.png)
Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and if you’ve been tempted to let it spruce up your resume, you’re not alone. According to Sarah Jenkins, a seasoned recruiter who’s placed hundreds of candidates in top roles, it’s not only okay—it can actually give you an edge. The catch? You’ve got to use it smartly. Here’s why AI is fair game and how to make it work for you without crossing any lines.
The Old Rules Don’t Apply Anymore
Back in the day, a resume was all about your personal touch—every word painstakingly crafted to reflect you. But Jenkins says the game’s changed. “Hiring managers don’t care if a machine helped you phrase your bullet points,” she explains. “They’re scanning for skills, results, and clarity—however you get there.” With applicant tracking systems (ATS) filtering resumes before human eyes even see them, AI can be a secret weapon to beat the bots.
AI Can Make You Sound Like a Pro
Let’s be real: not everyone’s a wordsmith. Jenkins points out that tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly can turn clunky sentences into sleek, impactful ones. “I’ve seen candidates go from vague fluff to concise wins—like ‘increased sales by 20%’—just by running it through AI,” she says. It’s not about faking it; it’s about presenting your real achievements in a way that pops.
Recruiters Aren’t Judging Your Writing Skills
Here’s a relief: Jenkins insists most hiring pros aren’t grading your prose. “Unless you’re applying to be a novelist, I don’t care if you wrote it or a robot did,” she laughs. “I’m looking at your experience and fit—not your creative writing chops.” So, if AI helps you cut the jargon and nail the keywords, she’s all for it.
But Don’t Let AI Lie for You
There’s a line, though, and Jenkins is clear about it: AI should enhance, not invent. “If you claim skills or jobs you never had, that’s a problem,” she warns. “I’ve caught people with polished resumes that crumbled in interviews—don’t be that person.” Stick to the truth, and let AI handle the shine.
How to Use It Right
Ready to give it a shot? Jenkins suggests starting with your raw info—your roles, dates, and accomplishments. Feed it into an AI tool and ask for a tighter, keyword-rich version. “Then tweak it,” she advises. “Make sure it still sounds like you and matches the job description.” Pro tip: cross-check it against the posting to ensure those must-have terms (think “project management” or “data analysis”) are front and center.
The Future Is Already Here
Jenkins predicts AI’s role in job hunting will only grow. “It’s like spellcheck—once a novelty, now a norm,” she says. “Candidates who lean into it will stand out, while purists might get left behind.” Her advice? Embrace the tech, but keep your story authentic. After all, a resume gets you in the door—the rest is up to you.
