AI Is Also a Tool for Getting a Job: ‘No One Will Be Able to Know’

Your resume is what makes you stand out at the start of the selection process. It must be optimized for automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and provide clear, concise information for human recruiters.

Using AI tools to build resumes is a growing trend—and a common practice among effective job seekers. According to the 2025 Market Trend Report & Salary Guide, nearly 65% of applicants already use AI systems at some point during their job search.

This number reflects how AI is transforming not only the job market but also the early stages of recruitment. Far from being a “cheat,” properly using AI tools can mean the difference between being overlooked and catching a recruiter’s attention. Being good at your job isn’t enough—you also have to know how to tell your story.

It’s OK to Use AI Tools on Your Resume

Kathleen Nolan, a senior recruiter at tech company GrowthLoop, has reviewed hundreds of resumes. She told CNBC she has no issue with candidates using AI to help write them.

“It really doesn’t matter. If you’re using AI in the right way, no one’s going to be able to tell,” Nolan, who has worked in the industry for seven years and personally reviews every resume she receives, said.

She noted that most people already use AI for these tasks and that using it well is what really matters. In fact, Nolan recommends that candidates use tools like ChatGPT to draft a cover letter or resume, then customize the results before sending them.

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To Nolan, using AI systems to personalize a resume is simply making use of a tool available to everyone. In the 21st century, no one would be surprised to hear you used a computer and a word processor to write your resume or cover letter. “I think it’s very hypocritical when I see recruiters talking about that, because, come on—if I was in the job market, I would be doing that as well,” she told CNBC.

AI models can make it easier and faster to tailor your resume to each job listing by incorporating keywords and highlighting the skills mentioned in the job description. “I don’t know why it’s become such a hot-button issue,” she added. “As long as you’re using it the way it was intended to be used, no one will be able to know, and it shouldn’t matter anyway.”

Using AI models increases the chances your resume will pass automated filters and reach a human recruiter. From there, the document must clearly present your qualifications so a recruiter can grasp your skills in seconds. Many recruiters review hundreds—or even thousands—of applications, often giving each only a few seconds of attention.

AI systems can also help identify the most relevant keywords and reframe your accomplishments to better fit the role. For example, you can ask an AI model to summarize your experience using action verbs or to highlight quantifiable results from previous jobs. This makes your resume more compelling and better aligned with what employers want—without sacrificing authenticity or accuracy.

AI Is a Tool, Not a Substitute

While AI can save time and improve quality, you should always review the final text and add your personal touch.

AI models are trained on vast data sets and sometimes generate incorrect or inconsistent information. Carefully reviewing the output is crucial to ensure the resume accurately reflects your experience.

“I would not expect somebody to write a bespoke cover letter for every opportunity, because that would be incredibly time-consuming,” Nolan said. Still, she added that if you do send one, make sure it’s well-written and shows enthusiasm for the role. Reading a generic “form letter” doesn’t leave a good impression.

Image | Jonathan Kemper (Unsplash) | Resume Genius (Unsplash)

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