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How to Write a “Human” Resume in the Age of AI: 5 Steps to Stand Out
- Nina Chen
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
October ushers in Canada’s traditional hiring season, but this year, optimism feels harder to find. The unemployment rate climbed to 7.1% in September, the highest in nearly a decade outside the pandemic years. Across the country, recent grads and newcomers share the same sentiment: “It’s never been tougher to land a job.”
One of our clients, Liam, sent out over 1,000 job applications in a month, and received only a dozen responses. None led to an interview. When we asked how he managed to apply to that many, he said simply, “I ran a script.”
Liam’s not alone. With AI tools that can craft polished resumes in minutes, job seekers can now apply to hundreds of roles with a few clicks. But here’s the catch: employers are using AI too—and that “perfect” resume might never make it to human eyes.
So how can you leverage AI without losing your authenticity? Based on our years of experience screening resumes and coaching job seekers, we want to share five practical steps to write a resume that feels human—and actually gets read.
Step 1. Write it yourself, then let AI fine-tune it
Start with your own draft that highlights your real accomplishments, measurable results, and project details. Once that’s done, use AI to refine the language, structure, and formatting. This way, your authentic voice stays front and center—just presented in a more polished way.
Step 2. Use smart prompts, not flashy jargon
When you ask AI to edit your resume, give it the context: the role you’re applying for, your level of experience, and the type of organization. Avoid letting it fill your entry-level resume with buzzwords like “strategic leadership” or “cross-functional collaboration.” HR teams spot those red flags immediately. Focus on accuracy and alignment, not fluff.
Step 3. Match your resume to each job
Before hitting “apply,” upload the job description (JD) into your AI tool. Ask it to extract key skills and phrases, then tailor your resume to reflect them accordingly. This simple step can dramatically improve your ranking in the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and increase your chances of being seen by an actual recruiter.
Step 4. Quality beats quantity
Automated mass applications might feel productive, but to HR, they look like spam. After a few rounds, your email or profile could even get flagged or blacklisted. A thoughtful, well-targeted application always outperforms a thousand generic ones. Finding a job isn’t about “more”; it’s about right.
Step 5. Use AI to test your own resume
Want to know if your resume will pass the AI filters? Use AI to test AI. Run your resume through an ATS simulator to check your keyword match rate, formatting, and readability scores. Then tweak accordingly. No one understands the algorithm better than another algorithm.
Beyond the resume: Building what AI can’t replicate
Mastering these steps will help you write a strong, human-centered resume, but let’s be real: a resume alone no longer guarantees success. AI automation is quietly replacing many entry-level, repetitive tasks once meant for new graduates.
“The Job Market Is Hell”: “Young people are using ChatGPT to write their applications; HR is using AI to read them; no one is getting hired.”, written by Annie Lowrey from The Atlantic. It sounds like a joke, but it’s the new reality.
The most valuable advantage you have is what AI can’t replicate: human connection and credibility. Be intentional about how you build both:
Network with purpose. Attend industry events, engage on LinkedIn, and join professional communities where you can learn and be seen.
Build real experience. Take on projects, internships, or certifications that showcase your skills in action—not just on paper.
Share your story. Use your portfolio or LinkedIn profile to highlight your journey, growth, and personality. That’s what helps employers remember you, not just your resume.
What AI will never replace
AI can craft a flawless sentence, but it can’t replace you. It doesn’t know your story, your grit, or the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What makes hiring managers stop and take notice isn’t perfection. It’s authenticity, growth, and passion.
Ready to bring the human touch back to your resume? Book a one-on-one resume consultation and coaching session with us. Together, we’ll help your next application stand out—for all the right reasons.
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