Artificial intelligence (AI) has been described as the ‘game-changer’ of our generation. From writing programs, to automating homes and offices, AI is rapidly becoming a vital part of normal 21st century living. AI is also becoming a vital to job hunting and building your resume. With programs such as ChatGPT and others available, writing a resume does not necessarily mean starting from scratch. Instead, modern jobseekers can now utilise the groundbreaking power of AI to craft customised resumes. By using modern templates and essential keywords, today’s jobseekers have a unique advantage when it comes to marketing themselves and getting hired.
AI resume building tools
Finding a useful AI tool can be done with a simple Google search. Though multiple resume tools offer essentially the same service, each program would offer its own unique model, capabilities and features.
Essentials for creating your AI resume
Start with a general overview
Whether it’s AI generated or not, developing your resume starts with having a general idea of how you want the resume to look, sound and feel. For example, if you’re applying to a corporate office, you may envision a semi-formal sounding tone, with a polished look and a professional, yet minimalist template. It is also important that before you start prompting the program, you identify and gather information about key accomplishments, strengths and skills that you want to the recruiter to know and remember. Establish why you’re applying to the company, how you can be an asset to them and why you’re unlike any other candidate. These key pieces of information should be clearly defined atleast in your mind, so you know how to start prompting the program to create the resume you want to send.
Enter your prompts
AI technology draws information from a database. From this database, the program pulls words and phrases which build your resume.
These words and phrases are largely dependent on prompts. After you’ve selected your resume AI tool, you can start creating your resume through prompts such as:
- Generate resume for senior level motor vehicle Sales Executive
- Create resume application for entry-level clerk in a financial institution
- Develop resume for graphic designer with intermediate knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere Pro
- Create resume for experienced Marketing Manager applying for CMO position.
Be specific and clear as possible
Think of AI as your writing coach. The more specifics you provide the program, the clearer understanding it will have about your requirements. Furthermore, greater details, allows the AI technology to develop a resume that is customised to the job you’re applying for. Information such as the job description, company details, job title, personal details, career highlights and contact information should be readily available to plug into the program. You also would want to have a list of certifications, skills and projects to have your resume as marketable as possible.
Proofread and edit accordingly
While an AI resume building tool will do the bulk of the work, it is important to remember that the program is not a perfect substitute for the human touch. People want to work with other people, who sound authentic and can collaborate effectively. While AI is groundbreaking technology, it is not a perfect substitute for human interaction or collaboration. As such, you will discover there are some words that are beyond the AI program’s word database. AI will sometimes recognise the wording, but may not realise the context in which something is meant. Finally, some words may have to be amended by you for the resume to be accurate. For example, In the Caribbean, certain ethnic surnames, place names or colloquial English terms may not be recognisable by AI.
Therefore, it is important to always proofread and edit an AI-generated resume to ensure the words are accurate and can sensibly address a Caribbean recruiter. In addition, many of these recruiters use Application Tracking System (ATS) when sifting through hundreds of applications. The purpose of ATS is to shortlist potential candidates by identifying specific keywords in the resumes.
AI technology recognises this, so many AI resume builders do generate a list of potential keywords from its database that your document should have. Uploading a job description to the AI program does greatly assist in coming up with those essential keywords that the ATS software is looking for. In this regard, you can be assured your resume will stand a greater chance of being shortlisted.
Export and download
Once you’ve proofread and edited your resume, you can export or download the document as an MS Word, PDF or other format as you wish.
Additional tips to generate your AI resume
Through AI, crafting a resume becomes a less tedious and time-consuming task. However, certain considerations must be upheld such as:
- Making your resume easy to read and comprehend. Just because you’re using sophisticated technology does not mean you have to complicate your resume’s message. Your AI messaging must be clear, concise and easy for a recruiter to skim through to identify your key strengths.
- Playing your part. AI may be groundbreaking technology, but even so, the human touch is still needed to ensure your resume is customised to the job, conveys a high degree of relatability and portrays you in the most appealing way. Your resume must still look and sound as though it was genuine person as opposed to a robot.
- Many AI programs offer tips to improve the look and sound of your resume. Not every tip may be relevant, however, it works in your best interest to explore these suggestions to improve the quality of your resume and hiring chances.
- Choosing between free or paid. Many AI tools offer a free subscription model where you are provided with basic capabilities. For more specialised features, you can select a paid subscription that works with your budget and offers greater capabilities. For example, with a paid subscription, a lot of AI resume tools offer cover letter creation, job hunting tips and opportunities to apply for regional or international vacancies.
