Smart Uses of Generative AI in Crafting Cover Letters and Resumes
We have all been there. You see a great role advertised. You go back to the latest version of your resume and find a cover letter that you can adjust to match the role. You spend hours trying to create a unique cover letter that might get you noticed above the crowd.
Writing a compelling cover letter and tailoring your resume for a specific role can be a time consuming task. Each application requires a careful presentation of your skills and experiences to match the job profile.
In today’s world, you could just ask a Generative AI (GenAI) engine to create a cover letter and resume for you. However, most recruiters can spot the lack of authenticity and the inability to demonstrate something unique about your experience.
The time put into applying for a new role should not be viewed as merely a requirement but as a strategic investment in your future career. Leveraging tools like Generative AI can streamline this process, but it’s crucial to use them wisely.
How not to use genAI for job applications
1. Over-Reliance on Automation: Relying solely on AI to write your entire cover letter or resume can result in generic content that fails to capture your unique professional nuances. Employers can often tell when a submission lacks a personal touch, which might leave you at a disadvantage.
2. Ignoring Customisation: Each job application should be tailored to the specific position. Using AI to generate a one-size-fits-all application can lead to missed opportunities to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.
3. Not Proofreading: AI can sometimes make errors or choose less optimal phrasing. Submitting an AI-generated cover letter or resume without reviewing and editing it can lead to typos, grammatical mistakes, or even incorrect information. Read our previous blog post on finding the right tone.
How to use genAI effectively for great submissions
1. Idea Generation: Use AI to brainstorm and outline diverse ways to articulate your experiences and skills. Our team at Strawberry Sauce are experienced at and love to use innovative brainstorming techniques to generate new ideas. This can provide a solid foundation for crafting a more personalised and effective cover letter and resume.
2. Enhancing Language: AI can help polish your language and ensure your points are conveyed clearly and professionally. This is particularly useful if you struggle with articulating your achievements in a compelling manner. Ask the AI to shorten or lengthen a paragraph, add a particular phase or even suggest ways to write it in a different tone.
3. Tailoring Applications: AI tools can assist in modifying your resume and cover letter for different job applications. Input the job description into the AI, and use suggestions to emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant to each role.
4. Formatting Assistance: Generative AI can also offer up-to-date formatting styles and layouts that keep your documents looking professional and easy to read.
Remember, while Generative AI can significantly aid in the job application process, it is your unique story and professional journey that will truly resonate with potential employers.
If your organisation offers career services to your employees, our team at Strawberry Sauce can support organisational change with short lunch and learns and information sessions to help.