How Can Employers Tell I’ve Used AI to Write My Resume?

With the rise of AI tools, it has become easier than ever to put together a polished CV.

While these tools can save time and help with structure, many job seekers worry that employers will be able to spot an AI-generated resume from a mile away. So, can they? The short answer is: sometimes – but not always.

Overly Generic Wording

One of the first giveaways is language that feels too polished, vague, or overly formal.

Phrases like “results-driven professional with a proven track record of success” sound impressive at first glance, but when every candidate has them, they lose impact.

Recruiters quickly pick up on this “cookie-cutter” style.

Lack of Specific Examples

AI often struggles with adding the personal touch that makes a CV memorable. If your resume is heavy on buzzwords but light on specific achievements, employers may suspect it hasn’t come directly from you.

For example, saying you are “a strong communicator” carries less weight than showing it with “delivered weekly presentations to 50 staff and improved engagement scores by 15%.”

Inconsistencies With Your Story

Recruiters often compare your resume with your LinkedIn profile, cover letter or interview responses. If your CV sounds robotic or doesn’t quite line up with the way you naturally speak about yourself, it can raise red flags. Consistency matters.

Formatting That Looks Too Perfect

AI-generated resumes sometimes come out looking a bit too uniform. Perfectly even bullet points, identical sentence lengths and overly neat formatting can make a document feel less human. Employers won’t reject you for neatness, but they may notice if it looks more like a template than a personal reflection.

How to Avoid These Pitfalls

Using AI is not a problem in itself – it can be a fantastic tool. The key is to personalise. Add your own voice, include specific examples from your career, and double-check that the tone feels like you. Employers want to get a sense of you, not a generic candidate.

Final Thoughts

Employers can sometimes guess when a CV has been heavily written by AI, but it’s rarely about the tool itself – it’s about how natural and authentic the final product feels. Use AI for structure and inspiration, but always make sure the story, the achievements, and the personality are your own.