Back
what recruiters think about ai generated resumes
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market, and resumes are no exception. Recruiters are now fielding a growing number of AI‑generated CVs. In this guide we unpack what recruiters think about AI generated resumes, explore the criteria they use, and give you a step‑by‑step playbook to make your AI‑crafted document stand out.
The Recruiter Lens: How AI Resumes Are Evaluated
Recruiters juggle two main goals when scanning a resume: speed and accuracy. According to a 2023 LinkedIn Talent Solutions report, recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds on an initial resume scan. That means any AI‑generated resume must instantly convey relevance and credibility.
1. Content Relevance vs. Generic Buzzwords
| What Recruiters Look For | Typical AI Pitfall |
|---|---|
| Specific achievements (e.g., "increased sales by 23% in Q3 2023") | Over‑reliance on vague phrases like "team player" or "driven" |
| Quantifiable metrics | Repetitive buzzword clusters ("synergy", "leveraged", "disruptive") |
| Role‑specific keywords that match the job description | Keyword stuffing that looks robotic |
Bottom line: Recruiters want real results, not just AI‑generated fluff.
2. ATS Compatibility
Even the smartest AI can miss the nuances of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A 2022 study by Jobscan found that 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human ever sees them. Recruiters therefore check:
- Proper section headings (e.g., Professional Experience, Education)
- Simple fonts and standard bullet points
- No embedded tables or graphics that confuse parsers
Pro tip: Run your AI resume through Resumly’s free ATS Resume Checker before sending it out.
3. Tone and Authenticity
Human recruiters can sense when a resume feels too perfect. A 2024 survey by Glassdoor revealed that 68% of hiring managers prefer a personal voice over a perfectly polished AI output. They look for:
- Consistent verb tense
- A narrative that reflects the candidate’s career journey
- Subtle personal touches (e.g., a brief “Passions” line)
Common Misconceptions Recruiters Have About AI‑Generated Resumes
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
| AI resumes are always error‑free. | AI can hallucinate facts. Always verify dates, company names, and metrics. |
| ATS love AI‑optimized keywords. | Over‑optimization triggers spam filters; balance is key. |
| Recruiters can’t tell if a resume is AI‑written. | Many can spot unnatural phrasing or repetitive patterns. |
| AI eliminates the need for a cover letter. | A tailored AI‑generated cover letter still adds value; see Resumly’s AI Cover Letter feature. |
Checklist: Recruiter‑Friendly AI Resume
Before you hit “Send”, run through this checklist (tick each item):
- Tailor keywords to the specific job posting (use Resumly’s Job Search Keywords tool).
- Include at least three quantifiable achievements per role.
- Limit buzzwords to a maximum of three per section; replace with concrete results.
- Run an ATS scan with Resumly’s ATS Resume Checker.
- Proofread for consistency (verb tense, formatting, spelling).
- Add a brief personal statement (2‑3 lines) that reflects your career narrative.
- Export as a .docx or PDF with standard fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman).
- Test readability using Resumly’s Resume Readability Test – aim for a score of 70+.
Do’s and Don’ts of AI‑Generated Resumes
Do’s
- Do customize each resume for the target role.
- Do verify every statistic; fabricating numbers is a red flag.
- Do keep the layout simple – recruiters skim, not read every line.
- Do use Resumly’s AI Resume Builder to generate a solid first draft, then edit manually.
Don’ts
- Don’t copy‑paste the same AI‑generated text for multiple applications.
- Don’t overload the document with graphics or complex tables.
- Don’t rely solely on AI for the cover letter; personalize it.
- Don’t ignore the recruiter’s feedback loop – if you get a “resume not suitable” reply, revisit the content.
Real‑World Example: From AI Draft to Recruiter‑Approved Resume
Scenario: Maria, a mid‑level marketing analyst, uses an AI tool to create a resume for a senior role at a tech startup.
- AI Draft Output (excerpt):
"Results‑driven marketing professional with expertise in data‑driven strategies, leveraging synergies across cross‑functional teams to deliver disruptive growth."
- Recruiter Feedback (hypothetical):
- Too vague, no numbers.
- Buzzword heavy.
- Maria’s Revision Steps:
- Replace vague claim with a metric: "Increased organic traffic by 42% YoY through SEO and content optimization."
- Remove “synergies” and “disruptive”; keep concrete verbs like implemented, optimized.
- Add a brief personal line: "Passionate about turning data into actionable marketing campaigns."
- Final Version (Recruiter‑Friendly):
**Senior Marketing Analyst** • Increased organic traffic by **42%** YoY via SEO overhaul. • Managed a $500K budget, delivering a **15%** ROI improvement. • Led a cross‑functional team of 8 to launch a new product line, achieving $1.2M revenue in Q1.
Result: Maria’s revised resume passed the ATS and secured a phone interview within 48 hours.
Leveraging Resumly’s Free Tools to Impress Recruiters
| Need | Resumly Tool |
|---|---|
| Quick ATS compatibility check | ATS Resume Checker |
| Identify overused buzzwords | Buzzword Detector |
| Gauge readability | Resume Readability Test |
| Find skill gaps | Skills Gap Analyzer |
| Generate a tailored cover letter | AI Cover Letter |
| Explore job‑match insights | Job Match |
By integrating these tools into your workflow, you can turn a generic AI draft into a recruiter‑approved masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do recruiters know when a resume is AI‑generated?
- Yes, many can spot unnatural phrasing or repetitive patterns. The key is to human‑proof the AI output.
2. Will using AI hurt my chances if the recruiter prefers a “personal touch”?
- Not if you customize the AI draft. Add personal anecdotes and verify every metric.
3. How many keywords should I include?
- Aim for 5‑7 high‑impact keywords that match the job description. Over‑stuffing triggers ATS filters.
4. Is it safe to use AI for the cover letter?
- Absolutely, as long as you personalize the opening paragraph and reference the specific company.
5. Can AI help me pass the ATS but still be readable for humans?
- Yes. Use Resumly’s Resume Readability Test to balance keyword density with clear language.
6. What if I don’t have quantifiable results for a role?
- Focus on process improvements, team leadership, or project outcomes. Even percentages (e.g., “reduced turnaround time by 20%”) work.
7. Should I include a LinkedIn URL generated by AI?
- Only if the profile is up‑to‑date and matches the resume content. Recruiters cross‑check LinkedIn profiles.
Mini‑Conclusion: The Core Takeaway on What Recruiters Think About AI Generated Resumes
Recruiters appreciate AI‑generated resumes only when they are tailored, metric‑rich, ATS‑friendly, and human‑proofed. The technology is a powerful drafting assistant, not a replacement for your personal brand.
Action Plan: Turn Insights into an Interview Invitation
- Create a draft with Resumly’s AI Resume Builder.
- Run the ATS and Buzzword checks using the free tools linked above.
- Edit for metrics and tone – follow the checklist.
- Generate a matching cover letter via the AI Cover Letter feature.
- Submit through the company’s portal or via Resumly’s Auto‑Apply for faster tracking.
By following these steps, you align your AI‑generated resume with what recruiters actually think and increase your odds of moving from the screen to the interview stage.
Ready to craft a recruiter‑approved AI resume? Visit Resumly’s homepage and start building your future today.
