As a software developer, I know how challenging it can be to find a job in this competitive market. There are so many skills and technologies to learn, and employers have high expectations and requirements. On many occaisons I wondered - how can I stand out from the crowd and showcase my value as a developer...

To answer this question, I decided to try an unconventional approach: I used AI to help me craft the ideal resume and cover letter for the 'perfect' software developer. I wanted to see what a top-level developer would look like on paper, and what kind of qualifications and achievements they would have.

I used three different AI chatbots:

• ChatGPT

• Microsoft Bing

• Google Bart

to generate a fictitious profile of a software developer, based on some basic information I provided. I asked them to create a resume and a cover letter, highlighting the candidate's skills, experience etc.

Below is the input I used and the results I got from each AI chatbot.

Input

First Input

Please invent a woman for me. Let her name be - Esther White, she is 36 years old, and she has at least one child. She is a top-level very talented software engineer who has experience in full-stack web development with a focus on modern front-end web development. Esther White has a proven record of working with the most current and most lucrative technologies. She has no problem finding a job as a software developer since all employers are eager to hire her. Esther speaks 3 languages. What does Esther White's resume look like? Include the years of experience Esther had in each workplace so far, and all of the lucrative technologies and skills that she has experience in.

Second Input

and what does her cover letter look like?

Chat GPT

Resume

Sure! Here's a possible resume for Esther White:

ESTHER WHITE

1234 Main Street | Anytown, USA | (555) 555-5555 | esther.white@email.com

Objective: To secure a challenging and rewarding software development position that leverages my expertise in full-stack web development with a focus on modern front-end web development.

SUMMARY

Highly talented software engineer with extensive experience in full-stack web development, particularly in modern front-end web development. Proven track record of working with the most current and lucrative technologies. Fluent in three languages.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Languages: JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, Java, C++ Frameworks and libraries: React, Angular, Vue, Node.js, Express, Django, Flask, Spring, Hibernate Tools and technologies: Git, Jira, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Software Developer, XYZ Corp, Anytown, USA 2019 - present

• Develop and maintain modern web applications using React, Angular, and Vue

• Collaborate with back-end developers to ensure seamless integration with server-side APIs

• Employ test-driven development and continuous integration techniques to ensure software quality and reliability

• Use Git, Jira, and Jenkins to manage software development workflows and version control

Senior Software Engineer, ABC Inc, Anytown, USA 2016 - 2019

• Led front-end development efforts for high-traffic e-commerce website using React and Node.js

• Designed and developed new user interface features that improved website performance and user engagement

• Worked closely with UX designers to implement responsive and accessible designs

• Managed a team of junior developers and provided mentorship and guidance

Software Engineer, DEF Co, Anytown, USA 2013 - 2016

• Built and maintained full-stack web applications using Django, Flask, and React

• Implemented RESTful APIs using Django Rest Framework and Flask-RESTful

• Deployed applications to AWS and Google Cloud Platform using Docker and Kubernetes

• Developed and maintained automated testing suites using Selenium and Pytest

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science,

University of Anytown, Anytown, USA 2009 - 2013

LANGUAGES

English - native speaker

Spanish - fluent

French - proficient

REFERENCES

Available upon request.

Of course, this is just one possible version of Esther White's resume. Depending on the specific job or company she is applying to, she may want to highlight different skills or experiences. But overall, this resume showcases Esther's strong technical skills and extensive experience in software development, as well as her proficiency in multiple languages.

Cover Letter

Certainly! Here's a possible cover letter for Esther White:

Esther White 1234 Main Street Anytown, USA

April 8, 2023

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software developer position at your company. As a highly talented software engineer with extensive experience in full-stack web development and a focus on modern front-end web development, I believe I would be an excellent fit for your team.

With over 10 years of experience in software development, I have a proven track record of working with the most current and lucrative technologies. My expertise includes languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, as well as frameworks and libraries such as React, Angular, and Vue. I have also worked extensively with tools and technologies such as Git, Jira, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.

