According to recent surveys, 50 to 75% of job seekers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for many parts of their job searches, including creating resumes, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and optimizing their LinkedIn profiles. I predict that upwards of 90% of job seekers will rely heavily on AI within the next couple of years. The rapid adoption of this relatively new technology makes sense because AI is being used for all the parts of a job search that are tedious and time-consuming.
Before AI, job-seekers had to craft their resumes, and spend hours on job applications. But AI can produce a resume and cover letter in seconds. As with all things that sound too good to be true, AI has its benefits . . . as well as some significant downsides. Read on to learn how to avoid falling victim to AI’s pitfalls.
If you do not have a resume or you need a resume overhaul, you can turn to AI resume builders that promise to deliver an impactful resume that will get the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. However, you will need to collaborate intensively with AI to get the results you want. Do not just go with the first iteration resume that AI produces for you.
The quality of your prompts matters. The more specific the prompt, the better the AI-generated response. Since resume bullets are difficult to create, AI can help you describe your duties from previous positions. But you need to prompt AI further in order to get a quality bullet.
Here’s an AI-generated bullet:
• Provided excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment
To improve this generic bullet, you would have to make further prompts, such as: “Create metrics, achievements, and outcomes based on these responsibilities.”
AI can be helpful for strengthening sections of your resume, such as your Summary or Endorsements Section. It is an absolute must that your resume matches the job ad as closely as possible. These days, many companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems that rank candidates according to how well their resumes match the job requirements.
AI resume writers also provide design help. I have found some AI-created resumes that have impressive design elements. At the same time, I would also caution the use of excessive design elements (e.g. tables, charts, and graphics) that might actually be unreadable.
All of these enticing features of AI can mislead you into thinking that AI is a completely innovative, up-to-date technology that is error-proof. Nothing is further from the truth! I think of AI as a bright teenager who can do a lot to help, but is inexperienced, too quick to come to conclusions, doesn’t do things in depth, and is prone to making mistakes.
Here are some significant caveats to consider when using AI in resume writing:
• AI can exaggerate your accomplishments to such an extent that you end up lying on your resume.
• AI has a hallucination problem, so you might end up including false information.
• AI resumes tend to have a generic, formal feel, which is a telltale sign that there is no real person behind the resume. Candidates who rely exclusively on AI do not stand out from the crowd. Think about what makes you unique and bring the flavor of you to your resume.
• Privacy is an important consideration. If you are uncomfortable with having AI read and learn all about your personal life, you are probably better off not using AI for resume and job applications. At the very least, remove all identifying and private information before uploading to AI.
• Employers are starting to use AI detection tools to weed out candidates who depend on AI, so using AI in part or entirely may cost you the job.
• AI can pull from outdated sources, thus giving you information that is no longer current and is obviously false.
The upshot of all these caveats is that a human eye and touch are still needed for the creation of a truly outstanding resume. AI should never replace YOU – use it as a supplementary tool for your resume writing, but be the one in charge of using these tools. Remember that employers genuinely want to know more about the uniqueness of you, not the uniqueness of AI.
There is so much more to say about AI and your job search. Stay tuned for future articles where I’ll dive deep into AI and interview preparation and networking.
PS—This article was written by an actual human, not AI, so any hallucinations in the article are due to human error.
Anne Chan is a career consultant and licensed California psychotherapist. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at an*********@***il.com © Anne Chan, 2025
