AI has become the go-to tool for resume writing. It’s fast, accessible, and often feels like a secret shortcut to job search success. But here’s the catch: most people don’t know how to use it well. If your goal is a resume that gets through ATS filters and still sounds like a real person wrote it, you’ll need more than just copy/paste and hope.

Let’s start by figuring out how you work best.

Are You a Creator or an Editor?

Most people approach writing from one of two angles: as a Creator or an Editor. Knowing your style can help you use AI in a way that plays to your strengths rather than fighting against them.

Creators: You Like to Start with Your Own Ideas

Creators enjoy the freedom of developing content from scratch. You know your story, your voice, and what to emphasize.

You might be a Creator if:

• You like brainstorming and coming up with original ideas.
• You already know what aspects of your experience are most valuable.
• You have a solid understanding of your role, industry, or company.

Best way to use AI:
Write your first draft, then ask AI to help refine the language, optimize structure, or improve keyword alignment. You stay in the driver’s seat. AI just polishes the ride.

Quick tip:
Review a few current job postings. Look for the most common qualifications and themes, and make sure your resume reflects how you meet them.

Editors: You Need Something to React To

Editors don’t love the blank page, but they're off and running once there’s a starting point. You’re great at revising, refining, and making content stronger.

You might be an Editor if:

• Starting from scratch feels overwhelming.
• You can improve content easily once you see examples.
• You’re detail-oriented and good at spotting what’s missing.

Best way to use AI:
Have AI generate a rough draft based on your background. Then you review it, clean it up, fact-check it, and make sure it sounds like you, not like a chatbot with a business degree.

Important note:
AI can “hallucinate” facts. (That’s the polite way of saying it lies sometimes.) Always verify what it gives you.

Quick tip:
AI tends to create very generic content. Don’t forget to layer in your specific personality, experience, and accomplishments to stand out.

What If Neither Approach Works for You?

Fair question. Not everyone likes writing or feels confident knowing what a strong, modern resume should include. That’s where a professional resume writer comes in.

You might benefit from working with a professional if:

• You’re uncomfortable writing or talking about yourself.
• You’re not up to speed on current resume standards.
• You’re switching industries and don’t know how to frame your transferable skills.
• Writing simply isn’t your strong suit.

A professional resume writer will help you uncover your strengths, ask the right questions, and translate your experience into a compelling, keyword-optimized document. Higher-end services will also take the time to capture your tone and personality so your resume actually sounds like you, not a template.

Quick tip:
Once you’ve got a strong core resume, it becomes much easier to tailor it for specific roles using AI. A good benchmark: it should take no more than 30 minutes to customize a resume for a particular job. If it’s taking longer, the core resume probably needs work.

The Bottom Line

AI can be a fantastic tool for resume writing, as long as you know how to use it to fit your workflow and goals. Whether you’re a Creator, an Editor, or someone who’s ready to hand it off entirely, there’s a smart way to get the support you need. The right strategy (and maybe a little human guidance) can make all the difference.

Need some help?

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Donna Shannon or Dia Kline: https://www.personaltouchcareerservices.com/contact