The #1 AI Resume Mistake Recruiters Can Spot Instantly

Aug 3

3 min read

Why the humble em dash could be giving away your AI-generated résumé, and what to do instead.\

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most powerful career tools available today.

From brainstorming accomplishment statements to tailoring résumés for specific job descriptions, platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can save job seekers hours of work.

But there's one small detail many professionals overlook.

Ironically, it's also one of the easiest ways for recruiters to recognize when a résumé has been written almost entirely by AI.

It's called the em dash (—).

During a recent conversation, career coaches Scott Raether and Behati Hart shared a lighthearted "gotcha" moment after revealing that even parts of their presentation slides were AI-assisted.

Then they pointed out something many recruiters are starting to notice:

The overuse of em dashes.

It's a funny observation, but it teaches an important lesson about using AI effectively.

AI Isn't the Problem

Let's be clear.

Using AI during your job search isn't cheating.

In fact, when used thoughtfully, AI can help you:

Brainstorm stronger résumé bullet points
Translate military or technical experience into business language
Improve clarity and grammar
Customize applications for different roles
Prepare for interviews
Build a stronger LinkedIn profile

The problem isn't AI.

The problem is submitting AI's first draft without making it your own.

What Is an Em Dash?

An em dash (—) is punctuation used to create emphasis or replace commas, parentheses, or colons.

For example:

❌ Led multiple projects—while improving efficiency across departments.

There's nothing wrong with using an em dash occasionally.

The issue is that AI-generated writing tends to use them far more frequently than most people naturally do.

When every paragraph contains multiple em dashes, experienced recruiters and increasingly, hiring managers may recognize a familiar AI writing pattern.

It's a subtle clue that the content may not reflect your authentic voice.

Why Authenticity Still Matters

Recruiters aren't looking for perfect writing.

They're looking for people.

Your résumé should communicate:

Your experience
Your accomplishments
Your leadership
Your impact
Your personality through professional writing

AI can organize your thoughts.

It shouldn't replace them.

The strongest résumés still sound like the person who lived the experience.

AI Should Be Your Writing Partner Not Your Ghostwriter

Think of AI the same way you would think of a career coach.

It asks questions.

It offers ideas.

It helps organize information.

But the final decisions should always come from you.

Before submitting any résumé created with AI, ask yourself:

Does this sound like me?
Would I naturally say this?
Is every accomplishment accurate?
Can I confidently explain everything I've written during an interview?

If the answer is yes, you're using AI the right way.

Simple Ways to Humanize AI Writing

Before sending your résumé, try these quick edits:

Replace repetitive punctuation.

If every sentence uses an em dash, vary your sentence structure.

Read it out loud.

If it sounds robotic, rewrite it conversationally.

Add your own examples.

Personal accomplishments and measurable results can't be generated by AI they come from your career.

Simplify.

Short, clear writing almost always performs better than overly polished corporate language.

Edit with intention.

AI should accelerate your work, not replace your voice.

The Future of Job Search Is Human + AI

At CareerCultivated, we believe the future isn't choosing between AI and human expertise.

It's learning how to combine both.

AI helps you work faster.

Human insight helps you work smarter.

The professionals who succeed won't be the ones avoiding AI.

They'll be the ones who know when to use it and when to trust their own experience.

Because the goal isn't to create an AI résumé.

The goal is to create your best résumé.

Watch the Conversation

Scott Raether and Behati Hart discuss this humorous AI giveaway, and why authenticity still matters in today's job search.

🎥 Watch the full conversation here:https://youtu.be/QZ391DLBON0

Final Thoughts

The next time AI helps you write your résumé, take one extra step before clicking "Save."

Read it.

Edit it.

Make it sound like you.

Because recruiters aren't hiring ChatGPT.

They're hiring you.