Inquiry Post 5: Reflection on AI, Resume Development, and Digital Literacy
Introduction
This inquiry began as an exploration of how AI tools can improve resumes. As a Computer Science student preparing for job opportunities and future roles, I was interested in whether tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot could meaningfully enhance resume quality.
Over time, this inquiry expanded beyond simply testing AI tools. It evolved into evaluating how AI affects not only resume content, but also presentation, authenticity, and how candidates are perceived in hiring. Through experimentation, industry insight, and building a digital portfolio, I was able to better understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI in professional contexts.
Throughout this inquiry, I explored several areas:
- testing AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot) to improve resume content
- comparing how different tools rewrite and structure experience
- speaking with an industry professional to understand real hiring perspectives
- using AI to generate and format resumes in LaTeX
- building a digital resource to help others replicate this process
Key Learnings
Effectiveness of AI
One of the main takeaways is that AI tools are effective at improving clarity, structure, and wording. In my experiments, tools like ChatGPT made resume bullet points more readable and emphasized measurable impact, while Gemini introduced more technical and strategic language. However, AI does not understand context in the same way a person does. It cannot fully determine whether the wording accurately reflects real experience. Because of this, AI should be used to refine content, not generate it entirely.
Over-optimization
Another important learning was the risk of over-optimization. AI tools often reframe experience using stronger or more technical language, which can make tasks sound more impactful than they originally were. For example, routine tasks were sometimes described using broader terms such as “device lifecycle management” or “business continuity.” While these improvements sound professional, they can move away from the original meaning if not reviewed carefully. This highlighted the importance of critically evaluating AI outputs instead of accepting them automatically.
Fit and authenticity
The most impactful insight came from speaking with an industry professional. One of the key takeaways was that hiring decisions are not based solely on how polished a resume is, but on how well a candidate fits the role and the organization. It was emphasized that many candidates have similar technical skills, especially at the entry level. Because of this, factors such as character, attitude, and genuine interest become more important. This directly challenged my initial assumption that optimizing wording would significantly improve outcomes. Instead, it showed that authenticity and alignment matter more than perfect phrasing.
Effectiveness of LaTeX
Through my work with LaTeX, I explored how formatting affects resume presentation. LaTeX allowed for cleaner and more consistent formatting, and AI made it easier to generate structured templates. However, this also reinforced an important idea: better formatting does not make a resume stronger on its own. While presentation can improve readability and professionalism, it does not change the actual content or meaning of the experience. This highlighted the difference between presentation and substance.
AI Usage
Another insight from this inquiry was how AI is used beyond resumes. In professional environments, tools like Copilot are used to support tasks such as writing proposals and organizing documents. Rather than replacing work, AI is used to improve efficiency and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. This showed that AI is not just a student tool, but something that is actively shaping how work is done in industry.
How My Thinking Changed
At the beginning of this inquiry, I believed that using AI to optimize resumes would significantly improve my chances of success. I focused on improving wording, adding technical keywords, and making my resume sound more professional. However, through this process, my perspective changed. I now understand that while AI can improve how a resume is written, it cannot replace what actually matters. A strong resume is not defined by how polished it sounds, but by how accurately it reflects real experience and genuine interest in a role. This shift in thinking was one of the most important outcomes of this inquiry.
What I Would Do Differently Now
Based on what I have learned, I would approach resume development differently moving forward:
- I would use AI to improve clarity and structure, not to rewrite or exaggerate experience
- I would focus more on tailoring resumes to specific roles rather than general optimization
- I would prioritize authenticity and accuracy over technical or corporate-sounding language
- I would use formatting tools like LaTeX to support presentation, but not rely on them to strengthen content
This approach balances the benefits of AI with the need for accuracy and authenticity.
Connection to Digital Literacy
This inquiry also strengthened my understanding of digital literacy. Using AI tools effectively requires more than just knowing how to prompt them. It requires the ability to evaluate outputs, recognize limitations, and make informed decisions. Rather than relying on AI blindly, I learned to question the results, compare different tools, and refine outputs based on my own judgment. This ability to critically engage with technology is an important skill, especially as AI becomes more integrated into professional environments.
Final Product: Digital Portfolio
As a final step in this inquiry, Aiden and I developed a digital portfolio designed to help others replicate our process. The goal of this resource was to translate our learning into a practical guide that students can use when building their own resumes with AI.
The website includes step-by-step instructions, example prompts, comparisons between AI tools, and insights from both our experiments and industry perspectives. It also incorporates formatting approaches such as LaTeX and emphasizes the importance of balancing clarity with authenticity.
Creating this resource helped reinforce our learning by requiring us to organize our findings into something clear and usable. It also highlighted the importance of not only understanding tools, but being able to communicate that understanding to others.
Final Takeaway
Overall, this inquiry showed that AI can be a powerful tool for improving resumes, but it must be used carefully. AI can improve how a resume is written, but it cannot replace what actually matters: authenticity, experience, and alignment with the role. When used properly, AI supports the resume-building process. When used incorrectly, it can distort it.