Artificial Intelligence (AI) resume tools have been popping up all over the place lately.
Some promise to write your entire resume for you in seconds, while others offer AI-powered features to help you build a stronger application.
But are they the same thing?
Not quite. There's an important distinction between using AI to generate your resume from scratch and using an AI resume builder that can help you highlight your strengths for your job application.
In this article, we’re going to cover:
- Should You Use AI to Generate Your Resume?
- Should You Use an AI Resume Builder?
- How to Find the Right AI Resume Builder
…and more!
Let's break it down.
Want to make a great resume and impress the hiring manager? Use our professional resume builder to create your resume in minutes!
Choose a resume template to get started.
Should You Use AI to Generate Your Resume?
While it's tempting to use AI to generate your resume from start to finish, you shouldn’t rely on it to create a polished resume for you.
You can open just about any AI tool, describe your work experience, press enter, and see an entirely written resume come out. No effort required.
However, AI-generated resumes tend to sound… the same.
That's because tools like ChatGPT pull from patterns in their training data. They know what a resume typically looks like, so they produce something generic and safe. The result is vague bullet points, overused buzzwords, and nothing that actually sets you apart.
Not to mention, hiring managers read hundreds of resumes. They can spot filler language like "results-driven professional with a proven track record" instantly, and it does not make a good impression.
Then there's also the applicant tracking system (ATS). The ATS can’t parse AI-resume structures correctly. That means your resume might look fine to you at a glance, but it could get scrambled or filtered out entirely before a human sees it.
Finally, there's accuracy. AI just doesn't know your career the way you do. It might exaggerate, fabricate details, or omit the specific accomplishments that matter most for the role you're targeting.
💡
Pro Tip
New to making a resume? Check out our beginner-friendly guide!
Should You Use an AI Resume Builder?
Yes, using an AI resume builder is a great choice, as long as you have the right expectations.
Unlike AI generators that try to create your entire resume for you, an AI resume builder works with you. It doesn't replace your input – it enhances it.
You're still the one describing your accomplishments and choosing what to highlight. The AI is there to assist by offering suggestions, catching mistakes, and helping you put your best foot forward.
A good AI resume builder can:
- Improve phrasing. If your bullet points sound generic, an AI resume builder can recommend action verbs and clearer language to make your experience stand out.
- Optimize formatting. Applicant tracking systems are picky about structure. A dedicated resume builder ensures your sections, dates, and titles are all formatted in a way that ATS software can actually read, so your resume doesn't get filtered out.
- Catch mistakes. Typos, inconsistent date formats, and awkward phrasing are easy to miss when you've been staring at your own resume for hours. The AI can easily flag these issues before you hit submit.
- Provide guidance. Some builders offer personalized tips based on your industry or experience level and help you prioritize the most relevant information for the role you're targeting.
To support this, a 2024 study on resume parsing found that resumes with neat, consistent formatting were far more likely to be correctly parsed by applicant tracking systems. When your job titles, dates, and skills are correctly structured, the ATS can actually find them, and your resume is more likely to land in front of a hiring manager.
That's the advantage of using a purpose-built resume builder. You get the polish of professional formatting and the support of AI suggestions, without losing control over what your resume actually says.
What to Look for in an AI Resume Builder
Not all AI resume builders are created equal. Some are little more than basic templates with a chatbot slapped on top, while others are built from the ground up to help you create a resume that actually lands you interviews.
If you're evaluating your options, here's what to prioritize:
- ATS compatibility. The builder should ensure your resume has neat, selectable text, standard section titles, and consistent formatting. If the applicant tracking system can't read your resume, it doesn't matter how good it looks.
- Professional templates. Your resume design should look polished without sacrificing readability. Avoid builders that rely heavily on flashy graphics, icons, or tables. These can lead to ATS parsing issues and make your resume harder to scan.
- Customization options. A good builder lets you adjust fonts, spacing, and sections without breaking the underlying structure. You should be able to tailor your resume to different roles without starting from scratch each time.
- Helpful AI features. Look for tools that improve your phrasing, flag inconsistencies, or offer guidance based on the job you're applying for. The AI should feel like a helpful editor, not an impersonal content generator.
- Easy export options. Always download your resume as a PDF unless the job posting specifically requests a different format, like DOC or DOCX. Ideally, the AI builder should also let you export a plain-text version of your resume for a quick ATS scan.
- Transparent pricing. Some builders advertise as "free" but lock essential features, like downloading the document you worked on, behind a paywall. Make sure you know what you're getting before you invest time building your resume.
How to Use an AI Resume Builder
Now that you know what to look for, let's walk through how to actually use an AI resume builder like Novorésumé to create your resume.
- Choose a template. Novorésumé offers ATS-friendly templates tailored to different career stages and industries. If you're a student or recent graduate, emphasize your education and skills; if you're more experienced, prioritize your work history and achievements.
- Fill in each section. The builder lets you fill in the sections at your own pace and includes smart tips to help you avoid adding too few or too many details per section. You can freely change the layout and sections without worrying about the formatting.
- Use the AI assistant. If you're not sure how to describe a past role, the AI assistant can help. Click the brain icon next to any section to open a chat where you can ask for suggestions. You can paste a job description and request tailored content. The AI provides a great starting point you can review and personalize to reflect your actual experience.
- Run the content optimizer. Before you download, use the built-in optimizer to check your resume for common issues. It flags areas that need attention, like missing information, weak phrasing, or suggestions you might want to consider. Review and address each issue directly in the builder.
- Download and review. Export your resume as a PDF and do a final proofread. Make sure all your dates are consistent, your contact information is correct, and everything reads the way you want it to.
- Track your applications. The built-in Job Tracker uses a Kanban-style board to help you manage your job search. Organize applications by status, attach tailored resumes to specific jobs, and use the AI to generate cover letters, follow-up emails, and even phone call prep notes, all from the same tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still not sure if you should use an AI resume builder? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Conclusion
Using AI to generate your resume from scratch is not advisable. The output tends to be generic and impersonal, and it often fails to pass ATS screening.
But using an AI resume builder that works with you? Absolutely worth it.
A good AI resume builder helps you write stronger content, optimize your formatting, and catch mistakes, all while being in control of what your resume actually says.
Are you ready to build yours? Try Novorésumé for free to create a job-ready resume in minutes.
