Title: Ask a Recruiter: Can ChatGPT Help Write Your Résumé?
Welcome to CB’s work-advice column featuring Emily Durham, a Toronto-based senior recruiter at Intuit, who has gained popularity on TikTok for her funny and relatable videos about work-related topics. Each month, Emily answers reader questions and offers insights on how to navigate challenging situations in the workplace. If you have a work-related question, send it to [email protected].
Question: Is it acceptable to use ChatGPT to assist in writing my résumé, or will it have a negative impact on my job prospects?
Writing résumés can be a daunting task, especially when you’re searching for a new job. It’s no wonder that many job seekers are turning to artificial intelligence to streamline the process and save time. However, it’s crucial to understand how to leverage ChatGPT effectively without compromising the quality of your résumé.
While ChatGPT can be a useful tool for creating a generic résumé or cover letter template, relying on it to compose your entire résumé may not be ideal. ChatGPT lacks the ability to grasp implied meaning or accurately convey your personal brand. It can provide prompts and industry-specific information, but it falls short when it comes to capturing the nuances of your experiences, passions, and career ambitions.
My recommendation is to use ChatGPT to develop the initial draft of your résumé and then invest time in editing it yourself. For instance, if you’re interested in a finance role, ask ChatGPT to write a résumé for a senior finance analyst role at a bank and provide as much relevant information about your experience, qualifications, and work history as possible. ChatGPT will generate suggestions for your résumé, which you can then transfer to your desired résumé template.
However, it’s crucial to review the draft critically. Ensure that it accurately reflects the specific details of your previous jobs and the tasks you performed. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable outcomes and consider whether the tone aligns with your personal brand. You should supplement the initial draft with additional information about your responsibilities, metrics, and even your career aspirations. These specific details will help you stand out to recruiters, especially if they are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
ChatGPT can also be used as a search tool to determine the top skills needed for a specific job. While the generated information can be valuable in informing what you include on your résumé, it’s crucial to remember that ChatGPT provides commonly accepted answers rather than nuanced responses to specific questions.
To maximize the benefits of AI, use ChatGPT as a framework and seek feedback from real people in your industry. Have professionals review your résumé to ensure it meets the latest industry trends and offers valuable information that appeals to recruiters and hiring managers.
For individuals in creative industries or those looking to switch careers, relying solely on a traditional résumé created by ChatGPT may not be sufficient. In these cases, it is essential to explain your career transition or highlight unique experiences that AI may fail to recognize. Jobs that require creativity, such as marketing or graphic design, demand a human touch that ChatGPT may lack.
While ChatGPT is a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency, it’s important to remember that workplaces seek to hire real individuals. AI can serve as a starting point, but it’s up to you to mold it into a finished product by adding data, details, and personal touches that humanize your résumé.
In conclusion, ChatGPT can revolutionize résumé writing, but it should be viewed as a starting point. By utilizing AI as a stepping stone and incorporating your own expertise, you can create a compelling résumé that stands out to potential employers. Remember, it’s your personal touch that makes all the difference.
Read Next: Is ChatGPT Coming for Your Job?
