Resumes, Cover Letters and References
AI TIPS for Resumes and Cover Letters
Your resume and cover letter should concisely highlight your career goals, education, field experiences, work experiences, activities, special skills and accomplishments in a manner that will market you effectively for the particular position you are pursuing. For more information about resumes, cover letters, and references, please refer to the Career Readiness Guide.
You might be asking, "Wait, can I use AI for my resume?" The answer is yes, but you should absolutely be thoughtful about how you use it.
AI is a great resource for brainstorming, making short- and long-term plans and checklists, re-wording bullet points, and more. Here are a few ways we recommend using AI in your job search.
- Discovering Job Boards and Resources
- Prompt AI to list niche job boards, employer directories, and remote work platforms.
- Example prompt: "Find Chicago-based nonprofit job boards for entry-level roles."
- AI and Networking Opportunities
- Use AI to find professional organizations, LinkedIn groups, and local events.
- AI-assisted outreach: Generating first drafts of networking messages and personalizing them.
- AI for Job Fairs and Events
- AI can generate lists of upcoming job fairs, both local and virtual.
- Draft elevator speeches to try out with employers at the College-to-Career Expo.
Have you ever heard of Applicant Tracking Systems?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software that is used by many employers to screen resumes before a human reviews them. You should be creating your resume so it can be easily processed by ATS software, but it's nothing to be afraid of!
Here are some practical answers to ATS related questions.
- No -- ATS don't auto-reject your resume because of font choice or page length.
- Yes -- ATS store and organize your application so recruiters can find it.
- No -- There isn't one magical "ATS-proof" template. Clear, tailored resumes work best.
- Yes -- Some recruiters use keyword searches in ATS to filter applicants quickly.
- No -- ATS aren't out to "trick" you. They're tools, not gatekeepers.
- Yes -- Your chances improve when your skills match the job description.
Resume
A resume is a one to two-page document that highlights a job seeker's experiences and qualifications for employers of interest. It is an employer's first impression of you, so it is important that the document concisely highlight your career goals, education, field experiences, work experiences, activities, special skills and accomplishments in a manner that will market you effectively. You only get one shot to make a good first impression! Schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center through Navigate to review your document before sending it to an employer.
Do's and Don'ts of AI in Career Tools
| Do | Don't |
| Use AI for ideas, structure, and research. | Copy/paste without reviewing. |
| Cross-check AI suggestions with real-world job postings and advisor feedback. | Misrepresent your experience. |
Ethics and Authenticity
Employers value authentic voices and real examples.
Avoid letting AI erase your personality or exaggerate your skills.
Resume Templates
- New to the Workforce/No Work Experience Resume
If you are just beginning your career and have no work or volunteer experience, consider using this resume format. (Template) - Entry Level/Some Work Experience Resume
If you have some work experience, which may or may not apply to the position you're seeking, try one of these. (Template 1; Template 2) - Standard Experience-Based Resume
For most applicants, with two or more work experiences, these options should prove as good starting points. (Template 1; Template 2)
Major Specific Resume Templates
Some majors have specific needs/layout elements that should be considered. Here are some examples of major-specific resume templates.
Handshake provides students with helpful resources and tips for developing employment documents such as Resumes, including How to Create a Student or New Graduate Resume.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces yourself and your resume to an employer. This document highlights your skills, experience, and education and encourages the reader to read your resume. An original cover letter should be written for each position you apply and highlight your most significant qualities as it relates to the position you are applying.
Cover Letter Formatting
Handshake also provides students with helpful resources and tips for developing employment documents such as Cover Letters, including a Free Cover Letter Template for Students and New Graduates.