Writing a CV can be overwhelming. In some ways the extensive advice you can find online, and numerous templates, make it harder. There is too much choice and too many options! The thought of your CV looking the same as everyone else’s is almost as daunting as staring at a blank page.
Enter generative AI.
Generative AI tools for CV writing are everywhere and they can definitely be advantageous if used correctly. In a recent study conducted by Resume Builder, it was concluded that 78% of candidates received interview offers when using material written by the well-known AI resource ChatGPT. Whilst the naysayers may think this points to laziness or an inability to write properly, the opposite side of the argument is that the author is simply giving their CV the best chance of being read. If AI screening tools are going to be used to filter applications, then it makes perfect sense to use AI to optimise your CV.
Below is how best to use one of many free generative AI CV builder tools currently available.
Format and consistency
AI is a great tool to use to generate a basic format, and not just for CVs. When it comes down to an application, we know that recruiters and hiring managers prefer a simple format. AI will help to generate the information in a generic way, without any of the fancy added extras. It will also reduce the risk of mistakes and inconsistencies as long as you have used the correct prompts in the first place. You also need to ensure that you take the time to personalise your CV as much as possible, to avoid it looking like everyone else’s!
Keywords and optimisation
Keywords are extremely helpful to help CVs get noticed and need to be considered when writing a CV. They help recruiters match candidates to job titles, whether they are using a screening software or manually scanning for particular experience or qualifications. It is not always intuitive to use write for screening purposes, and it is often easy to incorrectly assume that readers will understand your style, jargon or vernacular. However, be careful not to remove all traces of your personality. After all, once you have been shortlisted it is a real person that will be sat on the opposite side of the interview table, and they will be interested in who you are as well as your skills and experience.
Combatting bias and unfair self-assessment
We can all be critical and unfair when writing about ourselves. It’s important to not overplay or downplay skills. You need to be to the point and honest. AI is great to create an unbiased view solely on experience and qualifications. It can package the information you give it in a clear and simple way that highlights what is important.
However, AI can be over enthusiastic. To temper the tone ensure that you use appropriate prompts to match to the roles you are applying for. For example, “write for a professional audience…” or “write for a creative mindset…”. A good prompt to use to keep a CV formal is “write with limited excitement.”
Perhaps the most important thing to understand with generative AI tools, is that what you get out is only as good as what you put in. The more tailored and accurate the prompts, and the more detail you provide, the more refinements you do, the better the results will be.
Once you have generated your CV, you need to carefully read over it checking for errors and further personalising it where you can. Remember open AI isn’t completely up to date and (at time of writing) won’t pull the most relevant or correct information.
