In today’s competitive job market, hiring managers are seeing something curious: a flood of resumes that, despite coming from different people, all kind of sound the same. It’s not that they’re poorly written. They’re just generic.
The Problem with Polished but Impersonal
Thanks to resume builders and AI tools like ChatGPT, it’s never been easier to create a clean-looking, keyword-optimized resume.
(Whether “artificial intelligence” is even the right term is debatable; tools like ChatGPT and Gemini aren’t really intelligent. They’re just darn good at predicting what words go together based on patterns in massive amounts of data. And they consume a great deal of energy in the process.)
That kind of efficiency can be useful but it comes with a downside. Too often, the result is a document full of buzzwords and vague phrasing, with little sense of who the person behind it really is.
Actually intelligent recruiters can spot these patterns. When every resume sounds like it came from the same template or tool, it’s tough to stand out. Worse, some candidates end up with descriptions that don’t quite reflect their real experience. That can become clear in an interview.
Why a Personal Story Still Wins
Despite the extensive adoption of automation, a well-crafted, personal resume still makes the biggest impact. It’s your chance to tell your story, including what you’ve achieved, how you think, and what you care about, in a document that feels true to you.
Employers value critical thinking, clear communication, and real-world problem-solving. Those aren’t things a formula can reliably fake. A resume that highlights your authentic voice and genuine contributions has the best chance of making a connection.
How to Make Yours Stand Out
Here’s how to keep your resume from getting lost in the crowd:
Be intentional. Research the roles and companies that interest you, and tailor your resume accordingly. Use specific examples that show how you’ve made a difference.
Consider expert help. A professional resume writer can help you shape your experiences into a narrative that hits the mark. Look for someone who understands what businesses expect, how to work with (not against) applicant tracking systems, and can help you bring out what makes you memorable.
A Thoughtful Resume Is Your Best Tool
In a world of fast applications and automated tools, what sets you apart is the thought you put into how you present yourself. A personalized, well-written resume isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s your best shot at standing out.
Your eventual goal isn’t to impress a robot. It’s to connect with the real people making the hiring decisions.
If you need help focusing your career narrative, Shimmering Careers offers a variety of resume writing and career coaching services to help you stand out and reach your goals.