Using AI to Improve Your Resume

Improving your Resume with AI
Your resume is your ticket to the professional world. Impress employers and colleges and stand out among the competition with these tips for creating a strong resume.
How to Use AI Effectively
When asking for assistance in writing your resume:
Be specific!
The more information you can provide, the better your results will be!
Do NOT enter any personal information (name, contact information, birthdate, etc…)
Do NOT ask AI to write anything for you. It doesn't know YOU. You know YOU. 
Ask it to revise or help you restate phrases to improve your own resume so that it complements your own effort and expertise. 
The Importance of a Strong Resume
1
Stand Out
A well-crafted resume can set you apart from the rest of the applicant pool.
2
Increase Chances
A strong resume increases your chances of getting hired or accepted into programs by showing your best qualities.
3
Professional Image
Building a professional image early on can help you develop a strong sense of confidence and responsibility.
Let's use AI to… 
Find out what employers & colleges look for in a resume. 
I'll provide a demo.
My prompt: "What do colleges and employers look for in a teen's resume?"
Overall Employers & Colleges Look For…
Academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and relevant skills. 
A well-organized document that demonstrates your ability to manage responsibilities and contribute effectively to your community or workplace. 
Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Key Components of a Resume
Contact Information
Include your name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address.
Education and Academic Achievements
List all relevant education and academic achievements.
Relevant Experience, Volunteer Work & Extracurricular Activities
List any notable volunteer work or extracurricular activities that align with your desired industry.
Skills and Qualifications
List your relevant skills and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the desired role or program.
Resume Do's Using AI
1
Use AI as a tool, not a replacement: AI can help with formatting, grammar checks, and suggest keywords, but it should not replace the thought and effort you put into crafting a personalized and compelling resume.
2
Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each specific job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
3
Be concise and focused: Keep your resume concise and to the point. Use bullet points and short sentences to communicate your qualifications clearly.
4
Use keywords: Research and incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for keywords.
5
Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use specific numbers, percentages, or results to demonstrate your accomplishments. This adds credibility to your claims.
6
Highlight relevant skills: Clearly outline your skills, especially those that align with the job requirements. Use AI tools to identify important keywords and phrases.
7
Use a professional format: AI tools can help you choose a professional and visually appealing format for your resume. Stick to conventional fonts and layouts.
8
Proofread and edit: Use AI tools to check for grammar and spelling errors, but also carefully review your resume for clarity and consistency. Human oversight is crucial.
Resume Don'ts Using AI
1
Don't rely solely on AI: While AI can assist in the writing process, it can't replace the creativity, intuition, and personal touch that you bring to your resume. Always review and edit the AI-generated content.
2
Avoid overloading with information: Your resume should be a concise document. Avoid listing every detail of your entire work history. Focus on the most relevant and recent experiences.
3
Don't include irrelevant information: Avoid including personal information, unrelated hobbies, or excessive personal details. Stick to professional content.
4
Don't lie or exaggerate: It's essential to be truthful and accurate in your resume. Exaggerating or providing false information can lead to serious consequences if discovered.
5
Don't forget to update regularly: Keep your resume up to date with your latest experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Review and revise it as needed.
What is a Summary?
A summary is a concise section at the top of your resume.
It provides a snapshot of your qualifications, skills, and goals.
Why Should You Have One?
A well-crafted summary on a teen's resume can be a powerful tool for making a positive first impression, highlighting strengths, and demonstrating professionalism and goal-oriented thinking. Think of it like your "elevator pitch" when you meet someone you don't know.
Enhance your Summary with AI
Before: 
Motivated student (3.6/4.0) who demonstrates enthusiasm and creative ability. Interested in pursuing a position in the arts; specializing in theater production. Strong interpersonal skills and charismatic personality to bring to any organization.
After using AI:
"Enthusiastic and creative student with a strong academic record (3.6/4.0) seeking a role in the arts, with a specialization in theater production. Known for excellent interpersonal skills and a charismatic personality that can enhance any organization's collaborative and artistic endeavors."
Let's look at an example
Here are (3) summary statements below, each with a different level of quality:
Weak Summary: "High school student looking for a job. I like sports and math. I'm a hard worker and a team player."
Good but Lacking Summary: "Diligent high school student with an interest in sports and math. Known for hard work and being a valuable team member. Looking for job opportunities to gain experience."
Excellent Summary: "Energetic high school student with a passion for sports and mathematics. Proven track record of dedication and teamwork, as demonstrated through my experience as captain of the soccer team and my involvement in a math club that won regional competitions. Seeking a position that allows me to apply my leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills to contribute positively to a team-oriented environment, while furthering my academic and personal development."
The third summary is excellent because it not only highlights the teen's interests and qualities but also provides specific examples of accomplishments and leadership roles in sports and math activities. It demonstrates a strong commitment to personal and academic growth and is tailored to the type of opportunities the teen is seeking, making it more compelling to potential employers or educational institutions.
Student Sample:
My prompt:
"I am interested in nursing. I am a dedicated member of HOSA. I have over 30 hours of volunteer work. I babysit for 3 families. I am certified in first aid and CPR. My future plans are to be an RN."
Result:
"As a high school senior with a strong passion for nursing and a dedicated member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), I'm eager to pursue a career in healthcare as an RN. Through rigorous coursework and over 30 hours of volunteer work, I've gained valuable insights into the healthcare field. Additionally, my certification in first aid and CPR highlights my commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of others. In my spare time, I babysit for three families, furthering my skills in patient care and responsibility. I'm excited to further my education in nursing, ready to contribute to the well-being of patients and make a positive impact on their lives."
Your Turn!
In 3 sentences, create a summary for your resume:
Use 3-4 adjectives that describe you and what you are passionate about.
Describe your greatest accomplishments and/or what you are most proud of.
Describe what you are seeking and/or future goals.
I need an example from the audience who can share a summary statement!
I'll provide a demo using AI.
Lead with Verbs, Not Pronouns!
Examples of Action Verbs:
Led: Led a school club to organize charity events.
Initiated: Initiated and coordinated a school recycling program.
Achieved: Achieved an A+ in advanced math coursework.
Volunteered: Volunteered at a local animal shelter.
Assisted: Assisted teachers in organizing school events.
Managed: Managed social media accounts for a school project.
Coordinated: Coordinated fundraisers for a nonprofit organization.
Created: Created artwork for the school yearbook.
Solved: Solved customer inquiries as a part-time cashier.
Collaborated: Collaborated with a team to win a debate competition.
Why Action Verbs Matter:
They make your accomplishments more compelling and active.
They convey your role and impact clearly to potential employers or colleges.
They help your resume stand out and leave a strong impression.
Data Speaks Volumes! Use it!
Led: "Led a team of 10 students in organizing charity events, raising $5,000 for local shelters."
Initiated: "Initiated and supervised a school recycling program, increasing recycling rates by 30%."
Achieved: "Achieved an A+ in advanced math coursework, consistently ranking in the top 5% of the class."
Volunteered: "Volunteered 100 hours at a local animal shelter, caring for over 50 animals."
Assisted: "Assisted teachers in organizing 5 school events, ensuring smooth logistics and high attendance."
Managed: "Managed social media accounts for a school project, boosting followers by 200% in one semester."
Coordinated: "Coordinated 3 successful fundraisers for a nonprofit organization, raising $7,500 for the cause."
Created: "Created 20 pieces of artwork for the school yearbook, receiving recognition at a regional art competition."
Solved: "Solved customer inquiries as a part-time cashier, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate."
Collaborated: "Collaborated with a team to win a debate competition, ranked 1st out of 15 participating schools."
By incorporating specific data and quantifiable achievements with these action verbs, your resume becomes more impactful and provides concrete evidence of your abilities and contributions. It helps potential employers or colleges understand the scale and results of your actions.
Got Skills? Yes, you do…
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge that can be measured. Here are some examples of hard skills that a teenager might include on their resume:
Computer Skills:
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java)
Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
Language Proficiency:
Fluency in multiple languages
Translation and interpretation skills
Math and Science Skills:
Advanced math proficiency (e.g., calculus)
Laboratory skills (e.g., using lab equipment)
Digital Marketing:
Social media management
SEO and analytics tools
Data Analysis:
Excel data analysis
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS)
Web Development:
HTML/CSS coding
WordPress or other content management systems
Video Editing:
Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro)
Video production and editing skills
Culinary Skills:
Cooking or baking expertise
Food safety and hygiene knowledge
Customer Service:
Point-of-sale (POS) system operation
Handling customer inquiries and complaints
First Aid and CPR Certification:
Demonstrates readiness for emergency situations
Including relevant hard skills on your resume helps demonstrate your capabilities and qualifications for specific positions, making you a more attractive
Showcase your Soft Skills
Soft skills are personal attributes and qualities that enhance your interactions, communication, and work ethic. Here are some examples of soft skills that a teenager might include on their resume:
Communication:
Effective verbal and written communication.
Public speaking and presentation skills.
Teamwork:
Collaboration and cooperation with peers.
Contributing positively to group projects and activities.
Leadership:
Taking initiative and leading group efforts.
Organization and coordination of events or teams.
Problem-Solving:
Analyzing issues and finding creative solutions.
Adapting to new situations and challenges.
Time Management:
Meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks.
Prioritizing responsibilities effectively.
Adaptability:
Flexibility and openness to change.
Handling uncertainty and adjusting to different environments.
Resilience:
Bouncing back from setbacks or failures.
Maintaining a positive attitude under pressure.
Empathy:
Understanding others' perspectives and feelings.
Effective interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Conflict Resolution:
Handling disputes or disagreements constructively.
Mediating or negotiating to reach solutions.
Customer Service:
Providing excellent service and addressing customer needs.
Patience and politeness in interactions with others.
Including soft skills on your resume demonstrates your personal qualities and character traits that are valuable in various roles, making you a well-rounded candidate.
Your Turn! 
Think about skills you've gained from: academic activities, extracurriculars, volunteer work and/or part-time jobs.
Write a statement like the ones in the slides above using one of your skills.
I need an example from the audience who can share!
I'll provide a demo using AI.
10 Ways to Make your Resume Stand Out
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each application, aligning your qualifications with the specific job, college, or scholarship requirements.
Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments, such as academic honors, awards, leadership roles, and quantifiable contributions in extracurricular activities.
Include Relevant Work Experience: If you have work experience, describe it in detail, emphasizing how it relates to the position you're applying for.
Showcase Soft Skills: Highlight soft skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, as these qualities are highly valued.
Incorporate Hard Skills: Include any hard skills you possess, such as computer proficiency, language skills, or technical abilities, which are relevant to the role.
Include Extracurricular Activities: Detail your involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, or any unique hobbies that demonstrate your dedication and interests.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use specific numbers and data to quantify your accomplishments, showing the scale and impact of your efforts.
Use Action Verbs: Employ strong action verbs in your descriptions to make your achievements more compelling and active.
Demonstrate Growth: Show how you've grown and developed over time by including experiences that reflect your progress and learning.
Craft a Compelling Summary: Write a well-crafted summary at the beginning of your resume to provide a concise overview of your qualifications and aspirations.