In my most recent role at XYZ Corp, I have developed and maintained modern web applications using React, Angular, and Vue. I have also collaborated closely with back-end developers to ensure seamless integration with server-side APIs, and I have employed test-driven development and continuous integration techniques to ensure software quality and reliability. I am confident that I can bring this same level of expertise and dedication to your company.

In addition to my technical skills, I am also fluent in three languages, including English, Spanish, and French. I believe that my multilingual abilities and cultural awareness could be an asset to your team, particularly in working with international clients or collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to have the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and experience with you in an interview. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule a time to speak.

Sincerely, Esther White

Again, this is just one possible version of Esther's cover letter. Depending on the specific job or company she is applying to, she may want to emphasize different aspects of her experience or skills. But overall, this letter highlights Esther's strong technical skills, as well as her multilingual abilities and cultural awareness.

Microsoft Bing

Microsoft Bing seemed to really struggle with the concept of 'inventing' a person so I had to adjust the first input.

Adjusted First Input

Please invent a woman for me. Let her name be - Esther White, she is 36 years old, and she has at least one child. She is a top-level very talented software engineer who has experience in full-stack web development with a focus on modern front-end web development. Esther White has a proven record of working with the most current and most lucrative technologies. She has no problem finding a job as a software developer since all employers are eager to hire her. Esther speaks 3 languages. What does Esther White's resume look like? Help me by writing a resume for Esther. Include the years of experience Esther had in each workplace so far, and all of the lucrative technologies and skills that she has experience in.

Resume

I can help you with that. Here’s a sample resume for Esther White:

Esther White

Software Engineer

Summary:

A top-level software engineer with over 10 years of experience in full-stack web development with a focus on modern front-end web development. Proven record of working with the most current and most lucrative technologies. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French.

Experience:

Software Engineer Microsoft Corporation 2018 - Present

• Worked on developing and maintaining Microsoft's flagship product, Microsoft Office.

• Developed and maintained the front-end of Microsoft Office using ReactJS and Angular.

• Worked with the back-end team to develop RESTful APIs using NodeJS.

Software Engineer Google LLC 2015 - 2018

• Worked on developing and maintaining Google's search engine.

• Developed and maintained the front-end of Google's search engine using ReactJS and Angular.

• Worked with the back-end team to develop RESTful APIs using NodeJS.

Software Engineer Facebook Inc. 2012 - 2015

• Worked on developing and maintaining Facebook's social network platform.

• Developed and maintained the front-end of Facebook's social network platform using ReactJS and Angular.

• Worked with the back-end team to develop RESTful APIs using NodeJS.

Skills:

• ReactJS

• Angular

• NodeJS

• HTML/CSS/JavaScript

• RESTful APIs

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2008 - 2012

Cover Letter

Sure! Here’s a sample cover letter for Esther White:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Software Engineer position at your company. With over 10 years of experience in full-stack web development with a focus on modern front-end web development, I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role.

Throughout my career, I have worked with the most current and most lucrative technologies, including ReactJS, Angular, NodeJS, and RESTful APIs. I have a proven record of working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software products on time and within budget.

In addition to my technical skills, I am fluent in English, Spanish, and French. This has allowed me to work effectively with teams from around the world and to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your company and to contribute to your success. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, Esther White

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions or if there’s anything else I can help you with. 😊

Google Bard

Resume

Esther White

123 Main Street

Anytown, CA 12345

(123) 456-7890

esther.white@email.com

Summary

Top-level software engineer with 10+ years of experience in full-stack web development with a focus on modern front-end web development. Proven track record of working with the most current and most lucrative technologies. Highly sought-after by employers due to her skills and experience. Fluent in three languages.

Experience

Software Engineer, Google (2018-Present)

• Developed and maintained large-scale web applications using cutting-edge technologies such as React, Angular, and Node.js.

• Led a team of engineers in the development of a new product that was released to market with great success.

• Successfully managed all aspects of a project, from conception to delivery.

• Mentored junior engineers and helped them to develop their skills.

Software Engineer, Facebook (2014-2018)

• Developed and maintained web applications using Java, Spring, and Hibernate.

• Worked on a team that developed a new feature for Facebook that was used by millions of users.

• Successfully completed all projects on time and within budget.

