AI vs Human Résumé Writers: Who Does It Better?

When it comes to landing your next job, your résumé is often the first impression an employer will have of you.

Does your resume deserve the human touch?

These days, jobseekers are spoilt for choice: you can either plug your details into an AI tool and get a slick document within minutes, or you can work with a professional résumé writer who takes the time to get to know you. But which option really gives you the edge?

The Case for AI Résumé Writing

AI résumé builders are everywhere at the moment. They’re quick, cheap, and can churn out a well-structured document in no time. The formatting tends to be clean, and the language polished. Many platforms also optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which helps your résumé get past the initial automated screening that so many employers use.

But there are limitations. AI doesn’t know your story—it can only work with what you feed it. That often means the finished product sounds a bit generic. Hiring managers read hundreds of résumés, and they can usually spot when the language has been generated by a template. While AI can help with the bones of your document, it doesn’t always capture your personality or the nuance of your career journey.

The Case for Human Résumé Writers

A professional résumé writer brings something AI can’t: perspective. A good writer asks questions, digs into your achievements, and frames your experience in a way that resonates with your industry. They know what employers are looking for in specific roles and can tailor your document accordingly.

Beyond word choice and formatting, a human writer can highlight your transferable skills, identify gaps you might have overlooked, and showcase your accomplishments in a way that feels authentic. They also understand cultural differences in the workplace and can strike the right tone for an Australian or British audience—something AI tools, often built with a global (and often American) market in mind, can miss.

The Cost Factor

There’s no getting around it: AI tools are far cheaper. Some are even free. A professional résumé writer, on the other hand, is an investment. But the question is whether that investment pays off in the form of more interview invitations and better job opportunities. For many mid-career professionals or those in competitive industries, the personalised approach can make a noticeable difference.

The Best of Both Worlds

In reality, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You might use AI to get started, then work with a human writer to refine and polish. Or perhaps you draft your own résumé, run it through an AI tool for ATS-friendly tweaks, and then have a friend or mentor give it a final once-over.

Final Thoughts

AI résumé tools are brilliant for speed and accessibility, but they lack the nuance, strategy, and human touch that a professional brings. If you’re applying for entry-level roles or just need a quick update, AI might be enough. But if you’re aiming for a career move that really matters, or you want your application to stand out in a crowded market, investing in a human résumé writer could be the smarter choice.