This project showed that AI can be a valuable tool in resume and portfolio development, but its effectiveness ultimately depends on how and when it is used to support your goals and clearly represent your intentions in the job search. Across our testing and supporting research, the most effective approach is to treat AI as a tool for refinement rather than generation. Starting with your own resume remains critical. A self-written baseline ensures that your experience is accurate and grounded, allowing whichever AI model to enhance clarity and structure without distorting the original meaning behind your own work.
Our comparisons across ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot reinforced that different tools produce different types of outputs. ChatGPT was most effective at improving readability and translating technical work into clear, skill-focused language, while other models often introduced more formal or technical phrasing. This aligns with both our findings and existing research on AI-assisted writing, which suggests that while these tools can improve structure and professionalism, they can also reduce individuality if not carefully reviewed (Lingard, 2023). As a result, we recommend comparing outputs across tools and selectively integrating what improves clarity while maintaining authenticity.
We also explored how this process extends beyond resumes into broader digital identity. Platforms like GitHub, LinkedIn, and portfolio sites all require the same core skill: translating technical experience into something meaningful and understandable. AI can assist in this translation, but the responsibility of accuracy and intent still sits with the user.
Insights from our meeting with a VP with hiring and HR experience further strengthened this point. One of the most consistent themes was that resumes are evaluated not just on technical content, but on how clearly and effectively that content is communicated. Hiring managers often review resumes quickly, meaning overly complex or jargon-heavy descriptions can reduce impact rather than enhance it. This directly supports our observation that AI is most valuable when it helps bridge the gap between technical detail and professional communication, rather than simply increasing complexity. Our discussion not only put emphasis on “fit” with the company culture, but to also keep in mind current news in the industry, and keeping up-to-date with what the company is accomplishing and where you and your work can make an impact.
Another important recommendation is to avoid over-optimization. While AI tools can help tailor resumes to specific roles and align with applicant tracking systems, there is a risk of prioritizing keywords over meaning. Research into resume parsing systems shows that structured and relevant information is important (Manish et al., 2024), but our findings suggest that clarity and accuracy remain more effective than overly engineered phrasing. Tailoring should focus on relevance, not exaggeration.
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Overall, the key takeaway is that strong professional communication comes from balancing AI for efficiency and structure, while maintaining a clear, authentic representation of your own work.
Source and References
Lingard, L. (2023). Writing with ChatGPT: An illustration of its capacity, limitations & implications for academic writers.
Manish, V., Manchala, Y., Vijayalata, Y., Chopra, S. B., & Reddy, K. Y. (2024). Optimizing resume parsing processes by leveraging large language models. IEEE Region 10 Symposium.
Below are our individual reflections on the inquiry process: