I get asked to review resumes daily, and I have to say – it’s something I absolutely love doing! There’s nothing quite like helping candidates find the perfect words to showcase their talents. If you’re ever unsure how to describe your responsibilities or achievements, AI can be a great resource, suggesting better ways to present them and ensuring your contributions are highlighted in the best possible way.

Here are a few ways AI can be a total game-changer when it comes to fine tuning you resume:

Resume Optimization

Skills Matching: Employers are always on the hunt for candidates who match the specific skills they need. If your resume includes the same key phrases and keywords as the job description, you’re more likely to get noticed and move forward in the interview process. AI tools can help identify those key skills for a specific role and match them with your experience, ensuring you highlight the most relevant competencies on your resume.

Grammar and Style Checking

Error-Free Writing: Okay, confession time—I’m always joking that I need to go back to 3rd grade for a grammar refresher (please tell me I’m not the only one!). If you’re like me and sometimes miss those little mistakes, AI can be a lifesaver. It can check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and assess the tone of your writing to make sure your resume sounds professional and clear. Consider it your personal proofreader.

Tailoring for Specific Jobs

Customizing for Job Roles: When I first started in recruiting 20 years ago, I was totally against changing your resume for each job. “This is YOU, take it or leave it!” I used to say. But, over the years, I’ve had a change of heart. Now, I love tweaking resumes to really showcase your skills and experience for a particular role. AI can analyze a job description and suggest changes to tailor your resume accordingly. However, please don’t change your job title to match the job description, even if AI suggests it! Employers will double check, and trust me, honesty is always the best policy.

Popular AI Tools for Resume Assistance

• Jobscan: This tool compares your resume to a specific job posting and helps you optimize your resume to match the job description.
• Resumake: An AI-powered tool that offers templates and professional suggestions to help you build and customize your resume.
• Zety: Another resume builder that uses AI to suggest formatting and phrasing to make your resume look clean and polished.
• Grammarly: While Grammarly is primarily for writing assistance, it’s perfect for ensuring your resume has a professional tone and that all the little details are spot on.

As a friendly reminder, don’t rely on AI to write your resume from start to finish. It’s easy to spot a resume that’s been entirely AI-generated, and it strips away your original voice and personality. Your resume should reflect you—your experiences, achievements, and career aspirations. I recommend using AI only once your resume is fully written. It serves to refine and clarify your resume, ensuring your unique story is highlighted with clarity and impact.