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How to Use AI to Create a Strong Resume 

In today’s job market, standing out matters. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build or polish your resume can give you an advantage — but you still need a clear strategy. Plus, if you live in the FayWest area, you’re in luck: local libraries (scroll down to see a partial list of libraries) offer free resources and assistance to help you build a resume.  No need to stress!

1. Why Use AI for Your Resume

AI tools can help in several ways:

  • Generate strong wording: they can suggest powerful verbs, match your skills to the job description, and help you refine bullets.
  • Format nicely: many AI-resume builders provide templates and layout help so your resume is visually clean and professional.
  • Tailor your resume: you can feed the job listing into an AI tool and ask it to adjust your resume content to emphasise relevant skills and keywords.
  • Save time: rather than starting from scratch, you get a draft you can build upon and personalize. Use the AI again or manually tweak to highlight what that specific employer cares most about.  Tailoring your resume to fit each position you apply for is easy.

Follow this step-by-step plan as a guide:

    1. Gather your materials: list your past jobs, responsibilities, successes (quantified where possible), certifications, education.  Remember to have a list of references with names, phone numbers and email addresses.

    2. Select a reputable AI tool: Choose one that supports resume writing (many free or freemium).

    3. Input your raw info + job description: Upload or paste the job listing for which you’re applying.

    4. Generate a first draft via the AI tool.

    5. Review & refine:

      1. Ensure you keep your voice — the AI draft is a starting point, not the final product.  Try to insert some of your own personality into the document.

      2. Check for grammar, clarity, and accurate data…and remember to spell-check!

    6. Format & design: Use a clean template, ensure consistent fonts, headings, margins.

    7. Print or save as PDF: For applying online you’ll usually need PDF; for printing in person make sure it looks sharp.  Saving your document will make it easier to customize for future job searches. 

    8. Get external feedback: Use a librarian, career-counsellor, or friend to review your draft and give you feedback.

    9. AI is a great tool for creating a comprehensive resume; however, it does have some drawbacks:

      1. Over-generalization: AI may produce generic statements. Make sure you add specifics about you. 

      2. Mis-matched keywords: Don’t just rely on the keywords the tool suggests; verify they match the job listing.

      3. Cost traps: Some AI tools appear free but lock features behind paywalls. Decide in advance what you’ll pay or use free tiers.  
      4. Privacy/data security: When using AI tools, check how your data is stored. Don’t upload sensitive info (like your social security number) if you’re uncertain.
      5. Local Libraries That Can Help You

        If you live in the FayWest area, the following libraries offer resources and assistance for resume writing and job support:

        Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville 

        • 299 S. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, PA  15425 (closed Sunday)   724-628-1380 www.carnegiefreelib.orgThey offer on-site resume assistance and WinWay resume software, including free printing on resume paper courtesy of a grant from the Fayette County Library System.

        • Free computer/WiFi access. Great location for using an AI tool and reviewing your draft.

        • Scottdale Public Library 

        • 106 Spring Street, Scottdale, PA  15683 (closed Sunday)             724-887-6140 www.scottdalelibrary.com 

        • They provide printed, digital and recorded materials, programs, and staff services to meet educational needs.

        • While their website doesn’t explicitly list resume-software use, you can likely ask staff for assistance with job-search and resume tools.  Librarians are a wonderful free resource. 

        • Mount Pleasant Public Library

        • 120 S. Church St., Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 (closed Friday and Sunday) 724-547-3850  www.mountpleasantpalibrary.org 

        • Their website lists “Other Resources” including broad business and literacy support, chat with a librarian, etc. 

        • Tip: Visit and ask whether they provide one-on-one help with resume building or whether local career link staff visit the library (they sometimes do).

        • Mary Fuller Frazier Community Library

        • 400 Liberty Street, Perryopolis, PA  15473 (limited hours and closed on Friday and Sunday) 724-797-0255 www.fraziercommunitylibrary.org 
        • Small but active, this library has a team of helpful staff and volunteers that would be glad to help you with any questions.

        • Greensburg Hempfield Area Library

        • 237 S Pennsylvania Avenue, Greensburg, PA  15601 (closed Friday and Sunday) 724-837-5620 www.ghal.org 
        • The staff at GHAL can help you find the answer or information to lead you to the next step of your job search.
        • Westmoreland County Libraries has 23 public libraries throughout the area that are open and available to assist you, please utilize this resource available to you. 
        • Tip:  Follow your local library on social media for the latest information on any helpful seminars or job placement assistance that they offer.  
        • Remember you aren’t alone during your job search!