AI resume builders: the smartest tools for crafting a standout resume

Many people feel that writing a resume is the most tedious part of finding a new job. If that describes how you feel, it’s time to bring your job search into the twenty-first century with artificial intelligence (AI) tools to speed document creation and supercharge your results.

Below, we’ll discuss our favorite tools that can help you create a resume from scratch, optimize it for each job application, create a matching cover letter, and ensure it is free from credibility-sapping errors.

AI resume builders: Create a resume from scratch

If you’re writing a resume for the first time, or if it’s been a while and you want to give your resume a fresh start, online resume builders like ResumeGiants are the place to start. 

First, click “Create a New Resume” and select a template that visually appeals to you. Then, follow the prompts to input your information. If you get stuck on how to describe your experience, the “Generate with AI” button will come to your rescue. Enter your job title, and it will generate a generic template to help you craft bulleted descriptions for that job. Simply replace the filler text (“XYZ Company” or fabricated statistics, for example) with your own personal details.

You can also use AI text generators like ChatGPT in a similar way. Ask it to generate a resume template, then replace the filler text with your own information.

Upgrade an Existing Resume with AI 

If you already have a resume in hand, you can use AI to improve it. There are multiple approaches you can take. You can use an online resume builder like ResumeGiants, described above, but this time, click “Improve existing resume.” You’ll be prompted to upload your document, then you can use the “Generate with AI” feature for description suggestions. 

AI text generators can take this process a step further. Upload your existing resume and the prompt “Optimize this resume for [position title/company].” You can even copy/paste the job description into the prompt. We’ll talk more about this type of keyword optimization in the next section.

Pro tip: Don’t use the same resume for every job application.  Research has shown that “83% of recruiters say they’re more likely to hire a candidate who has tailored their resume to the specific job they’re applying for.” Resume builders make this easy because they save your previous version, allowing you to make simple changes.

Keyword Optimization with AI

You can use a dedicated resume optimizer tool or any AI text generator to help with resume keywords. If using ChatGPT, copy/paste the job description and the prompt “Identify resume keywords.” You’ll receive a list of potential keywords along with an explanation of each.

You can also ask the text generator to “Optimize this resume for ATS” by inputting both your resume and the job listing, as described in the previous section. Remember to do this for each job you apply for.

Use AI to Craft a Cover Letter

Once your resume is ready, you’ll need to dress it up with a cover letter. It is appropriate to submit a cover letter with your resume even if it was not specifically requested. 

Many online resume builders also offer cover letter generators. Again, you’ll select a template that appeals to you. Lean into the pre-written text options. You can select from the following circumstances: 

• Graduate/experienced
• Recent graduate/without experience
• Student
• Unsolicited application
• Application for internship
• Career change

Then, replace the holder text with your information. 

You can also request a customized cover letter from a text generator. Copy/paste your resume, the job listing, and the prompt “Create a cover letter for this resume and position.” Check the output for accuracy and make any needed changes.

Use AI to Proofread

Proofreading—finding and correcting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar—is extremely important. Typographical errors can raise red flags and cause hiring managers to question your communication skills or attention to detail.

The simple remedy to this is proofreading, but you may not catch every error reading it yourself. Upload your document to an AI text generator to ask it to proofread for errors. You can also use AI-powered proofreading tools like Grammarly. In addition to correcting errors, you’ll receive suggestions on how to improve your phrasiology.

The Best Intelligence? Still the Human Mind

AI resume builders can be an ideal sidekick when building your resume. However, the fact still remains that AI cannot entirely replace human ingenuity. You should always read, proofread, and fact-check any AI output before using it. Make necessary changes to ensure your document is true, accurate, and honest.
By combining human expertise with AI, you can speed the resume creation process and supercharge your job search. You’ll work smarter, not harder as you utilize smart AI tools to craft a standout resume.