A well-crafted resume is crucial in today's competitive job market. An Adobe study shows that there is only a 1 in 17 chance that a submitted resume will lead to an interview.
To improve these odds, job seekers are now leveraging AI tools to refine their resumes, helping to ensure they fit specific job descriptions, include industry-relevant keywords, and are free of common errors.
While more and more people are using AI to make their resumes stand out, it's important to know what employers think about AI-prepared resumes.
How acceptable is the use of AI in resumes?
AI-powered tools can optimize resume content by analyzing job descriptions, suggesting relevant keywords, and ensuring that language is in line with industry standards. These tools can also help eliminate common mistakes, such as spelling and grammar errors, which hiring professionals often cite as red flags. Plus, using AI for resumes doesn’t exactly reduce your chances of landing the job, with 64% of recruiters approving of using AI on resumes.
Despite these advantages, only a small portion of job seekers use AI to enhance their resumes. Adobe Acrobat research shows that only 28% of US job seekers currently use AI for this purpose, suggesting that there is still untapped potential for AI in resume creation.
Interestingly, the adoption of AI in resume creation varies significantly across generations. One in three Gen Zers have used AI to build their resume, making them the most likely generation to embrace the technology. This trend reflects Gen Z’s familiarity with digital tools and their comfort with taking innovative approaches to problem-solving. In contrast, older generations may be more hesitant to use AI due to concerns about accuracy, authenticity, or lack of familiarity with the technology.
However, it is important to note that while most hiring professionals approve of AI-enhanced resumes, certain industries remain skeptical. According to Adobe Acrobat's study, the use of AI in resumes can lead to immediate disqualification in some sectors. The top five industries where AI-assisted resumes may be frowned upon are:
- Finance and financial services: This sector often requires highly detailed and accurate resumes, and there may be concerns about AI’s ability to accurately reflect a candidate’s qualifications and experience.
- Construction: This industry places an emphasis on practical skills and hands-on experience, so you may be wary of AI-generated content that lacks a personal touch.
- Technology and Telecommunications: While this may seem counterintuitive, some technology companies prefer hand-crafted resumes to assess a candidate's personal creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Business support and logistics: These industries may prioritize straightforward, human-written resumes that directly reflect the applicant's practical experience.
- Manufacturing: Similar to construction, the focus here is often on real-world skills and experiences, making AI-generated resumes potentially less attractive.
One of the most notable findings is that conciseness is key: more than half of the hiring professionals surveyed prefer a one-page resume. This format forces candidates to distill their experiences and skills into the most relevant information, which improves clarity and impact.
Another important aspect highlighted by the study is the value of cover letters. While the need for these documents is a matter of debate, 56% of hiring professionals still find them useful and 20% consider them essential. A well-written cover letter can provide context to a resume and emphasize specific qualifications that align with the job requirements.
The study also identifies common red flags that can hurt a candidate's application. Spelling and grammatical errors, lack of relevant experience and frequent job changes are top concerns for hiring professionals and can raise questions about a candidate's attention to detail and stability – key qualities in 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 must integrate their personal knowledge and experiences to maintain authenticity.
