Featured Article
Common Mistakes to Avoid in AI-Generated Cover Letters
by Saheed Oyefeso
Common Mistakes in AI-Generated Resumes (and How to Fix Them)
AI can speed up resume writing — but speed isn’t always an advantage if you don’t know what to avoid. As AI-powered tools become more common in 2025, recruiters are seeing more resumes with obvious, avoidable issues.
Here’s how to spot the most common mistakes and fix them so your resume stands out for the right reasons.
1. Using a Single Generic Resume for Every Application
Why it’s a problem
- Recruiters can tell when a resume is generic
- It makes you look unfocused or disinterested in the specific role
How to fix it
- Tailor each resume to the job description
- Highlight experience and skills most relevant to the role
- Use AI tools to create a base draft, then customize keywords and examples
2. Overloading with Keywords
Why it’s a problem
- AI might stuff keywords into every section to “optimize” for ATS
- This makes your resume sound unnatural or repetitive
How to fix it
- Use important keywords, but only where they make sense
- Keep sentences clear and easy to read
- Let your achievements prove your skills instead of just naming them
3. Listing Duties, Not Achievements
Why it’s a problem
- Recruiters care about results, not just responsibilities
- “Managed a team” is weaker than “Led a team of 5 to deliver X project 2 weeks ahead of schedule”
How to fix it
- Frame bullet points around measurable results
- Use numbers, percentages, or impact metrics where possible
4. Using Outdated Formats
Why it’s a problem
- Old resume templates may not parse correctly in applicant tracking systems
- Visual-heavy designs often get scrambled
How to fix it
- Use a clean, modern layout
- Avoid text boxes, images, and excessive columns unless you know the company’s system can handle them
5. Copy-Paste from Job Descriptions
Why it’s a problem
- Copying the exact words from the job ad feels lazy
- It doesn’t prove you’ve actually done the work
How to fix it
- Show how you’ve applied those skills in real projects
- Replace generic phrases with specific examples
Recommended Formats by Situation
| Situation | Recommended Resume Format |
|---|---|
| Applying through ATS | Simple, text-based layout |
| Creative role with direct recruiter email | Branded, design-heavy PDF |
| Career change | Hybrid/functional resume highlighting transferable skills |
| Academic or research role | CV with publications, conferences, and grants |
Final Thoughts
AI is a great resume assistant, but not a replacement for human judgment. Use it to speed up the first draft — then review, refine, and personalize.
A resume should sound like you at your most professional, not like every other candidate using the same AI tool.