Writing a resume is one part of the job search journey that artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed in the last 12 months. As ChatGPT and other similar platforms (e.g. - a company that created this article) gain popularity, job seekers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for assistance in creating their resumes.
While there are benefits to employing AI in this process, it is essential to weigh the potential disadvantages as well as the broader effects of AI on the hiring industry, including issues with ATS and hiring manager overload. The article will examine the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in resume writing, discussing whether AI resume tools are worth it and exploring their benefits and drawbacks.
The Rise of AI Tools for Resumes
Technology and the employment market are two things that are constantly changing. AI is now finding its way into every touchpoint of the job search journey.
We bucket AI in the application space into resume creation, resume optimization, job searching (and matching), applying, and job interviews. Crackerjack is focused on optimization and applying, where most of this article is focused.
In short, resume AI tools are best suited for “co-piloting” the job search. The tools that can help automate highly repetitive or standardized tasks are time savers and allow you to focus your efforts on personalization. Think of things such as resume formatting (standardization) and job searching (repetitive). We would always advise using some sort of tool for these areas to be more efficient.
The “new” AI tools coming to market - and Crackerjack Resume is in this camp - are promising to either fully automate the job hunt process or give your personalized applying a head start.
Can these tools deliver on their promised value?
Hiring managers may be more likely to notice resumes that are tailored to a job's needs thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can evaluate job descriptions and analyze resumes.
Where does AI work well for today’s job hunter?
Analysis and matching of jobs
AI resume tools begin by examining the job description for the intended role. They highlight the essential abilities, credentials, and specifications listed in the job advertisement.
Think of LinkedIn’s new quick matching feature or suggested roles. These tools will look at your previous job experience and past application history and match you to open roles.
Input and resume formatting
It’s no secret that resumes should be ATS-friendly to have the most success. There are now dozens of really good products that allow job hunters to fill out these AI resume creators with their personal data, employment history, education, abilities, and other pertinent information in a quick form. The tool then generates an ATS-friendly version of your details. Users can select a resume template based on industry standards and their preferences.
These tools are quick and easy and also have been trained on best formatting practices - use them!
Optimizing keywords
AI resume tools really earn their value in their ability to extract essential terms and phrases from the job description that are pertinent to the user's experience and credentials. The purpose of deliberately incorporating these keywords into the resume is to increase its exposure and relevance to companies' applicant tracking systems (ATS).
This is the worst-kept secret in the hiring world. Well-structured keywords and hard skills will increase your chance of being seen by a hiring manager.
This is what Crackerjack Resume and other tools have been trained to do. This can be the most tedious task of a job hunt - tailoring a resume for each job - but pays dividends.
This is also what we alluded to earlier. Tools in this category give you keywords to work with but allow you to personalize how you use them. It’s all about keeping your resume personal and not overstuffing with keywords.
Examine and modify
To guarantee correctness and completeness, users can check the generated information and make any necessary modifications. The best way to quickly modify a resume for a job description is to have a quick editing web app or extension. This allows you to rearrange your bullet points and add new keywords without doing re-formatting / heavy editing of your entire resume.
Grammar and spelling correction
Everyone makes mistakes, and when you proofread your work, it can be challenging to see the forest for the trees. AI-powered spell and grammar checkers, such as Grammarly, can help job seekers eliminate errors from their resumes. These tools offer advice on how to improve the document's professionalism and clarity, guaranteeing a polished outcome.
When the user is happy with the material that has been generated, they can polish their resume and save it in a format that can be uploaded to job search websites or sent to potential employers.
Using the AI resume tools above have time-saving benefits and can give you the best resume for the job you’re applying for. But, several tools and strategies are coming to the market that may not have much value.
Disadvantages of AI resume tools:
Resume Keywords
You’re not seeing double. Yes, keyword AI resume tools are valuable if they provide relevant keywords. Some tools provide very high-level keywords or the AI picks up irrelevant words. Also, these tools may lack personalization. AI resume tools are great at optimizing keywords, but they could have trouble grasping the subtleties of a candidate's distinct background and character. This personalization may lead to resumes that sound generic and don't make an impression.
Auto job applications
Ah. The dream of uploading a resume and having it sent, automatically, to jobs that match your experience is close at hand. There are several tools available right now, but as an applicant, you’re playing to “spray and pray” game. The AI and matching algorithms still have a ways to go before jobs are best aligned for your experience and your application is 100% customized by the AI tool for your qualifications, personal details, and screening questions.
We always advocate for the “hybrid” approach where you use a service that can autofill personal information, but you still screen for the jobs you want to apply for and tailor your resume for that job.
Job Matching
With so many variations of job titles and many overlapping skills in industries, algorithms get mixed up with job recommendations. Think about how many project manager variations there are in the world. And matching just on the job title would bring in a lot of noise to your feed. The best recommendation engines are the ones that use your previous search or application history to feed their suggestion engines, like LinkedIn Jobs.
*Limited Adaptability for Creative Professions
Not so much a category of tools but a general callout.
AI systems may not be able to fully capture the range of abilities and talents possessed by creative professionals, such as authors or artists. Accurately interpreting artistic expression and creativity can be difficult for algorithms.
Navigating the Decision-Making Process
When considering AI resume tools, job seekers must approach the matter strategically. When making decisions, bear the following points in mind.
Evaluate Your Industry: Distinct industries have distinct requirements when it comes to resumes. To ascertain whether AI solutions are compliant with industry standards, investigate the conventions and preferences in your particular profession.
Balance Automation with Personalization: Achieving a balance between customization and automation is crucial. Even while AI programs are capable of handling some tasks effectively, you still need to add a personal touch to highlight your unique abilities and experiences.
Keep Up with Technological Developments: Artificial Intelligence is a field that is constantly changing. Make sure you are using the most recent and efficient technology by keeping up with the most recent developments and changes in AI resume tools.
Conclusion
There is no universally applicable response to the question, "Are AI Resume Tools worth it?" The effectiveness of these tools is contingent upon a number of elements, such as personal preferences, industry standards, and the particular requirements of the labor market. Job seekers need to carefully balance the advantages and disadvantages, taking into account how AI technologies fit into their specific application tactics and career ambitions.
It is necessary to accept technological improvements in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of job searching. The degree to which AI resume tools enhance a person's job search strategy and turn the pursuit of career success into a fully customized experience determines whether or not they are worthwhile.
