Using ChatGPT to create your resume? Here are 5 mistakes that employers hate to see

• Even if you are using ChatGPT to write your resume, do not ask it to write it from scratch
  
• Not editing or proofreading your resume can be a mistake as silly errors can limit your chances of getting through
  
• Not paying attention to format and design may make your resume look cluttered
  

Over the last one and a half years, ChatGPT and other AI LLM tools have become an integral part of our lives and most of us use them in some way or the other. In fact, there have been concerns in academic circles when students use ChatGPT for academic writing or when candidates use it for statements of purpose or essays required in application processes.

ChatGPT can be used for each of these purposes, but using it as a tool for research and not a replacement for critical thinking holds the to academic success. The same goes for using ChatGPT to write your CV! While you can use ChatGPT for resume creation, here are five mistakes that you should avoid.

Using ChatGPT to write a resume from scratch: Even if you are using ChatGPT to write your resume, do not ask it to write it from scratch. “One should note that all of these require a base resume to be in place already. Remember that ChatGPT will not have any nuanced idea of your skills or experiences. Approaching GenAI tool to author one's resume from scratch is a rookie mistake and futile effort that recruiters catch at first look,” says Kamal Karanth, CoFounder, Xpheno, a specialist staffing company.

Lack of personalisation: Anything that ChatGPT creates can be generic. A good resume should be tailored specifically to the requirements of the job. If you fail to do that, the employer may bin your resume after just a few seconds of glance.

“To maximise effectiveness, personalisation and customisation are key. Tailor the content to each specific job description, emphasising the relevant skills and experiences sought by the employer to maintain a professional appearance,” says Manu Saigal, Director, General Staffing, Adecco India.

Letting the resume have ChatGPT’s tone of voice: ChatGPT can write proper English and even correct sentences grammatically, but it will not reflect your tone of writing. You need to insert your own personality and voice into your resume to the extent possible.

Read through your resume and make changes to the sentence structures, voice, and highlighted items. Use more of an active voice as passive can often sound uninteresting and insert personal anecdotes wherever relevant.

Not editing or proofreading your resume: ChatGPT content may contain incorrect grammar and phrasings that are awkward or over the top. These can be a big put-off for anyone reading your resume, let alone your potential employer. “A thorough proofread is essential – typos or AI oddities can torpedo your application,” says Karanth.

Not paying attention to formatting and design: ChatGPT can generate text but is not great with formatting and design. “While ChatGPT excels in text generation, it may not prioritise visual elements. Ensure a clear, concise, and easy-to-read format with a professional font and clean layout,” says Saigal. A cluttered or poorly formatted resume can hamper your chances severely.