The Risks and Challenges of Crafting an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Resume
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday tasks has revolutionized how we approach work, communication, and even job applications. AI tools, like ChatGPT, offer job seekers new avenues for crafting polished resumes quickly and efficiently. But is using AI to write your resume a ticket to landing that interview, or could it sabotage your chances? Before creating an AI resume, you should be aware of the benefits, potential pitfalls, and best practices when incorporating artificial intelligence resume-writing tools into your job search strategy.
The Double-Edged Sword of an AI Resume
The allure of an AI resume is clear: it’s fast, convenient, and can help generate an organized document that highlights key skills and achievements. With a few simple prompts, job seekers can create a polished resume in a fraction of the time it would take to write one manually. However, as with any tool, there are risks involved.
One major challenge is that AI-generated resumes often lack an authentic voice. While the text may appear polished and professional, it can come across as generic or impersonal. This is especially true for recruiters and hiring managers who review hundreds of applications and develop an instinct for spotting formulaic content. An AI resume may tick the boxes for structure and grammar, but fall short in conveying the unique personality or motivations of the applicant.
Employers may also be wary of resumes that appear too perfectly formatted or use language that seems detached. The human element—those personal touches and nuanced stories—is what often sets applicants apart. If a resume feels too polished, it can raise questions: Was this genuinely written by the candidate? Do they have the skills to articulate their experiences clearly? These concerns highlight why using AI to write your resume must be approached with careful consideration.
Can an AI Resume Help or Hurt Your Chances?
Whether an AI resume will help or hurt your chances of securing an interview depends on how it’s used. The primary benefit of artificial intelligence resume tools is their ability to organize and present information effectively. With tailored prompts, AI can assist in highlighting relevant skills and experiences aligned with a job description. This can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with organizing their thoughts or knowing what employers are looking for.
However, over-reliance on AI could backfire. Many job applicants make the mistake of submitting an AI-generated resume without thoroughly reviewing or personalizing it. The result? A resume that may look impressive, but feels detached and lacks genuine storytelling. Employers increasingly value soft skills, adaptability, and cultural fit—qualities that can be difficult for AI to encapsulate authentically. Relying solely on AI could lead to a resume that, while technically proficient, fails to resonate with a hiring manager on a personal level.
Despite the risks, there are strategic ways to leverage AI in crafting a compelling resume. Here are the best tips for ensuring that using AI to write your resume works to your advantage:
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Use AI as a Drafting Tool, Not the Final Product
Start by using AI to generate a first draft that lays out your achievements, job responsibilities, and skills. This can help you overcome writer’s block and provide a structured foundation. However, do not submit this draft without thorough revisions. Infuse your own voice and personal anecdotes that reflect your unique journey. Use AI to edit content you have written and enhance your wording.
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Review for Consistency and Personalization
An artificial intelligence resume may sound impressive, but it’s essential to add personal touches. Tailor sections of the resume to include specifics about your experiences, challenges you’ve overcome, and outcomes you’ve achieved. This customization can make your resume stand out as an authentic representation of you.
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Beware of Overuse of Buzzwords
AI tools can be programmed to insert industry-specific jargon and trendy buzzwords, but overuse can make your resume sound forced or insincere. Strive for a balance between demonstrating your knowledge of the field and presenting yourself naturally.
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Proofread for Accuracy and Tone
AI-generated content can sometimes include factual errors or phrases that don’t align with your actual experiences. Carefully proofread your resume for any discrepancies. Ensure that the tone remains professional yet personal—it should sound like you, not just a polished algorithm.
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Highlight Your Authentic Voice
Employers are looking for candidates who can communicate clearly and effectively. While an AI resume can help structure your information, the voice of the resume should be unmistakably yours. Emphasize your key experiences, skills, and career aspirations in your words.
At Lloyd Staffing, we are using AI to both help identify candidates, screen resumes and applications and to improve an individual’s resume, VP of Technology, Billy Veraszto, weighs in…”I feel that if you are utilizing AI to assist in making your resume Stand Out in a highly saturated market, more power to you! If you are not embellishing your resume to the point of being untruthful, what would that matter? The end goal is to get yourself in front of the hiring manager. You won’t be able to use AI while being interviewed. That’s where you truly need to shine to get the position.”
Jeffrey Shapiro, Managing Director and Principal Consultant, heads up Lloyd’s Human Resources practice and other senior level searches, says, “My opinion, which of course comes with my own bias is shame on any employer that takes issue with a job seeker utilizing Generative AI to update or even enhance their resume or even craft a cover letter. Odds are that same organization utilized a language inclusivity tool like Textio or Datapeople to ensure their job postings are gender neutral, avoid ageism and incorporate inclusive language to enhance DEIB+ initiatives.”
Earlier this year, Forbes.com shared results of a study by the multi-purpose digital suite, Canva and quantitative research firm, Sago, showing that nearly half of all job seekers are using AI to improve their resumes. And perhaps most surprising, hiring managers are encouraging the use of AI for the creation of job search documents. 90% say that it’s acceptable to use generative AI in application materials. Nearly half (44%) say that it’s OK to use AI to create any content related to the interview process. And a majority of hiring managers (67%) believe that they can tell when they are reading an AI-modified résumé.
An informal poll by Lloyd, showed split opinions, 40% of hiring executives felt authenticity mattered so they disapproved of AI, while 40% felt the use of AI showed the candidate possessed an effective skill and 20% were undecided.
Why Employers Are Cautious About AI Resumes
The rise of AI has made employers more discerning. While they appreciate well-structured resumes, hiring managers are also aware of the prevalence of AI-generated content. A resume that feels too perfect or lacks personality may raise red flags. Employers often look for subtle indicators that show an applicant’s authentic voice and ability to communicate independently. This could mean choosing a candidate with a slightly less polished resume but one that tells a more compelling, personal story.
Moreover, as AI continues to evolve, so do employer expectations. Recruiters might now conduct more in-depth interviews or request writing samples to ensure that candidates can communicate in a manner consistent with their resume. For job seekers, this means that while AI tools can assist in the resume-writing process, they should be used with caution and strategic intent.
Striking the Right Balance
The key to using AI to write your resume lies in balance. Embracing the advantages of AI without losing your voice or authenticity is crucial. Start with AI to create a draft, but refine it to reflect your true character. Incorporate personal stories, highlight unique achievements, and avoid over-polishing the content to the point where it feels sterile.
Using an artificial intelligence resume tool can save time and provide structure, but it should not replace the essential task of personalizing your application. In a job market where first impressions matter, your resume must convey who you are, not just what AI thinks an ideal candidate should look like.
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Written by Nancy Schuman, CSP, the former Chief Commuications Officer for LLoyd Staffing.
A recruitment and career specialist, Nancy has more than 40 years in the staffing industry – 27 of them with LLoyd. Now semi-retired, she remains an advocate for career education; she has advised thousands of candidates on their resumes and job searches while also serving as the Careers columnist for a large weekly Long Island newspaper. Nancy has written 11 popular books for job seekers and business professionals. You can find her Author’s page and books on Amazon. She continues to blog for Lloyd and coach job seekers at all levels, offering advice for today’s competitive workplace.