The pros and cons of using AI in CV writing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized a wide range of activities in our daily working lives, and resume writing is no exception. With tools like ChatGPT gaining popularity, job seekers are increasingly turning to AI for assistance in creating their resumes and cover letters. While there are advantages to using AI in this process, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks and the broader impact of AI on the recruitment sector, including concerns related to bias. In this article I will explore the rise of AI in resume writing, highlighting its pros and cons, and taking a look at the wider implications for the recruitment process.

Pros of Using AI for Resume Writing

Here are a few of the notable benefits of using AI for writing your resume and/or cover letter. 

Time-saving: Crafting a well-structured and tailored resume can be a time-consuming task, even for experienced applicants. Using AI tools like ChatGPT helps candidates generate content quickly and can provide a fully written document in seconds. However, there are some notable downsides which we will look at shortly. 

Overcoming writer's block: Writer's block can hinder the resume-writing process, making it difficult to get started or convey information effectively. AI can assist by providing prompts, suggestions, and even examples, helping job seekers overcome this creative barrier and jumpstart their resume writing process.

Starting point and organization: This carries on from my previous point. AI tools can provide a starting point by offering a basic outline for a resume. Job seekers can then build upon this foundation, saving time and effort. Additionally, AI can aid in organizing information by suggesting appropriate sections and structuring the resume effectively.

Spelling and grammar correction: Everyone makes errors and it can be hard to see the wood for the trees when proofing your own work. AI-powered grammar and spell-checking tools, such as Grammarly, can help job seekers eliminate errors in their resumes. These tools provide suggestions to enhance the clarity and professionalism of the document, ensuring a polished final result.

Cons of Using AI for Resume Writing

AI has a number of significant downsides which can seriously impact the quality of a candidate’s application. Let’s take a look. 

Generic content: AI-generated content is very likely to lack personalization and may fail to highlight an individual's unique experiences and qualifications effectively. While AI tools can provide a starting point, job seekers must invest time and effort into tailoring the content to align with specific job requirements and showcase their distinct skills and achievements.

Potential deviation from best practices: AI may not always adhere to industry standards and best practices for resume writing. Certain outdated practices, such as including objective statements or references on the resume, might be suggested. Job seekers need to review the content carefully to ensure it aligns with current resume trends and employer expectations.

Risk of similarity: Since AI tools gather information from various sources, there is a chance that the generated resumes may resemble those of other job seekers. Hiring managers value originality and a personalized approach, so having a resume that mirrors someone else's might diminish a candidate's chances of standing out. They may also use tools that detect AI-generated content which is likely to negatively impact your application. 

Implications for the Recruitment Sector

Now let’s look at some of the possible impacts on the world of recruitment for both businesses and candidates. 

Bias and fairness: The use of AI in resume writing and recruitment processes raises concerns about bias. AI algorithms are trained on existing data, which may contain inherent biases from historical hiring practices. If not carefully addressed, this can perpetuate discriminatory practices and hinder important diversity and inclusion efforts. Companies need to review AI-generated resumes with a critical eye, ensuring that the algorithms and data sources used are free from bias. 

Human involvement: While AI can automate certain aspects of the recruitment process, it is crucial to maintain human involvement and oversight. Human recruiters possess contextual understanding, empathy, and the ability to interpret nuances that AI may lack. Balancing AI-driven efficiency with human judgment is key to making informed hiring decisions and providing a positive candidate experience.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS): Many companies employ ATS software to handle the influx of resumes and streamline the initial screening process. AI-powered resume writing tools should align with the formatting and content requirements of these systems. Job seekers should be mindful of optimizing their AI-generated resumes for ATS compatibility to ensure their applications are properly processed and considered.

Ethical considerations: The rise of AI in resume writing prompts serious ethical questions about transparency and disclosure. Companies must be transparent about their use of AI and ensure that candidates are treated fairly and have a clear understanding of how AI factors into their application assessment.

Our Advice for Job Seekers

Use AI as a tool, not a substitute: AI can be a valuable resource in the resume writing process, but it should not replace the human touch. Leverage AI tools to generate initial content and structure, but invest time in personalizing and tailoring the resume to showcase your unique skills and experiences.

Review and edit: AI-generated resumes may contain errors or generic content. Take the time to review and edit the document, ensuring that it accurately reflects your qualifications and aligns with current resume standards.

Research industry trends: Stay updated on best practices and trends in resume writing. AI tools may not always account for the latest guidelines or employer preferences, so it is essential to supplement AI-generated content with your knowledge of current expectations.

Highlight your unique value: Emphasize your distinct achievements, skills, and experiences that set you apart from other candidates. Use the AI-generated content as a foundation but tailor it to effectively showcase your unique value proposition.

Seek human feedback: Share your AI-generated resume with trusted mentors, colleagues, or professional resume writers. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and ensure that your resume is compelling, engaging, and well-suited for the target audience.

The integration of AI in resume writing brings both advantages and challenges to job seekers and the recruitment sector. While AI tools offer time savings and assistance in overcoming writer's block, it is crucial to remain aware of the limitations and potential pitfalls. Job seekers should use AI as a tool to support their efforts, maintaining a balance between efficiency and personalization. Companies must prioritize transparency, fairness, and human involvement in the recruitment process to mitigate bias and ensure a positive candidate experience. By harnessing the benefits of AI while exercising critical judgment, job seekers can present themselves effectively and navigate the evolving landscape of recruitment.

At Bramwith we will always take pride in promoting the human touch in our recruitment processes. If you would like to find out more about building your ideal procurement and supply chain team, including recruiting candidates who specialise in AI, machine learning and managing big data, get in touch with our team today. We have access to some of the top candidates across the UK and US and we would love to help.