In today’s fast-paced world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an invaluable assistant, streamlining tasks and offering quick solutions. From drafting emails to generating content, AI can certainly get the ball rolling. However, when it comes to critical documents like a CV, relying solely on AI can leave you with a document that’s technically correct but far from impactful.

I recently had a client with an impressive career history who, quite understandably, turned to AI to draft their CV. The AI did an “okay” job – all the essential information was there. But an “okay” CV simply isn’t good enough in today’s fiercely competitive job market. The AI-generated draft was lengthy, almost full-page list of skills, an unconventional education-before-experience format, and a distinct lack of the strategic organisation that makes a CV truly shine.

This is precisely where human professionals come in. While AI can efficiently pull data and generate text, it often lacks the understanding of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) best practices, hiring manager psychology, and the subtle art of presenting information in a compelling way. A professional CV writer, for instance, knows how to:

Integrate skills seamlessly into your work experience, showcasing how you’ve applied them to achieve tangible results.

Prioritise information to highlight your most relevant achievements and experiences upfront.

Optimise formatting and layout for readability and impact, ensuring your CV is a pleasure to review, not a chore.

Refine language to be active, concise, and persuasive, utilising powerful verbs and avoiding jargon.

Tailor the document to industry standards and specific job requirements, something AI often struggles with beyond basic keyword matching.

In my client’s case, a few strategic, human-led adjustments transformed a clunky, AI-generated draft into a polished, impactful two-page CV. We wove their extensive skills directly into their professional achievements, reordered sections for maximum effect, and ensured the overall presentation was professional and engaging.

So, while AI can be a fantastic starting point for gathering information and creating a preliminary draft, it’s the professional, experienced human touch that truly elevates a CV from merely “okay” to absolutely outstanding. AI offers speed and convenience, but human experts provide the critical judgement, nuanced understanding, and strategic polish needed to make a lasting impression.