Can (and should!) AI Write Your CV?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has undeniably permeated diverse aspects of our lives, revolutionising the way we interact with technology. You may be using AI tech every day, and not know it.

If you've ever used assistants like Siri and Alexa, where you can ask questions and get an immediate response, you've experienced firsthand how AI can integrate with your day-to-day life to provide real-time answers.

AI is now helping with CV writing! These fancy AI tools speed up the process, using fancy algorithms to make your CV pop.

But, the question remains - should job seekers turn to artificial intelligence to write their CVs for them?

Understanding AI CV Writing

It's where AI tools step in to help craft job CVs. They analyse job descriptions, suggest content, and optimise keywords for custom CVs tailored to job requirements.

Tools like ChatGPT have made AI CV writing increasingly accessible. They provide an initial structure, incorporate user-specific information, and generate a preliminary draft of a CV that can be personalised further.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence technologies can create content that is free, fast and for the most part, readable.

Professionals are using AI to create all sorts of content including marketing copy, articles, eBooks, and videos, so it’s not a huge leap to consider how these technologies could be used to create CVs.

If you want ChatGPT to generate your CV from scratch, all you have to do is ask. Whether you want it to generate your professional profile or an individual bullet, ask it directly. For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you write a short, professional CV summary about my role as a Digital Marketing Manager & Copywriter?"

AI CV Writing: The Process Explained

AI tools follow a systematic process to ensure the creation of any content. The most crucial part of the process is you inputting the right data. 

You will want to tell the AI tool what you want to create - in this case a CV, and all of the details that you want to include such as the job role you are applying for, your name, past work experience, education and interests. Here's how it works:

1. Job Matching and Analysis

The AI-powered tools commence the process by analysing the job description of the target position, and identifying essential skills, qualifications, and requirements explicitly mentioned in the job posting.

2. Keyword Optimisation

The artificial intelligence identifies vital keywords and phrases derived from the job description that align with the user's background and qualifications. These keywords are strategically integrated into the CV to enhance its visibility and relevance to applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers.

4. Content Generation

Based on the user's input and job description analysis, the AI generates content for different sections, including work experience, skills, education, and certifications.

5. Tailored Content

The AI tailors the generated content to match the specific job requirements, highlighting the user's skills and experiences to ensure the CV aligns with the employer's needs.

AI CV Writing: Are There Any Downsides?

Artificial intelligence can help with formatting and basic information, but it lacks the human touch needed to truly understand your career journey and aspirations. It can't coach you or convey your passion and personality effectively. 

That's where human input and intuition come in, helping you craft a resume that truly reflects who you are and what you bring to the table.

AI writing offers a load of advantages, such as speed and ease, but it's essential to consider potential drawbacks. 

Recruiters and hiring managers are becoming more adept at detecting AI-generated content in CVs. Submitting AI-generated materials without customisation could lead to rejection.

Think of it as an incredibly useful starting point when you're feeling stuck or uncertain about what to write. It can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as help highlight keywords from job descriptions to tailor your resume effectively.

AI tools are not perfect. They will use some words that send pretty strong signals to anyone reading that it is artificially generated. These sentence openers include:

“In conclusion…”

“Furthermore…”

“It is important to note…”

“Thank you for reading…”

“It’s understandable…”

“While…”

“For instance…”

“However, it’s…”

“Incorporating…”

“Moreover…”

“Remember…”

They may sometimes provide plausible-sounding but incorrect answers. In contexts where concise and clear communication is crucial, relying solely on AI-generated content may result in a CV that fails to meet the exact requirements.

So, Can I Use AI at All When Writing My CV?

Yes, you can, but the key is to use it collaboratively. 

AI can provide a general structure, suggest suitable keywords, and even give you a nudge when you're dealing with writer's block. 

Let AI create a bullet point list of your responsibilities at a previous job, and then you go in and detail the specific impact of your work. 

Did you improve sales by 20%? Did you lead a team that launched a successful project? What software are you experienced in using? These personalised details are what set you apart from the rest.

Incorporating AI into your CV writing process can save time and provide a solid foundation. 

Don’t forget to add your unique touch, emphasising your skills, experiences, and achievements. After all, it's these human elements that truly make a CV stand out.

Striking the Right Balance 

Embracing can be a game-changer for job seekers who are short on time or confidence. It offers a simplified, efficient approach to drafting a professional CV. AI can assist in generating content, but it's essential to remember that human review and input remain crucial.

Some hiring managers view obviously AI-generated cover letters or CVs as unethical or deceptive. You might be ruining your chance at the role you're excited about. Rewrite to ensure authenticity.

Striking the balance between utilising AI's efficiency and maintaining a personal touch is the key to a compelling CV and getting your foot through the door to the interview stage. 

Your CV is a representation of your professional journey. Although AI can provide a helping hand, it's your unique experiences and accomplishments that will ultimately shine through and capture potential employers' attention.