If you’re looking for a new job, you’ve probably heard the buzz about AI resume builders, which are the hot new thing in the job search space. The promise of this technology is that you’ll need to know next to nothing about how to write a resume, or about resume formats or templates to create an effective resume because a machine does the work for you. It sounds tempting, but is it all too good to be true?
Here we will explore:
- What an AI resume builder is.
- How to use an AI resume builder.
- Five AI resume builders to try out.
What is an AI resume builder?
An AI resume builder is a computer program that automatically generates resume content. AI stands for “artificial intelligence” and refers to a program that learns from the data it’s given so that it can respond to prompts and generate new information based on what it has learned. Typically driven by GPT, or Generative Pre-trained Transformers, companies that offer AI resumes promise users the ability to create human-sounding resume content in a fraction of the time it would take an actual human to write a resume.
If you struggle with writing a resume that does justice to your skills, an AI resume builder can be just the thing to help you get your resume off the ground. A great AI resume builder recognizes your experience level and helps you make formatting decisions based on it. For example, it may automatically organize an entry-level candidate’s information into a functional resume format.
While this technology is a big breakthrough in the resume-writing space, there are differences between the products and what they are capable of producing. Here, we take a look at five AI resume builders, the key features of each and what they will cost you to use.
How to use an AI resume builder
The promise of a tool that does the work for you is exciting, but AI, like any other tool, needs to be used properly to get the best benefits. Think of using an AI resume builder as having an on-demand resume writing coach who helps you organize your thoughts and find the right words to express your skills. In the end, the information that you provide is the most essential ingredient to a strong AI generated resume.
Provide accurate information: Most AI resume builders prompt you to input essential information, like your work history. The information that you provide is key for building your resume. Make sure that the information you give is accurate and as detailed as necessary. No matter how powerful an AI might be, at the end of the day your skills and experience are the selling point of your resume. The best resume is one that plays to your strengths and showcases what you’re made of!
Edit generated text: AI resume builders provide formatting and text based on your experience. This is helpful, especially as a launchpad for your own contributions. Make sure you read the generated text carefully and look out for errors or missed opportunities. An AI resume generator can’t read your mind. If there are important responsibilities or projects that you would like to include, add them in. If you need help figuring out how to write in your soft skills, AI can help, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide which skills are a good fit. It is important that you edit and customize your resume.
Customize for the position: One of the most tried and true pieces of advice for resumes and cover letters is to tailor them to the job you’re applying for. Don’t just send an identical resume to every listing, read each listing carefully. Use keywords from the job listing to stand out, this is especially true because so many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Edit your AI-assisted resume to emphasize the points that make you the best fit for the specific position.
5 best AI resume builders to consider
1. Resume Now
Resume Now uses AI to suggest professionally written text for your resume, all while utilizing our array of unique and attractive resume designs.
Features:
- Resume Now features a wide variety of customizable resume templates for professionals in any field. From sleek modern resumes for business careers, to creative and stylish resumes for artistic careers, we’ve got you covered!
- Resume Now’s Resume Builder AI provides intuitive AI-generated text suggestions based on the information that you give it. When you add your work experience, the AI suggests skills and experience that fits the roles you’ve had. Every piece of text can be edited and customized for accuracy and relevance.
- Resume Now’s Resume AI Builder can generate a winning resume in just minutes from start to finish. It’s easy to use and faster than you think. And it doesn’t stop there! If you’ve struggled with how to write a cover letter, we’ve got your back. Once you’ve finished making your AI-assisted resume, hop on over to Resume Now’s AI Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter that complements your resume.
Pricing:
- Full access to Resume Now for 14 days is available for $2.45. Monthly access is available for as low as $10.45 per month.
Pros:
- Unique library of templates designed to benefit applicants from any field.
- AI-generated text suggestions help you build a professional job-winning resume.
- Built with applicant tracking systems (ATS) in mind so your resume holds up against ATS scrutiny.
- It’s easy to add additional sections like languages, honors and awards.
Cons:
- The best pricing plan requires upfront payment of one year’s subscription. In order to save 60% on your Resume Now subscription, you need to sign up for the yearly plan.
2. Kickresume
Kickresume uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 neural network to generate a resume using your information as a prompt.
Features:
- Kickresume uses your information to generate a work experience section based on the inputs that you provide. Kickresume will generate bullet points describing your skills and core competencies using what you input.
- Kickresume’s AI resume builder uses a credits system to access GPT-4. This means that Kickresume is able to provide a free AI resume builder for a limited number of uses.
- Kickresume also features a cover letter generator that builds a cover letter to match your AI generated resume.
Pricing:
- Kickresume is available for free with limited features. A subscription to Kickresume Premium costs $5.00 per month when the year is paid upfront. Otherwise, it is $19.00 per month.
