AI as a CV writing tool

Can you use AI to write your CV? Yes, of course you can. But should you? That’s a more nuanced question. Let’s take a look at it from every angle, with perspectives from recruiters, CV writers and job seekers.

The job-seeker perspective on AI CVs

The job market is difficult at the moment, but it has never been easier to apply for jobs at pace and at volume. In theory, it’s possible to lose your job in the morning, create an AI CV at lunchtime, and apply for a hundred jobs before the end of the day. That doesn’t mean it’s a good idea!

Let’s start with the AI CV. Yes, it’s easy to create a CV with AI – but remember that the quality of the output is only as good as the quality of the input. That includes both the prompt used and the data that the AI is drawing on to generate the output. The CV produced will necessarily be generic, based on the most

available and the information provided by the applicant. It will lack personality, but more importantly the AI won’t delve deeper to ask the questions that will make the CV unique and compelling.

As for applying at volume – well, that would mean using the same CV for every role. To really stand out,

to the specific role it’s being used for. Even using AI, that will take time to achieve.

In its defence, an AI CV is free to write – but a free AI CV that doesn’t land interviews is a waste of time that could be better spent doing something more productive.

The recruiter perspective on AI CVs

While some recruiters are happy to accept AI CVs, many more are not. Those that do seem to be recruiting for lower-level jobs, rather than leadership or

. A common complaint is that the CVs they receive are not just written using AI, they have also been tailored by feeding the

into AI – resulting in numerous, almost identical CVs being received for the same role. This obviously makes shortlisting extremely difficult, and many recruiters are binning CVs that are clearly AI-generated as a result.

Recruiters are also being overwhelmed by the high volume of CVs they receive, now that applications are as easy as clicking a button. While those using AI to screen and reject CVs are very much still in the minority, AI tools are increasingly being used as part of the recruitment process. While humans are still the ultimate decision-makers, the time they can dedicate to each CV is decreasing, meaning that CVs need to work hard to stand out, rather than getting lost in the mass of similar AI-generated CVs. Recruitment processes also need to be more rigorous, and therefore longer, to cope with the volume and differentiate between candidates.

The CV writer perspective on AI CVs

The CV-writing industry has taken a hit since AI became mainstream, as work has been lost as clients choose AI over

. Established CV writers are adapting in different ways. Some are integrating AI tools into their practice, while others are focusing on the human element. The best route, as so often in life, lies somewhere in between.

While AI-written CVs can be a strong starting block, they should never be used without some human intervention between the LLM and the job application. AI can produce a CV outline easily and can even populate each section with relevant data, if the right detail is provided. What they can’t yet do, that a human expert can, is identify specific skills, experience, and insight that the applicant may have and which they may not realise is relevant to their application. Nor can it tailor a CV to a role while maintaining the human touch, balance expertise with personality, or provide the reassurance and confidence that a human CV writer can.

What is the future of CVs?

AI is here to stay and can be a useful tool in both recruitment and job applications. However, both sides still need the human element, as trust is built on human bonds and communication. If we can’t achieve that, we’ll soon be living in a world where AI creates CVs, bots auto-apply to job adverts generated by other bots, so that another AI can shortlist candidates for an interview with another bot, which will be evaluated by yet another, until someone is informed they have a job they didn’t apply to in which they’ll be creating prompts for AI to do the work previously done by humans. It’s not just a dystopian nightmare; it’s a compliance and ethical nightmare too!

Until then, AI and humans must work together at every stage – and that includes

. A human CV writer can spot gaps, prioritise, draw out expertise, and present a rounded, human applicant who can not just do the job but can also fit in as part of the team.

Top tips for using AI to write a CV

• AI can be used to structure a CV in line with best practice and to proof-read an existing CV – it performs well in this respect

• Use very detailed prompts and responses to avoid an overly generic CV and bear in mind that the sources the AI is using to create the CV may not be considered best practice or relevant to your personal circumstances

• As AI-generated CVs lack nuance, they should not be used until they have been reviewed by a human, to remove the robotic element and replace it with a warmer and more natural tone

TL:DR

AI can be used as a CV writing tool, but the CV generated should never be used without human amendments.

Speak to an expert

Whether you’re an AI fan or not, Word Dragon can help you to make sure that every CV you send out accurately represents you and positions you as a strong candidate for the job.

The

is completely AI free, ensuring that your CV is unique and tailored to you and your career aspirations. This service is best for those who aren’t getting results with their current CV or don’t have one prepared at all.

If you’ve already created an AI CV, the

balances that with human input – you’ll receive constructive feedback and suggestions that will help you to fine-tune your document. This option is best for those who are reasonably satisfied with their existing CV, keen to keep costs down, and don’t mind putting the time and effort into making the recommended changes.

Word Dragon services are all delivered by a human, with no AI input, so you can be sure that, whatever you order, you’re receiving a personal service tailored exactly to your needs. And AI can’t give you that confidence!

to get your job search on the right track!