The Rise of AI in Resume Writing: A Help or a Hindrance?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become a popular tool for job seekers, with many turning to AI-generated resumes and cover letters to streamline their applications. While AI can be a great starting point, employers, recruiters and hiring managers in regional areas are becoming increasingly skilled at spotting AI-generated content. If you’re using AI to assist with your job applications, it’s crucial to personalise your documents and avoid common AI tells that could make your application stand out for the wrong reasons.

Common Signs of AI-Generated Resumes and Cover Letters

1.      Overly Wordy Sentences

AI tools often take multiple sentences to say what could be expressed in one. For example, instead of saying, "I have five years of experience in project management, successfully leading teams and delivering projects on time," an AI might generate, "Over the past five years, I have gained extensive experience in project management, during which I have had the opportunity to lead diverse teams and ensure the successful and timely completion of various projects." While the latter sounds polished, it’s unnecessarily long-winded. Concise writing is often more impactful.

2.      Generic Phrases Without Substance

Unless detailed instructions are provided, AI-generated cover letters frequently rely on vague, overused statements like "I am a highly motivated and results-driven professional with a passion for excellence." While these phrases sound positive, they lack specificity. Instead, tailor your application by providing concrete examples of achievements that demonstrate your skills and experience.

3.      Lack of Industry-Specific or Regional Context

AI lacks the ability to understand local job market trends or industry nuances in regional areas. If your application sounds too general, it may fail to resonate with local employers. For example, referencing specific projects, companies or regional challenges can help show that you understand the industry and location you’re applying to.

4.      Repetitive Sentence Structures

AI-generated resumes often have a repetitive rhythm, using similar sentence structures throughout. This can make your application feel monotonous. When reviewing your resume and cover letter, vary your sentence structure to make it more engaging and natural.

How to Personalise Your Application

• Use AI as a Starting Point, Not the Final Product: AI can help draft content, but always revise and refine it to sound like you.

• Inject Your Own Voice: Read your application aloud - does it sound like something you would say? If not, adjust the wording to make it more authentic.

• Incorporate Specific Examples: Instead of saying you have great leadership skills, provide an example of a project where you successfully led a team.

• Align Your Content with the Job Description: Ensure your resume and cover letter directly address the key skills and responsibilities outlined in the job posting.

Conclusion

AI can be a useful tool in the job application process but relying on it too much can backfire if your resume and cover letter come across as generic or overly polished. Employers and recruiters value authenticity, experience and a clear understanding of the role. By using AI thoughtfully and ensuring your application reflects your personal skills and experiences, you can increase your chances of standing out for all the right reasons.