Best Practices for AI-generated Executive CVs

In today’s competitive job market, advanced AI tools have revolutionised the job application process.

AI-generated CVs are becoming increasingly common. Numerous tools now offer innovative ways to present professional experiences and optimise executive CVs, particularly when facing AI screening technologies. Striking the right balance between AI’s efficient capabilities and differentiating via personal touch is crucial. At Future Leadership our team sees thousands of CVs come across our desks every week. As a result, we advocate candidates use AI as a ‘sparring partner’ rather than a word processor.

 

How to write an executive resume? Embrace your Human Value

What is the human value you are bringing to the CV writing, in the same way you will contribute human value at work? While AI can streamline various aspects of recruitment, it cannot fully grasp the nuances of human communication and emotions, nor can it curate the essential cultural alignment within an organisation. Our recruitment processes are conducted entirely by experienced professionals who understand the delicate balance between leveraging AI and recognising its limitations. This idea of ‘ensuring the human in the loop’ is something that we highly stand for – whether in the recruitment process or within our candidate’s resume. Below is our take on the core components of a successfully tailored, AI-curated executive CV.

“If they’ve used AI as a sparring partner, I probably won’t be able to tell they’ve used it. If it’s a copy paste job, the formula is obvious.” – Larissa Langley, Associate Partner in the Education and Health Executive Search Practise

 

Expert Tips: Key techniques for curating an AI-generated CV

1. AI doesn’t bring warmth, compassion, or values, so personalisation is key

“Where it’s used solely on its own with little thought or input, it misses the mark. It’s relatively formulaic and the CV quickly becomes cookie-cutter. So, if you’re trying to sell yourself as an executive, you need to stand out as it’s a very competitive market at the best of times. Using a tool like AI in its current state to personalise or make your profile more unique, may result in doing the opposite in my opinion. AI is aggregated data from the general population, so it’s like actually underselling you! Being authentic to your message as an executive puts you at an advantage.” – Josh Mullens, Interim Executive

Authenticity is a key factor that can set you apart from other candidates.

One common issue with AI-generated CVs is their tendency to produce generic and standardised content. This can make your resume blend in with countless others, diminishing your chances of standing out to recruiters. By personalising your resume, you can highlight specific experiences, skills, and accomplishments that are uniquely yours. Additionally, personalisation demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to the application process and reflects that you have a genuine interest in the position. This not only makes your resume more engaging but also more memorable to executive search consultants.

It’s also important to consider the cultural alignment within an organisation. AI-generated CVs may overlook the nuances of organisational culture, which can be critical in executive roles. Personalising your resume allows you to convey your values, work ethic, and how you align with the company’s culture and mission. This can make a significant difference in positions that require a strong cultural fit, especially within the health, education, and for purpose sectors.

To maintain your individual voice and authenticity, thoroughly review and edit the AI-generated content. Incorporate personal anecdotes, specific examples, and unique insights that reflect your professional journey. Use the AI as a foundation but let your personality shine through in the final document. This combination of AI efficiency and human touch creates a powerful and compelling resume that truly represents you.

 

2. Use keywords to give your professional executive resume a refresh

One of the significant advantages of utilising AI in CV writing is the ability to optimise for keywords. AI tools can effectively scan job postings and identify relevant keywords that should be integrated into your CV. This practice ensures that your resume aligns with what recruiters and screening systems are searching for, thereby increasing your chances of progressing through initial screenings.

For executives seeking a professional executive resume refresh, incorporating these keywords is crucial to standing out in the competitive job market. Keywords are often specific to the industry, role, and organisation, and they signal to recruiters that you possess the required qualifications and expertise. By embedding these terms strategically, you can enhance the visibility and relevance of your resume in the eyes of both human recruiters and AI screening systems.

However, it is imperative to exercise caution and avoid overloading your CV with excessive or unnatural keywords. An overemphasis on keywords can make your resume appear forced and disjointed. More importantly, using terms that are not common to your professional vernacular can backfire during interviews. Interviewers are adept at detecting discrepancies between your spoken language and the terminology in your resume, which can raise red flags about the authenticity of your application.

To maintain authenticity, ensure that the keywords you incorporate are reflective of your genuine skills and experiences. Use AI tools to identify the most critical keywords, but review and personalise the content to ensure it resonates with your professional voice. Highlighting key achievements and responsibilities with relevant keywords will create a cohesive narrative that accurately represents your career journey.

 

3. How to write an executive CV that quantifies your achievements

According to our respected talent consultant Pauline Gates, “A thorough understanding of your career achievements is essential to effectively writing your CV. If you can’t articulate your successes, it reflects poorly on your professional awareness.”

The essence of your CV should encapsulate your personal achievements, as they are fundamental to curating your professional identity. Understanding and articulating these achievements without relying on AI is crucial. Once you have a solid grasp of your career accomplishments, AI technology can serve as a powerful tool to enhance your resume.

AI has revolutionised the way professionals can quantify their achievements and highlight key accomplishments in their resumes. By utilising AI tools, executives can transform raw data into polished documents that clearly demonstrate their impact and contributions. These tools help structure and present your achievements in a manner that is both compelling and professional, ensuring that your resume stands out in a competitive job market by:

• Providing Specific Metrics and Results with AI

AI tools excel at identifying and structuring specific metrics and results. By analysing your professional experiences, AI can help you pinpoint quantifiable achievements, such as percentage increases, revenue growth, cost savings, and other measurable outcomes. This allows you to present your accomplishments in a clear and impactful manner. For example, AI can help you frame a statement like “increased sales” into “increased sales by 25% within the first quarter,” adding credibility and specificity to your claims.

• Showcasing Strategic Vision and Measurable Achievements with AI

Crafting an executive resume for C-suite positions requires showcasing both strategic vision and measurable achievements. AI can assist in identifying and articulating these strategic initiatives by analysing patterns and trends in your career history. This ensures that your resume reflects your ability to think strategically and lead initiatives that drive significant results. AI can help highlight projects where you played a pivotal role in setting and achieving long-term goals, demonstrating your leadership and vision.

However, it is essential to invest time in training the AI to understand your unique experiences and accomplishments. By providing detailed information about your career, you can ensure that the AI-generated content accurately represents your professional journey and highlights your strengths effectively.

 

4. Address Formatting and Spelling Errors (Proofreading and Editing)

While AI technology offers numerous benefits in crafting resumes, it is not infallible. AI can sometimes make mistakes in interpretation, resulting in odd meanings and inaccuracies that can disadvantage qualified candidates. Our experts have encountered numerous CVs with spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and awkward language, often signalling AI’s involvement. It is crucial to use AI as a supplementary tool.

• Proofreading and Editing

When creating an AI-generated CV for senior leadership roles, the document must be error-free and accurately represent your qualifications. AI tools can assist in identifying and correcting basic errors, but they may miss contextual nuances and subtle language issues. Thorough proofreading and editing by a human reviewer are vital to maintaining the professionalism and accuracy of your resume. This step ensures your CV is polished and free from errors that could undermine your credibility.

• Formatting for Readability

Formatting your resume in an easily readable manner is essential, especially for screening by AI systems. An effective resume format is vital for getting noticed. Use clear section headers, simple fonts, and avoid complex formatting to ensure that both AI screening tools and human recruiters can easily navigate your document. AI tools can help ensure your resume meets these criteria, making it easier for recruiters to review. Modern executive resume formats should be both visually appealing and optimised for maximum effectiveness.

 

Conclusion