AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity have quickly become popular for CV writing and for good reason. Used well, AI can be a powerful ally when you’re applying for new roles, especially in competitive fields like tech sales, but used poorly, it can also create red flags that cost you interviews. Here’s how to think about using AI for your CV in a way that helps rather than harms your chances.
How AI can genuinely help with your CV:
Your experience, achievements and results are uniquely yours. AI’s value isn’t in inventing them, it’s in helping you articulate them clearly and consistently.
When used properly, AI can:
Turn rough notes or bullet points into clear, professional language
Help structure your CV so it’s easy to scan
Rephrase content so it sounds more concise and impactful
Adjust tone and wording to better suit different roles
For tech sales candidates in particular, AI can help translate day-to-day responsibilities into outcomes that make sense to hiring managers.
Tailoring your CV for different roles (without starting from scratch)
One of AI’s biggest advantages is speed. AI tools can quickly align your experience with the keywords and requirements in a specific job description. This matters because:
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs
Recruiters often skim CVs looking for clear relevance within seconds
Instead of rewriting your CV from scratch for every application, AI can make role-specific adjustments in seconds, freeing up time for research and interview preparation. That said, accuracy is critical. Make sure you’re giving AI all the correct information and always check that it hasn’t fabricated, exaggerated or inflated your experience. A CV that sounds far more senior than your job title (or vice versa) is a major red flag in tech sales recruitment.
AI is also useful for quality control.
AI can be very effective at checking spelling and grammar, something that still trips candidates up. In fact, 25% of sales leaders we spoke to said spelling and grammar errors on a CV could cause them not to move forward with a candidate. Using AI as a final proof reader is a simple way to avoid being screened out for reasons unrelated to your ability.
The risk: sounding like AI
While AI can strengthen your CV, recruiters and hiring managers are becoming increasingly good at spotting when a CV has been written entirely by AI.
Common signs include:
Overly polished but generic language
Buzzwords with little substance behind them
Phrases that sound impressive but say very little
If you use AI, it’s important to blend the output with your own words, so your CV still sounds human, specific and grounded in reality.
Words that often give AI-written CVs away
If you want to avoid signalling that your CV was AI-generated, be cautious with the following commonly used words:
Accelerated
Adept
Crucial
Cutting-edge
Elevated
Embarked
Endeavour
Enhanced
Enlightened
Intricate
Invaluable
Leverage
Offerings
Relentless
Resonate
Shed light
Spearheaded
Revolutionised
Used occasionally and genuinely, some of these can work, but when they appear repeatedly, they stand out.
Phrases that recruiters often associate with AI
These phrases frequently appear in AI-generated CVs and should generally be avoided:
“In the realm of”
“Not only ___ but ___”
“Woven ___ tapestry”
“Digital landscape / age / realm”
“Navigating the complexities”
“Today’s fast-paced world”
“Navigating the complexities of ___”
“The intricate nature of ___”
“This highlights the importance of ___”
“To put it simply ___”
They tend to sound vague, formulaic and impersonal, the opposite of what a strong CV should feel like.
Creating a CV project in ChatGPT
One of the most effective ways to use AI is to set up a dedicated CV project in ChatGPT (or your AI tool of choice).
Here’s how it works:
Feed it all your relevant information:
Work experience
Results and achievements
Major client wins
Education
Skills and tech stack
Your LinkedIn profile
When applying for a role, paste the job description into the project. The AI can then compile a tailored CV using only the experience and skills relevant to that role, rather than rewriting everything from scratch. This approach keeps your CV consistent while still allowing for smart customisation.
Tip: Make sure your AI tool is set to UK English, not American English.
AI can dramatically speed up and improve the way you write and tailor your CV, especially in a competitive tech sales market, but it works best as a support tool, not a replacement for your own judgement, experience or voice. Used thoughtfully, AI helps your CV get noticed for the right reasons. Used carelessly, it can raise questions before you ever get to interview.