AI tools have made it faster than ever to craft, refine and tailor a CV. Used well, they can sharpen your narrative and save you precious time. Used poorly, they can do the opposite, minimise the impact of your collective experience and raise red flags.
As recruiters reviewing hundreds of CVs, we’re seeing both.
Here’s how to use AI properly and where to exercise caution.
The do’s
Use AI to structure and clarify
AI is excellent at helping you organise your experience, tighten language and improve flow. It can turn rough notes into a clear, logical CV that’s easier to read.
Use it to sharpen your value proposition
AI can help you step back and see the bigger picture of your career. It can assist you in articulating the value you bring to your prospective employer. Tread carefully though, you do not want AI to rewrite your career history.
Use it to improve tone and confidence
Many strong candidates undersell themselves. Their language can minimise their role. AI can assist you with articulating your value more clearly.
Use AI as a second set of eyes
Think of it as an editor, not the author.
The don’ts
Don’t let AI invent experience
This is the fastest way to lose credibility. Experienced hiring managers and recruiters can spot generic or fabricated claims immediately.
Don’t over-polish to the point of sameness
We’re seeing endless CVs that read flawlessly but say very little. If your CV could belong to anyone you are left with no differentiator.
Don’t ignore your audience
AI doesn’t know the nuances of your industry and market. A CV for a permanent role with an end user for example, should read very differently to one for a startup.
Don’t rely on AI alone
If you can’t comfortably talk through what’s on your CV, it shouldn’t be there. This is where we are seeing an increasing number of candidates come undone. If you can not speak to your experience, you lose all credibility.
What we’re seeing in the market
AI is mainstream. Poorly used or over dependence on AI is becoming a differentiator and its not to your favour.
The strongest candidates are using AI to:
• Save time
• Improve clarity
• Tailor their story
They are not using it to replace experience.
Used thoughtfully, AI is a powerful tool when job seeking however used carelessly it could be performing you a massive disservice.
If you would like to learn more about what we are seeing from candidates in the current market please reach out to the team at Genesis.
