Tech job seekers often receive contradictory advice about using AI to conduct a search. On the one hand, you’re told that using AI to tailor your resume increases your chances of passing automated screenings. On the other hand, you’re told that relying on AI to create your resume can cause hiring managers to reject you.
In fact, our Dice survey of more than 200 tech workers found widespread frustration with automated screening, with many saying the process favors keyword gaming over real qualifications and leaves them feeling “dehumanized” and “hopeless.”
So, what should tech job seekers make of these “mixed signals”? Recognize that both pieces of advice are accurate, not contradictory, with some caveats.
The reality is that you must strategically integrate the right keywords to get your resume past an AI-powered resume screener (ATS). But once that happens, you’ll be evaluated as a person by a person, and that’s where AI-generated resumes fall short.
The only way to win the SEO optimization arms race is at scale, which exceeds the capabilities of most job seekers, explained Peter Swimm, founder of Toilville, a conversational AI agency.
To clear up the confusion, here’s how to maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating its drawbacks.
Keep AI in Its Place
Should job seekers stop using AI? Absolutely not. The problem isn't that you're using AI, it's how you're using it.
AI is harmful when it replaces your voice, smuggles in errors or bias, or tempts you into keyword stuffing at the expense of substance in your resume and cover letter. (Keyword stuffing is the practice of unnaturally and excessively repeating keywords from the job description to manipulate rankings.) Overuse of keywords can get a resume rejected by both ATS and human recruiters.
Always opt for ATS sanity over ATS gaming Swimm said. The goal isn’t “beat the bot,” it’s “be unmistakably qualified to a human.” AI helps you articulate that faster; it can’t supply substance.
He recommends using AI for speed and scaffolding, not for self-replacement. Treat AI like a research assistant and drafting accelerator and keep authorship, examples and decisions human.
“You definitely need a best of both strategy,” echoed executive coach, Susan Peppercorn.
For example, don’t rely on AI to decipher a job description and identify the most critical requirements.
“It takes a human being to figure that out,” she added.
To effectively tailor your resume, you must first know what you're aligning with. Analyze the listed responsibilities to identify the top three things an employer is looking for and the things that they value in an employee. Also, try to discern how the role contributes to the broader company goals.
Then reflect on your experiences and decide how to show your potential to employers and demonstrate your ability to meet those key requirements and business objectives by strategically citing examples of your work, accomplishments and compelling narratives. Never delegate judgment to AI.
Create Original Content “Above the Fold”
Instead of letting AI take the wheel, draft an original summary statement, a three-to five sentence bio or overview for the top of your resume, explaining who you are, what you bring to the table and why you’re a strong fit for the role.
Infuse the brief narrative with your unique ideas, voice, brand and perspective and tailor it toward the specific role and company, so it stands out from AI-generated resume content. Focus on getting your ideas out first, then use AI to refine the language and grammar later. If you’re not great at composing on a keyboard, consider dictating your ideas into AI.
Unlike other sections of your resume, this brief overview should focus on impact and value—not job duties—so reviewers can quickly decide whether to keep reading Peppercorn said.
Follow your introductory paragraph with three to five original bullet points that quantify and highlight your relevant achievements and previous impact. This approach measures success by the tangible, positive effects of your efforts, not the amount of busy work you can generate.
Use AI as a Final Step
Once you’ve created a draft, use AI as a writing assistant to proofread and punch up the text. Just be sure that it doesn’t pull content from other resumes or public sources on the Internet. The more latitude and open space you give an AI bot, the more likely it is to fill in the blanks in your resume with online content.
For example, ask ChatGPT to give you three different ways to phrase a bullet point or sentence. The more detail you provide about the tone, audience, and desired meaning, the better and more unique the alternative phrasing will be. Ask AI to “rewrite in my prior style” by feeding a few of your genuine snippets.
Before sending your resume, do a human pass for accuracy, ethics and relevance. If the output sounds generic, it is. Rewrite until it reads like you.
Consider using an ATS resume scanner which provides a keyword match percentage to a job description and actionable feedback to optimize your resume for an automated screening tool. However, don’t repeat the same keywords or opt for volume. Add keywords with context and place them strategically and deliberately.
Avoid frustration and feelings of hopelessness by shifting the locus of control Swimm says. Treat AI as scaffolding for momentum and clarity, not as a gatekeeper of your worth.