Ask a Resume Writer: How Can I Ensure My AI-Generated Resume Is Accurate?

Generative AI is a huge timesaver for virtually anyone in any industry or profession, and it can be a powerful tool for job seekers, too. One specific use case for generative AI is resume writing, especially since most of us aren’t professional writers.

However, there are some risks of using AI for resumes – especially when it comes to ensuring your AI-generated resume is accurate to your career and showcases your specific experience and qualifications in the best light.

Even if it takes just one click to write with AI, a resume that includes made-up information or is too vague to pique anyone’s interest won’t help you take the next step in your career.

Read on to get expert tips from Laurie Ballow, a Certified Advanced Resume Writer at iHire, on how to use AI to write a resume that’s unique to you.

Start With Your Latest Resume

“If you have a resume already, use that as your starting point so you’re providing the AI tool with accurate information,” Ballow began. “You could also feed it your cover letter, bio, awards list, key project highlights, or anything else that might be relevant.”

If you give the technology correct data to begin with, the chances are higher that your AI-generated resume will be accurate.

“Just be sure to have privacy settings in place with whatever tool you’re using,” added Ballow. “You don’t want the personal information on your resume or other materials to fall into the wrong hands.”

Use an AI Tool Created for Resume Writing

“Find an AI tool that was specifically designed to create resumes,” Ballow recommended. “Ideally, the team behind the tool has completed the necessary work on the backend to ensure their AI delivers a resume that won’t need substantial editing or formatting.”

For example, iHire’s free Resume Builder is powered by AI, yet gives you complete control over the content and allows you to make any necessary edits. It will suggest content based on your industry and prompt you to personalize sections to ensure they’re accurate to your career. When you’re finished, your resume will be packaged in an eye-catching layout that follows best practices for both ATS and human review.

“The best resume AI tools will also be developed by professional resume writers and career coaches,” Ballow said. “Do your research before jumping in.”

How to Use AI to Write a Resume With Specific Prompts

“If you’re using an open-ended program instead that enables you to put in whatever prompt you like, be mindful of what you ask AI to do,” Ballow said.

Simply typing, Take my resume and make it as strong as possible for a senior accountant role, might result in a document that looks good on the surface, but it may not reflect your actual experience.

“While this won’t guarantee complete accuracy, you could try including something like ‘only reference the data I’ve provided when writing my resume’ or ‘cite your sources for any new information’ so you can fact-check the results,” Ballow suggested. “You could also instruct it to follow resume best practices such as using a summary paragraph, skills section, and achievements with bullet points.”

Experiment with your prompts to see which ones produce the best results.

Double-Check Everything

“AI tends to make things up, or ‘hallucinate,’ and this can occur anywhere in your AI-generated resume,” warned Ballow. “It could fabricate achievements and stats, make up fake descriptions of a former employer, falsify your degree name, or include skills you don’t have. Check every word on your resume!”

Speaking of words…

“If the AI tool used a million-dollar word that you’d never say or added in a term that you don’t understand, take it out,” Ballow added. “The last thing you want is to be asked about it in an interview and have no idea what they’re talking about!”

Ask a Friend to Review Your AI-Generated Resume

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of an outsider’s perspective – another human’s opinion – when using AI for resumes.

“Regardless of whether you wrote your resume or AI created it, always ask someone you trust to review your almost-final document with fresh eyes,” Ballow said. “They’ll likely notice things you’ve overlooked at this point, be it mistakes or phrasing that seems off and obviously created by AI.”

Check out our Resource Center for more resume writing guidance, including articles, on-demand webinars, podcasts, and templates. You can also explore our time-saving resume tools or contact our resume writing team to work one-on-one with a professional writer.