A well-written resume is crucial in today’s competitive job market, with a Adobe Study which shows that the chance that a submitted resume will lead to a job interview is only 1 in 17.
To increase these chances, job seekers are now using AI tools to refine their resumes to ensure they are tailored to specific job descriptions, contain relevant industry keywords, and are free of common mistakes.
While more and more people are using AI to make their resumes stand out, it’s important to know what employers think of resumes created using AI.
How acceptable is the use of AI for resumes?
AI-powered tools can optimize resume content by analyzing job descriptions, suggesting relevant keywords, and ensuring that the language matches industry standards. These tools can also help eliminate common mistakes like spelling and grammar errors, which are often cited as red flags by hiring professionals. Also, using AI for resumes doesn’t exactly lower your chances of getting the job, as 64% of recruiters approve of the use of AI in resumes.
Despite these benefits, only a small percentage of job seekers are using AI to enhance their resumes. Adobe Acrobat’s research found that only 28% of U.S. job seekers are currently using AI for this purpose, suggesting there is still untapped potential for AI in resume creation.
Interestingly, the adoption of AI in resume building varies significantly across generations. One in three Gen Zers have used AI to build their resumes, making them the generation most likely to embrace the technology. This trend reflects Gen Zers’ familiarity with digital tools and their comfort with adopting innovative approaches to problem-solving. Older generations, on the other hand, may be more reluctant to use AI due to concerns about accuracy, authenticity, or a lack of familiarity with the technology.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that while the majority of recruiters approve of AI-enhanced resumes, certain industries remain skeptical. According to the Adobe Acrobat study, using AI in your resume can lead to immediate disqualification in some industries. The top five industries where AI-enhanced resumes may be frowned upon are:
- Finance and Financial Services: This sector often requires very detailed and accurate resumes. There may be concerns about AI’s ability to accurately represent a candidate’s qualifications and experience.
- Construction: This sector places an emphasis on practical skills and on-the-job experience, so it may be wary of AI-generated content that lacks a personal touch.
- Technology and Telecommunications: While it may seem counterintuitive, some technology companies prefer to use manually generated resumes to gauge a candidate’s personal creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Business support and logistics: In these sectors, preference may be given to simple, human-written resumes that directly reflect the applicant’s practical experience.
- Manufacturing: Similar to construction, the emphasis here is often on real-world skills and experience, which can make AI-generated resumes less appealing.
One of the striking findings is that brevity is key; more than half of hiring professionals surveyed prefer a one-page resume. This format forces candidates to distill their experiences and skills down to the most relevant information, increasing clarity and impact.
Another important aspect that emerged from the research is the value of cover letters. While the necessity of these documents is often debated, 56% of professionals who hire them still find them useful and 20% consider them essential. A well-crafted cover letter can provide context to a resume and highlight specific qualifications that match the requirements of the job.
The study also identifies common red flags that can undermine a candidate’s application. Spelling and grammatical errors, a lack of relevant experience, and frequent job changes are the biggest concerns for hiring professionals and can raise questions about a candidate’s attention to detail and stability, which are crucial qualities for any potential employee.
Finally, the study emphasizes a balanced approach to using AI tools in resume creation. While AI can streamline the process and improve resume presentation, candidates should integrate personal insights and experiences to maintain authenticity.