ChatGPT Resume Writing - Disaster or Efficient?

I've been observing how AI, specifically Language Learning Models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT, are now helping candidates write their resumes - these observation experiences have been both positive and negative with one resume I read having mixed fonts clearly copied out of ChatGPT (Segoe UI 12 with a grey highlight). There's an interesting irony to this as many large organisations use technology driven screening protocols so we have "robots reviewing robot written resumes". But I don't think this is a bad thing when used with caution.

What is a resume? A resume or CV is a brief document, often no more than two-pages in length, containing summative information pertaining to an individuals' career experience and value in a business setting. By nature, a CV is a mere representation and can never 100% accurately represent an individuals' skillset and therefore job interview process often have testing protocols to asses knowledge.

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AI and Resume Writing: A Perfect Match?

Many job seekers seem to find these AI tools beneficial. After all, distilling years, even decades, of professional experience, skills, and achievements onto a few pages is no easy task. If an LLM like ChatGPT can make the process more succinct, compelling and less stressful, it could be seen as a great step forward.

There is a growing concern, however, around the accuracy and authenticity of these AI-enhanced resumes. With any automated process, there's a risk of misrepresentation or over-simplification of a candidate's experiences and skills. It’s crucial that the output is accurate and reflects the individual authentically.

Does AI Level the Playing Field?

In the era of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), one could argue that using AI to write resumes merely levels the playing field. Most large organisations use ATS to filter through thousands of resumes based on keywords and phrases, so using AI to optimise a resume for ATS is a logical step.

However, we need to consider the consequences. Is the hiring process turning into an AI vs. AI game, where human interaction becomes secondary? While it's an efficient way to screen resumes, we must remember that ATS and AI tools should assist, not replace, the human decision-making process.

The Role of Organisations

If the rise of AI-crafted resumes is inevitable, how should organisations respond? It is crucial for companies to put protocols in place to ensure that they can distinguish between AI-enhanced resumes and those written by the candidates themselves. It's important to validate the authenticity of the information during the interview process and to rely on thorough competency and reference checks.

This would may foster a future environment where job selection is predicated on results in testing not just a CV presented.

A Word of Caution for Candidates

While these AI tools can be helpful, a word of caution for candidates: Be mindful of potential "hallucinations." Hallucinations in AI terms refer to instances where the AI might generate misleading or incorrect information based on the inputs given. This can happen especially if you're feeding it the job ad directly. In some cases, the AI may create information that sounds plausible but is entirely fabricated, or it might misinterpret your instructions and produce results that don't accurately reflect your intent.

The danger here is that these inaccuracies, if not caught, could misrepresent your skills or experiences to potential employers. This could lead to awkward situations in interviews when employers ask about something on your resume that isn't quite accurate, or it could even impact your credibility.

So while AI can be a powerful tool to help craft your resume, it's important to use it responsibly. Always review and edit your resume to ensure it’s an accurate reflection of your skills and experiences. Even more importantly, make sure it tells your unique professional story accurately and authentically.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, using AI LLMs like ChatGPT for writing resumes can bring efficiency and precision to the job application process. But we need to strike a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining the personal touch that defines who we are as professionals. After all, our resumes are more than just a checklist of skills and experiences—they're our personal story of professional growth and achievement.

I'm Douglas, former data analyst now helping businesses secure top data talent with DR Analytics Recruitment - we build data teams.