Every day, I critique multiple resumes, and many are clearly created using AI tools like ChatGPT. Whether you're a recent graduate, mid-career professional, or transitioning industries, AI-generated resumes can help, but they often come with predictable pitfalls.

Here are the most common issues I've seen and how you can avoid them:

1. Too Specific (Overly Customized)

Tailoring your resume for each job is essential, but don’t go overboard. I’ve frequently seen resumes with awkward statements like, "I'm ideal for Company X because..." Remember, your resume should showcase relevant skills and achievements naturally, not explicitly plead your fit. Let your qualifications speak for themselves.

2. Too Vague (Buzzwords Without Substance)

AI-generated resumes often contain generic statements like:

or

These phrases provide no meaningful insight to hiring managers. Clearly state your specific achievements, projects, measurable results, or technical skills that directly relate to the roles you're applying for.

3. Incorrect Information (AI Hallucinations)

Some AI models invent experiences, responsibilities, or skills you don't actually have. Whether you're an early-career graduate or experienced professional, inaccuracies on your resume can instantly disqualify you. Always carefully verify each point on your resume to ensure absolute accuracy.

4. Unfocused Content (Misplaced or Irrelevant Details)

AI tools often struggle with long and complex resume prompts. The more content you feed them in one go, the more likely they are to lose focus, emphasizing the wrong things or glossing over key achievements. To get the best results, it's more effective to generate your resume sentence by sentence or role by role. Then, combine those parts into a coherent whole and manually refine the summary. This targeted approach helps ensure that each section gets the right amount of focus and that your most important accomplishments are front and center.

Quick Tips for Every Job Seeker:

• Concise Bullets: Know when to trim and when to split. Limit each bullet to one clear accomplishment.

• Avoid Buzzwords: Choose clear, simple language over clichés.

• Consistent Formatting: Maintain uniform tense and formatting.

• Include Specific Metrics: Concrete numbers enhance credibility and show you are focused on impact.

AI tools can streamline resume creation, but they're just a starting point. Always ensure your resume genuinely represents your experience, achievements, and professional voice.

If you're struggling to build a resume that truly stands out, checkout applicationowl.com for resources.