Is It Plagiarism If You Use AI To Write Your Resume?

Resume writing can be daunting. It is not uncommon to spend countless hours writing a resume, searching the internet for examples and hoping to find something very similar to your set of skills. Well, that was the case before Artificial Intelligence (AI) made its way into the resume writing world.

Many employees have caught on to AI and found it very useful in writing a resume and/or cover letter. Not only is ChatGPT helpful, but companies have now created their own AI resume builders which can create a pretty amazing resume in minutes (more on that below). While this all sounds great, many still wonder if using AI on their resume constitutes plagiarism and if so, if there are any legal consequences. We lay it all out for you below.

What is Plagiarism?

To put it in the most simplest of terms, plagiarism is copying someone else’s original work without permission or giving the proper credit. Plagiarism is not illegal in the United States, unless you are infringing on someone else’s intellectual property rights like a copyright or trademark.

Am I Plagiarizing If I Copy A Resume From AI?

Programs, like ChatGPT, use a form of generative AI. Generative AI takes raw data and turns it into something new, either from scratch or paraphrasing. If the content is created from scratch, it is original and, thus, not plagiarism. Furthermore, ChatGPT states in their terms of use “We hereby assign to you all our right, title, and interest, if any, in and to Output.” You own it.

But, what if AI generated content by paraphrasing from another source? Even if the AI company grants ownership to you, it is still considered plagiarism since the AI company never had the right to it to begin with. The problem is, unless you know how the tool gets its data, you won’t know if the content was generated from scratch or paraphrased.

So, how does this apply to your resume? Unless you know how AI generated the information, you should assume it is plagiarism. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it as a resource. It is unlikely that AI would paraphrase an original resume. And, if it does, legal ramifications would be rare. You should be more worried about how the resume will present itself to the employer. Employers are starting to see more and more resumes generated from AI. They look alike and miss originality. Originality may be the key in making you stand out and getting that interview. It’s okay to use AI in writing your resume, but edit it to make it your own.

What Are The Consequences of Plagiarizing My Resume?

As mentioned above, unless you are infringing on someone else’s copyright or trademark, plagiarism is not illegal. Companies and instructions have created their own rules around plagiarism, which can result in termination or expulsion. While there will most likely not be legal consequences if you plagiarize your resume, there are still many negatives. A resume that lacks personal touch has a less chance of getting noticed. Also, if you are applying for a job within your current company and they find out that plagiarized your resume, you risk your reputation.

AI Resume Builders

If you want AI to assist you in your resume writing, consider using an AI resume builder. AI-powered resume builders can quickly generate a polished resume, saving you time compared to creating one from scratch. Companies like Rezi, Kickresume, and Jobscan have automated resume writing. These AI tools analyze job descriptions and optimize your resume with relevant keywords, increasing the chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Since most larger companies use an ATS to filter resumes, using AI may help your resume to be seen. AI resume builders also assist in formatting and language enhancement.

Conclusion

Even if using AI on your resume is a form of plagiarism, there is very little legal consequences unless you are infringing on a copyright or trademark. You need to be more concerned on how the AI resume will present itself to the employer. Many employers are now seeing AI resumes and they tend to lack originality. The best approach may be to use AI to help with your resume writing, but don’t forget to add your personal touch. AI may help you get through an Applicant Tracking System, but the originality and personal touch will get you that phone call.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It provides general information and is not intended and should not be construed as professional advice. The author is not your attorney, accountant, financial planner or any other professional and no professional-client relationship is created. We do not represent that the information provided is accurate or up-to-date as laws and regulations are always changing. If you have an issue that requires professional help, you should contact the appropriate professional to help you on your specific set of facts. Please read the Terms and Conditions for additional information.