AI Resume Builders: Are They Good?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) have come a long way in recent years. Resume building is one of the latest applications of this technology, but some of these tools are better than others. Find out what makes the best AI resume builder and what to look for in AI resume builder reviews when choosing.

What Is an AI Resume Builder?

The rise in popularity of AI resume writing is partly due to the current challenging job market. Applicants often submit dozens or even hundreds of resumes before getting a job offer, and it’s too time-consuming to create and customize a resume for each application by hand.

Complex algorithms that look for industry-relevant keywords and qualifications that match the candidate’s experience power AI resume builders. Some versions let you input a job description to create a resume tailored to that role. The best AI resume builders also provide formatting assistance and content optimization to ensure the document is compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Pros of Using a Resume Builder With AI

1. Saves time and effort

The best AI resume builders streamline the resume-writing process by automatically formatting your document and providing detailed content suggestions. This gives you a clean ATS-friendly template to use without spending time writing the resume from scratch.

2. Optimizes for applicant tracking systems

With 75% of recruiters using some type of ATS, a resume that isn’t ATS-optimized isn’t likely to get through to a hiring manager — let alone win the applicant an interview. When choosing an AI resume builder, review what tools it offers, such as keyword matching and format suggestions, to make your document more ATS-friendly.

3. Customizes your resume for different job types

One of the main advantages of AI resume builders is that you can customize your resume to a new role in a few minutes. These tools generate job-specific keywords and provide custom formats by role and industry to ensure your resume stands out.

4. Provides data-driven suggestions

The best AI resume builder tools analyze the current trends in the job market and make recommendations based on your qualifications and relevant skills. This ensures your resume is always up to date and reflective of what’s going on in your industry.

Cons of Using a Resume Builder With AI

1. Lack of personalization and unique tone

AI-generated resumes still need human review and editing. Using an AI resume as-is can result in a generic document that lacks personal style or individuality.

2. Potential overuse of buzzwords

AI tools can overfill your resume with buzzwords and jargon in an attempt to use as many keywords as possible. This often results in a document that sounds robotic or unorganized.

3. Limited flexibility with complex career histories

Because AI resume builders use algorithms to determine the most common phrasing, keywords, and qualifications for a role, they may not work well for those with varied or unconventional career histories. If you’re making a career change or have other unusual circumstances, it may be best to avoid these tools.

4. Possible applicant tracking systems gaps with certain builders

AI tools for resume writing are still fairly new, and not all AI builders are ATS-friendly. When considering AI resume builders, review how — or even if — they help with ATS optimization to ensure you’re getting what you need.

When To Use an AI Resume Creator (And When Not To)

Best situations for AI resume creators

Applicants with straightforward work histories often benefit most from resume builders with AI. The tool is easier to use to suggest keywords and optimize the content for those applying for entry-level roles or who have only worked in one industry.

When to avoid AI resume creators

AI resume builders may not be ideal for those applying for senior or executive positions or those with unconventional work histories. When you need to show skills and qualifications from vastly different positions or have many years of work experience to condense, AI tools may struggle to do so adequately. For example, they may suggest generic summary statements that aren’t tailored enough to stand out among many applications.

How To Maximize Results With an AI Resume Builder

• Tailor AI suggestions with personal edits: Even the best AI resume builder can’t deliver a ready-to-send resume. You’ll still need to manually edit the AI-generated content to add specific details and a personal touch to your document.
• Use multiple keyword sources: Don’t rely on the AI builder alone regarding keywords. Look through the job description to ensure your resume has a wide range of skills and industry terms.
• Proofread for accuracy and readability: AI-generated resumes often have too much jargon, awkward phrasing, or even outright errors. Always review your resume to ensure it’s correct and reads well before submitting.