Using AI…but not relying on It

Artificially intelligence or AI has arguably one of the most trending topics of 2023, used in an almost infinite number of ways to make life easier. We can now use AI to help us format emails or write papers, give us workout plans and diet advice, offer recommendations on just about anything you can think of and it’s changing the way we live and work. But it is important to remember that we are still in the beta phases of AI. There are times when AI can benefit us, but we are now discovering there are times where AI can hinder us from success, especially when it comes to finding a job.  

Resumes  

We have released multiple articles speaking to resumes, but AI has “changed the game” and there are things to take under consideration when using AI for a resume. First and foremost, you should use AI to assist with your resume. According to resumegenius.com, AI has helped users to 7.8% more job offers and 8.4% higher wages for job seekers. This is wonderful news, but you can’t go to an AI site and type in “make me a resume” and expect to get anything that doesn’t seem hollow and the furthest thing from the definition of unique. And when submitting your resume that is the point – to stand out!. A resume should be more than a bulleted list of information about yourself. It needs to have a bit of character and something that doesn’t feel robotic within it.   

The notion of assistance in resume creation is not new- for decades job seekers have turned to resume creation services.  However, professional resume writers incorporated nuances that personalized the resume, something that AI cannot do.  Today, recruiters are increasingly focusing on fit with the culture of the prospective employer as well as requisite skills and experiences.    

When applied properly, AI is a highly effective tool for generating a draft resume that will meet the requirements of any online tools used to scan and evaluate candidates.  Its strength lies in: 

• Effectively using action verbs, concise bullet points, and industry specific terminology  
• Suggesting formats that enhance the overall readability and aesthetic appeal.   
• Structuring the resume to emphasize the content of greatest priority to hiring managers. If the position is highly skill-based, that information is provided up front.  If experience matters more, the resume will provide chronological data followed by skills summaries.  

Cover Letters  

A cover letter is a time to show your passion and motivation as to why you want that particular role. Speak to your experiences, qualifications and motivations – what drives you towards this specific new challenge? AI provides data, but it cannot deliver the creativity of the human brain. We must understand that there is a level of humanity and passion that has to be sprinkled into our work and writing and AI isn’t human, therefore we have to use our human-side in order to get certain work done.    

nextSource insights:  

Is AI a phenomenal tool that should be used for grammar errors, spell checks, a solid framework for projects, and honestly just a second pair of eyes on tasks and assignments? Absolutely! But nothing beats your talent and skill set that you have worked hard to improve over years of training and lived experience.   

Our advice: Use AI to generate a draft resume.  Then start editing.    

• Eliminate empty phrases that are typical to anyone’s resume.  
• Substantiate claims with facts.  What did you actually do that supports the claim being made?  
• Personalize the content to the specific job under consideration.  Why should you be selected for that specific job.  
• Make sure the resume is written in your voice.  
• Have others review and critique the resume before submitting. 

The cover letter is your opportunity to truly sell yourself.  What do you know about the company you are applying to?  Why do you want to work there?  Why should they choose you?  This cannot be generated by AI or by anyone else – take the time to show your authenticity.