AI Resume Builders - A Guide

Artificial intelligence (AI) resume builders can help you generate a fresh, polished resume in a short amount of time. Before AI resume-building platforms, job seekers spent hours researching resume trends and formats, writing multiple sections, and tweaking their credentials to perfection. Now AI can do the work for you.

In today's competitive job market, these tools are quickly becoming commonplace. Job seekers prefer to use these advanced tools to generate customized resumes. Research shows that 66 percent of HR professionals approve of candidates using AI for resume creation [1].

What is an AI resume builder?

An AI resume builder is a platform that generates a resume using artificial intelligence. Based on the input you provide, known as prompts, AI resume builders can write, proofread, and format your resume. Most tools utilize advanced algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) to assess job descriptions, identify keywords, and generate a customized resume that represents your skills, education, and experience. 

While you can task AI with creating a resume from scratch, most builders have the ability to optimize an existing resume too. 

Functionality of AI resume builders

The functionality of each platform is a bit different, but similarities exist. You can expect to find these functions as you research your options:

Customizable templates

Most AI resume builders offer pre-made templates that you can choose from. Look for templates that match your industry to enhance its aesthetic. 

Keyword descriptions

AI-powered resume generators help identify and suggest keywords you should add to your resume. Keywords have become increasingly important as more employers rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS). Such systems aid in the recruitment process by collecting, ranking, and filtering resumes that match keywords in the job description or those set by the company. 

ATS checker

AI resume builders often include an ATS compatibility checker that increases your chances of being noticed by the automated scanning process. Research shows over 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies rely on ATS, so it's important to optimize your resume to accommodate this common hiring practice [2]. 

Fast feedback

While you're typing, AI resume builders provide instant feedback to help strengthen your word choice. Features like this ease the editing process by offering real-time recommendations. 

Advantages of using an AI resume builder

Using an AI resume builder has its advantages, which include: 

Efficiency

With AI as your assistant, you can produce a resume quickly. Features like real-time content suggestions, formatting guidelines, and keyword recommendations mean you can create a resume faster than manually researching and writing.

Optimization

Aside from keyword optimization, AI resume generators can spot spelling and grammatical errors, identify inconsistencies, and even provide suggestions based on strong resumes within your industry, resulting in an optimized document.

Trends

Over the past few years, resumes have changed. Resume length, sections to include, and the order of the information has all shifted. When you use an AI resume builder, you don't have to worry about current trends because these AI-powered platforms are continually learning through algorithms and user feedback. 

Disadvantages of using an AI resume builder

Using an AI resume builder has its disadvantages, which include: 

Lack of personal touch

By relying on AI, resumes can seem generic. Personalization, the very thing that makes your resume stand out, is sometimes overlooked or even removed in favor of keywords. 

Limited by algorithms 

AI resume platforms "learn" about various industries, but in some cases, they may not pick up on the skills or experience that are important in your field. As a result, items may be prioritized incorrectly, or industry-specific phrases may be suggested for removal. 

Overly reliant on technology

It's easy to provide the job description to an AI resume maker and use it to apply for jobs, but it's important not to overly rely on the platforms. AI is a tool that can support your resume creation, but it shouldn't go unchecked. You know your industry, experience, and skill set best, so it's better to rely on your knowledge and let AI enhance it. 

How to use AI to craft a resume

Each platform differs in its process, but you'll likely find similar steps to those listed below. You'll start by exploring your options. Once you find the right fit, you'll build a resume in phases using various tools in the builder. 

Research AI resume builders.

You'll find many AI resume builders to choose from. Some platforms focus on an industry or a specific distinguisher, like optimizing current resumes, while others focus on keyword optimization. As you research, explore features, key functionalities, pricing, and reviews. Consider your needs. Common platforms to choose from might include: 

Teal

With Teal, you can optimize your resume for each job and even turn certain sections on and off to meet the needs of differing roles. The platform also helps you track the stages of each application so you know the status of each resume you send out.

Cost: Free version available. Paid plans start at $9 per week [3].

Enhancv

Known for its AI assistant, Enhancv will help you build a resume. You can use your LinkedIn profile as a starting point or start from scratch. Enhancv has a series of pre-existing prompts that help you elevate your employment documents. 

Cost: 7-day free trial. Paid plans start at $16.66 per month [4].

Kickresume

You can create a professional resume with Kickresume, the AI resume builder with pre-made templates, edit suggestions, and analysis. The platform can also help you practice for an interview and offers professional proofreading services. 

Cost: Free version available. Paid version starts at $7 per month [5].

Pick a template.

One of the first things you'll do is select a template for your resume. While you can change it later on, you'll need a starting point. Expect to choose from a library of ready-made templates that not only enhance the visual appeal of your resume but also format your credentials so hiring managers can quickly identify necessary details. 

Start from scratch or update.

Some platforms give you the choice to create a fresh resume or to update an existing one. Based on the option you choose, the platform will deploy different features. 

Provide the job summary.

Most AI resume builders encourage you to provide the job description for the role you'd like to apply for. By doing so, the platform can identify keywords and lean on any industry knowledge it has acquired. Keywords are a vital piece of the application puzzle as both applicant tracking systems and hiring managers use them to identify strong candidates.

Use AI writing features to enhance resume sections.

You can ask AI to craft pieces of your resume. For instance, you can ask AI to write five accomplishments based on the job description and your experience. You'll provide the basic information in a prompt and the builder will generate five bullet points based on your inputs. 

Ask AI to proofread your resume.

AI can review your resume for misspellings, grammatical errors, or even the tone of your writing. A resume containing errors undermines your hiring chances and makes a rough first impression, which is why careful proofreading is crucial. 

AI resume builders are helping job seekers create personalized, professional resumes quickly. These innovative platforms can have drawbacks and should be used to support your career quest. 

Getting started with AI on Coursera

AI resume builders are tools that make it easier to craft effective resumes during your job search. If the world of AI intrigues you, online courses could help you explore this emerging technology further. A course offered on Coursera, Generative AI for Everyone, explains how generative AI works, its applications, and the lifespan of a project.