Pros:
- Access to GPT-4 means access to a state of the art AI which convincingly mimics human writing.
- A free tier allows you to try Kickresume without making an expensive commitment.
Cons:
- Even with Kickresume Premium, access to GPT-4 is limited by your credits. A premium account does not provide unlimited credits, so you may want to look elsewhere if you want to work on many different AI resume drafts.
- Kickresume’s free tier is extremely limited, you can only choose from four resume templates and two typefaces. To build a really unique resume, you need to buy a subscription or choose a different service.
3. Resume Genius
Resume Genius offers an AI-driven resume builder tool that is “HR approved.”
Features:
- Resume Genius uses your information to create prewritten bullet points, saving you from the time and hassle of writing a resume from scratch.
- Resume Genius offers a library of templates designed to suit any career or field. With this tool, you can build a unique, stylish and professional resume with just a few clicks.
- Once completed, you can download your resume as a PDF, Word Doc or TXT file directly to your computer.
Pricing:
- 14 days of full access to Resume Genius costs $2.95, while a monthly subscription option is available for $7.95 per month.
Pros:
- It’s fast and easy to use. Resume Genius uses an interface that quickly and easily guides you through the resume generation process. Completing your entire resume takes just a few minutes.
- It’s inexpensive. When paid upfront for the year, ResumeGenius costs $95.40. For twelve months of unlimited access to this AI resume builder tool, this price is budget-friendly. You can even download a TXT file version of your generated resume for free.
- It’s ATS-friendly. Its automatic formatting gives you a leg up on applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are notorious for screening out poorly formatted resumes.
Cons:
- To receive the best deal, you have to pay upfront for the year. Paying for the entire year upfront saves you 75% on subscription fees, but this means that you receive a worse deal if you only want to access Resume Genius for a few months.
4. Resumaker.ai
Resumaker.ai uses the power of AI tools to generate resumes quickly and painlessly.
Features:
- A selection of premium templates give you the ability to choose a resume design that’s a good fit for you and your career.
- AI generated text populates your resume based on the information that you provide. Resumaker.ai allows you to customize this text as needed for a resume that fits your needs.
- HR-approved resume help gives you extra input to guide you through the resume writing process.
Pricing:
- Seven days of full access can be purchased for $0.99. The “professional” subscription tier is priced at $23.75 for three months and the “expert” tier is priced at $45.75 for six months.
Pros:
- An inexpensive seven day trial means you can try the tool without the commitment. It’s up to you to decide if Resumaker.ai is worth the subscription.
- 256-bit encryption protects your data. This feature means you don’t need to stress about the security of the information that you provide.
Cons:
- Resumaker.ai has a smaller library of templates to choose from. This means less customizability when it comes to the look and feel of your resume.
5. VisualCV
VisualCV is an AI CV maker that features templates, tips and generated text for anyone who has ever grappled with how to write a CV or resume.
Features:
- VisualCV lets you build your CV or resume using its simple and easy to use CV builder tool and extensive catalog of CV templates.
- VisualCV provides international CV guidelines and tips to build a CV that meets the requirements for your specific country. It includes CV guidelines for 10 different countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
- VisualCV offers the ability to convert your LinkedIn profile into a resume that can then be exported and downloaded as a PDF.
Pricing:
- VisualCV offers a free account which allows you to make your first CV or resume and trial the website’s offerings. The pro account is available for $24.00 per month or $15.00 per month when billed quarterly.
Pros:
- International guidelines make it easy to build a CV that fits your needs.
- Access to a free account means that you can trial VisualCV’s builder tool without the risk of buyer’s remorse.
- Converting your LinkedIn profile into a resume makes it easy to keep your resume current.
Cons:
- VisualCV’s cover letter builder is only available with a pro subscription, meaning that you can’t test drive it with a free account.
- Resumes and CVs generated with a free account feature a VisualCV watermark, which doesn’t look very professional. You should opt for a pro account if you like the tool and want to use the resume.
Key Takeaways
- As AI resume builders become more and more popular, knowing how to choose the right one and get the best use out of it will be an important skill for your job hunt. Here are some key things to remember when it comes to making your AI-assisted resume.
- Do your research: Don’t just go for the first tool you see. Read customer reviews and research the features that are important to you. The best AI resume builder is the one that meets your needs.
- Customize: No AI resume builder knows your skill set like you do. AI is a tool that can help you get inspired, but it shouldn’t limit you. Make sure to read any AI generated text carefully and edit when necessary. If there’s something important missing, add it!
- Keep it simple: AI resume builders give you access to huge libraries of fancy templates. Be careful not to go overboard. A professional resume should be appropriate and simple. Too many distractions make it hard for your resume to do its job.
Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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