣ Check accuracy of info
Amanda Augustine advises job seekers to be cautious of AI “hallucinations,” instances where the technology fabricates information in response to a query.
She humorously refers to AI as the “ultimate people pleaser” because it tends to generate responses even when it doesn’t possess the correct information.
To address this issue, in addition to reviewing and fact-checking their résumés, Augustine recommends that individuals consider the possibility of AI-generated errors when using tools like ChatGPT.
She suggests including prompts that account for this, such as instructing the AI to admit when it lacks information.
For instance, a user could write, “If you do not have this information or if you do not know the answers, say you don’t know.” This can help prevent the generation of false or inaccurate details.
In essence, it’s essential to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated résumés.
4️⃣ Check for grammar errors
According to Rue Dooley, AI technology can still produce grammar and punctuation mistakes, so résumé writers should remain attentive to such flaws in their documents.
Additionally, Amanda Augustine emphasizes the importance of checking for awkward language in AI-generated résumés to guarantee that the CV maintains a smooth and coherent reading experience.
5️⃣ Edit accordingly
Amanda Augustine emphasizes that job seekers should not overly rely on AI for their résumés. Instead, they should use it as a tool to kickstart the writing process and then proceed to edit the document thoroughly.
AI does not replace the entire writing and editing process or the potential benefit of working with a résumé writer. It serves as a valuable resource for generating an initial draft and sparking creativity.
Augustine recommends leveraging AI to generate initial content that can be reviewed, edited, and refined later in the résumé creation process.
When editing, Augustine suggests sharing the résumé with a friend, preferably someone unfamiliar with the job the seeker is applying for.
After giving them 20 to 30 seconds to review it, ask them to identify the kind of role the applicant is targeting. This exercise helps ensure that the résumé effectively highlights the applicant’s strengths and qualifications relevant to the desired position.
(Source: Yahoo Finance)
