With AI taking over many aspects of the application process, from reading CVs to assessing recorded interviews, we know you’re keen to get onboard and hack your applications. One great way to do this is using the new AI-driven tools to build and improve your CV. This helps you speed up the process of applying to jobs and make sure your CV is tailored to the employer.
To give you the best tool, we’ve tested the free AI CV writing tools available so that you don’t have to. In this article, we’ll run you through the pros and cons of the two best tools we’ve found so you can express your experience in the best way to give yourself the best shot at any job!
Kick Resume
Kick Resume is a neat tool designed to help you bring out your best self in your CV. Here are the pros and cons that we’ve found with this tool:
Pros
- You have the option to build your CV from scratch, or you can use the AI CV builder option if you need a bit more support
- If you already have a CV on LinkedIn, you can import the information over to the tool
- You can choose to include (or not include) a range of sections for your CV including a custom section to help make your CV as customisable and personal as possible
- AI-generated text to help you write about your experience
- For an additional cost, you can request your CV be proofread by their proofreading team
- Other features of the tool include AI-generated interview questions specifically for the job title you’re interested in
- There are a range of design elements to choose from including font and colours
- You can create a cover letter using Kick Resume as well
Cons
- You need to pay for the more interesting design templates including the templates designed for different industries
- The CV templates typically include a space to upload a picture of yourself. We don’t recommend having a picture on your CV – it's best for your experience to speak for itself
- The AI-generated text may make up information, so it’s important to proofread the CV before you send it to make sure it’s accurate!
- Kick Resume is not a UK-specific tool. This means there might be some differences between what it offers you and what you would expect from UK. Make sure to check spelling of words like ‘organisation’ before you submit
Overall, Kick Resume is a fantastic tool. The free version gives you access to the basic needs with the paid version more sophisticated but perhaps not necessary if you’re just keen to get some support with your CV. We would definitely recommend checking over your CV before submitting it to make sure all the information you’re including is relevant and accurate.
CV Help
Similar to Kick Resume, CV Help is a great AI CV generation tool. It has some differences to Kick Resume, so here are the pros and cons of using it:
Pros
- You have access to 19 CV templates, most of which are professional looking and easy to read
- You can upload an existing CV to reformat and improve, or you can start from scratch and make a completely new one
- The tool includes good tips for making a fantastic CV as you build it
- You can see example text for the section you’re writing. For example, if you choose to have a professional summary, you can copy in example text to show you what you
- There is an option to include a custom section if your experience doesn’t fit into the pre-written sections
- You can create a cover letter to match your CV
Cons
- As with Kick Resume, the templates offer the chance to include a picture of yourself which we don’t recommend you include
- If you want to make lots of revisions to your CV or tailor it to different employers, you need to use the paid version
- The example text that you can copy into your CV includes some example facts which may not be relevant to your experience. You should read through your CV carefully to make sure it’s accurate and matches your experience
CV Help is another fantastic tool that could make the process of building and updating your CV much quicker and easier. It’s a bit less sophisticated than Kick Resume, but still includes everything you need to create a winning CV!
Tips for using AI CV tools
Be sure to proofread. There may be a number of ways that your AI-generated CV doesn’t match your standards, so it’s important to first check over what it’s given you before you submit. Pay particular attention to:
- Spelling. Some words have a difference in spelling between the American and British English versions, for example ‘organisation’ vs ‘organization’ – make sure you’re using the version you would typically use and keep it consistent throughout your CV.
- Facts, figures and dates. When writing text for you, AI tools often make up their own numbers and statistics, so be sure to read over your CV before submitting it to make sure it’s accurate for your experience.
Check your template. It can be exciting to use the most interesting template you can find. Remember that a CV is, first and foremost, a business document. It needs to be clear to read and professional. Depending on the industry you’re applying for, there may be more or less room for creativity in your CV. For example, more traditional sectors like legal and banking may prefer a more traditional CV which has fewer colours, whereas more creative sectors like media and marketing may be more open to a more elaborate CV.
Consider the cost. Most tools like these will be free to use, but some will include additional costs. Be careful if you choose to pay for any of these tools and make sure you understand what you’re signing up to.