AI and resume writing: What employers really want

Resume writing is a crucial skill for job seekers, as it can make or break their chances of landing an interview. However, resume writing is not only about showcasing one’s qualifications and achievements, but also about appealing to the preferences and expectations of employers.

In today’s competitive and dynamic job market, employers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to screen and evaluate resumes. AI can help employers save time and resources, as well as identify the best candidates for the job. However, AI can also pose challenges and risks for job seekers, as it may not fully capture their potential or personality.

Therefore, job seekers need to be aware of how AI works and what employers really want when they use AI to scan resumes. Here are some tips and insights on how to optimize your resume for AI scanners and impress employers.

AI scanners are software tools that use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to analyze and rank resumes based on their relevance and suitability for the job. AI scanners can perform various tasks, such as:

• Job matching and analysis: AI scanners can compare the job description with the resume and identify the key skills, qualifications, and requirements for the job.
• Keyword optimization: AI scanners can detect the most important keywords and phrases from the job description and the resume, and assign them different weights and scores based on their relevance and frequency.
• Content generation and tailoring: AI scanners can generate and customize content for different sections of the resume, such as work experience, skills, education, and certifications, based on the job description and the resume input.
• Format and styling: AI scanners can offer various templates and formatting options for the resume, and suggest the best layout and design for the job and the industry.
• Cover letter generation: AI scanners can also create and personalize cover letters for the job, based on the resume and the job description.

While AI scanners can help employers filter and rank resumes, they are not the final decision-makers. Employers still review and evaluate resumes manually, and look for certain qualities and characteristics that AI scanners may not capture or emphasize. Some of these qualities and characteristics are:

• Originality and uniqueness: Employers want to see resumes that stand out from the crowd and reflect the job seeker’s personality and voice. They want to avoid resumes that are generic, bland, or copied from others.
• Accuracy and completeness: Employers want to see resumes that are factual, honest, and comprehensive. They want to avoid resumes that are inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete.
• Clarity and readability: Employers want to see resumes that are clear, concise, and easy to read. They want to avoid resumes that are vague, verbose, or confusing.
• Professionalism and etiquette: Employers want to see resumes that are professional, polite, and respectful. They want to avoid resumes that are unprofessional, rude, or offensive.

To optimize your resume for AI scanners and employers, you need to balance the technical and human aspects of resume writing. You need to use AI scanners as a tool to enhance your resume, but not as a substitute for your own creativity and judgment. You also need to write your resume for a human reader, not just for a machine. Here are some steps and strategies to optimize your resume for AI scanners and employers:

• Research the job and the employer: Before you write your resume, you need to do some research on the job and the employer. You need to understand the job requirements, the employer’s expectations, and the industry standards. You also need to identify the keywords and phrases that are relevant and important for the job and the employer.
• Use AI scanners as a guide: You can use AI scanners as a guide to help you write your resume. You can use AI scanners to get suggestions on how to improve your spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage, tone, and style. You can also use AI scanners to get feedback on how to optimize your keywords, content, format, and layout. However, you should not rely on AI scanners blindly or follow their suggestions without question. You should always review, edit, and improve your resume based on your own knowledge and experience.
• Write for a human reader: While you use AI scanners as a guide, you should also write your resume for a human reader. You should use natural and professional language that appeals to the employer. You should highlight your achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your value and potential. You should also personalize your resume and cover letter to show your interest and enthusiasm for the job and the employer.