Clarissa Windham-Bradstock is CEO/Chief People Officer of Any Lab Test Now, a leading national retail healthcare and lab testing franchise.
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If your resolution for 2024 is landing a new job, the timing is right. Since hiring budgets go into effect in January and February, it’s time to dust off that old résumé and get busy updating. But you don’t just want a résumé reboot; you want to stand out in the crowd and be on the top of the pile. Some job seekers are turning to the powers of AI to help jazz up their job history. But could that potentially work against you? The answer is two-fold.
Experts either love this idea or hate it. Opponents say language-based generative AI platforms aren't intuitive enough to create a résumé that reflects your skills while providing the keywords needed to get through the first wall of tracking software. Meanwhile, proponents of artificial intelligence say it helps get the résumé writing project started. By providing generative tools with the proper prompts, the resulting résumé can be very effective. For example, you could ask an AI tool, “I’m applying for a job with XYZ company. What are five key points I should include in my résumé?”
As a CEO, I’ve looked at a few thousand résumés over the years, and I know what works. So I say, absolutely use generative AI as a tool for creating the first draft of a new, improved résumé! But don't leave it in that first iteration. Let AI assist you, but be prepared to humanize your résumé with careful editing. That’s a human touch that AI likely won't be able to produce, so it’s up to you to put in the work.
How To Perfect An AI-Generated Résumé
Your résumé writing strategy should focus on customizing content. A résumé or cover letter shouldn't look mass produced or like it could be sent to 50 other organizations. Right off the top, here are three key concepts to keep in mind as you work with an AI tool.
Utilize Keywords
Applicant tracking system (ATS) software is often used as the first screening for applicants. So including keywords in your résumé that are applicable to your industry is vital. For example, I lead a lab testing franchise system that surveys the use of medical jargon in résumés. Keywords like lab testing, screenings and bloodwork are very typical in our initial searches.
When using AI, however, be mindful that it might overstuff your résumé with keywords. This can have the opposite of your intended effect and get your résumé bounced from the ATS. You just want to show that you know industry terminology.
Be Specific
When describing your experience, give details that AI likely can't provide. For example, don’t just say “As a phlebotomist, I took daily blood samples.” Instead, write, “After making patients feel comfortable and verifying identification, I performed blood draws and transfusions for patients, then cataloged and stored samples for testing.”
Provide Stats
Supply the numbers. For example, if your résumé discusses performing blood draws on patients, you might say “My typical patient load was 15 clients a day, but due to efficient monitoring, that number increased to 20 patients a day within two years.” But remember to be truthful. Don’t fabricate details for appearances because that’s not a good way to start a new job.
Technology With The Personal Touch
Employers are starting to expect that candidates will use AI to help craft résumés. But if you engage with the technology, remember to use it as a tool for enhancement. Some things still have to be done the old-fashioned way, so customizing your messaging to reflect a specific position or company is up to you. After all, conveying excitement and passion for a potential new job can only be accomplished by humans.
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