These 4 Words Make it Obvious That Your Resume is Written By AI. Use these instead.

Let’s face it, resume writing is not easy. That’s why AI resume builders have become the new best friend for job seekers everywhere. But here’s the thing: just like suspiciously uniform-shaped supermarket apple, sometimes your AI-enhanced resume can give off a bit of an artificial vibe.

Enter the telltale signs — the linguistic fingerprints that scream “this resume was crafted by a robot, not a human being!” Today, we’re dissecting some of the most common keywords that can make your resume reek of AI and alternatives you can use to avoid getting filtered out for having the wrong keywords:

1. Foster:

• Nurture: Emphasizes care and development, implying a more organic process.

• Champion: Highlights active advocacy and support, showcasing initiative.

• Enable: Focuses on creating the conditions for something to happen, demonstrating strategic thinking.

• Facilitate: Underscores smooth operation and removal of obstacles, implying efficiency.

2. Spearheaded:

• Led: A classic leadership term, clear and concise.

• Pioneered: Used for impactful new initiatives, suggests innovation.

• Orchestrated: Implies masterful coordination and management.

• Championed: Similar to “foster,” but in the context of leading the charge.

3. Boosted:

• Increased: Straightforward and universally understood.

• Surpassed: Conveys exceeding expectations, suggests success.

• Elevated: Implies a sustained improvement, not just a temporary rise.

• Energized: Focuses on creating momentum and motivation, can be applicable to various contexts.

4. Cultivated:

• Developed: Broad and versatile, applicable to skills, relationships, or ideas.

• Grew: Shows organic progress and positive change.

• Honed: Implies deliberate effort and refinement, showcasing dedication.

• Refined: Similar to “honed,” but with a focus on polishing existing skills.

While AI excels at streamlining, optimizing, and tailoring your resume to specific job descriptions, it lacks the human touch. It can’t capture the nuances of your personality, the depth of your experiences, or the spark that sets you apart. Think of it as prepping the vegetables, chopping the onions, and ensuring a solid foundation — essential, but not enough to create a truly mouthwatering dish.

The true power lies in your ability to leverage this foundation and personalize it to perfection. Just like a seasoned chef wouldn’t serve a store-bought sauce, you shouldn’t simply rely on boilerplate AI-generated text. This is where you add your own spices. Embrace AI as a tool for efficiency but do your due diligence and add your own personal touch.