• Received positive feedback from managers and peers.

Software Engineer, Amazon (2010-2014)

• Developed and maintained web applications using PHP, MySQL, and Zend Framework.

• Worked on a team that developed a new product for Amazon that was used by millions of customers.

• Successfully completed all projects on time and within budget.

• Received positive feedback from managers and peers.

Education

• Master of Science in Computer Science, Stanford University (2010)

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley (2008)

Skills

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, PHP, C/C++, C#

• Web Development Frameworks: React, Angular, Node.js, Spring, Hibernate, Zend Framework

• Databases: MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server

• Operating Systems: Linux, Windows, macOS

• Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform

• Agile Methodologies: Scrum, Kanban

• DevOps Tools: Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes

Languages

• English (fluent)

• Spanish (fluent)

• French (intermediate)

Cover Letter

Sure, here is a sample cover letter for Esther White:

Dear [Hiring Manager name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Software Engineer position at [Company name]. I have been working as a software engineer for the past 10 years, and I have extensive experience in full-stack web development with a focus on modern front-end web development.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience that you are looking for. I am proficient in all of the technologies that you listed in the job description, and I have a proven track record of success in developing and delivering high-quality software.

In my previous role at Google, I was responsible for developing and maintaining large-scale web applications using cutting-edge technologies such as React, Angular, and Node.js. I also led a team of engineers in the development of a new product that was released to market with great success.

I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team and help you to achieve your goals. I am eager to learn more about the Software Engineer position at [Company name], and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Esther White

Results

So all 3 AI chatbots expect the 'perfect' candidate to have at least 10 years of experience, and to have at least a Bachelor's Degree.

Bing & Bard - expect the candidate to have worked only in FAANG companies.

Bard - expects the candidate to have earned also a Master's Degree.

Technical Skills

In terms of skills - here is what the expectations were:

Reality Check

I think that the expectations set by the AI chatbots are quite unrealistic:

The requirement for the candidate to have worked only in FAANG companies is highly impractical.

FAANG companies are some of the largest and most competitive companies in the world, and as a result, they receive countless applications from highly qualified and experienced software developers. Not every developer has had the opportunity to work in a FAANG company, and many may have chosen to work elsewhere for various reasons. Limiting the pool of potential candidates to only those who have worked in FAANG companies would greatly limit the talent pool and could cause the company to miss out on highly skilled and qualified candidates.

Not to mention that having worked in a FAANG company doesn't guarantee job security or future success, as seen with the high-profile layoffs in recent years. Many highly skilled and experienced software developers struggle to find new jobs despite having FAANG experience on their resumes.

Expecting candidates to have 26+ technical skills is very unrealistic.

While it's certainly important for software developers to have a diverse range of technical skills, it's highly unlikely that any single candidate would possess mastery over such a broad range of skills. Even highly experienced and skilled software developers tend to specialize in a particular area of expertise, and it's unreasonable to expect them to be proficient in every single skill listed by the AI chatbots.

Focusing on 6-7 core technical skills that are directly relevant to the role is a more realistic expectation for software developers. By doing so, employers can accurately assess a candidate's suitability for the role and avoid excluding talented individuals who may not possess every single skill listed by the AI chatbots or in many job descriptions.

Requiring candidates to have either a Bachelor's or both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree is quite restrictive.

While education is undoubtedly an important factor in the hiring process, it's important to recognize that not every highly skilled and qualified developer has had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Additionally, many highly skilled software developers may have gained their expertise through practical experience or self-study rather than through formal education.

Expecting candidates to have 10+ years of experience is also unrealistic.

While experienced candidates are certainly desirable, it's important to recognize that not every highly skilled developer has had the opportunity to work in the industry for a decade or more. Many highly skilled developers may have gained their expertise through intensive work on open-source projects or by working for smaller companies, rather than through long tenures at large organizations.

Skill level cannot be accurately measured by the number of years of experience alone, as each individual learns at a different pace and may gain expertise through a variety of different means.

It's worth noting that the AI chatbots generated their responses based on existing trends and patterns within the job market. However, it's important to keep in mind that not every company has the same set of stringent requirements. Each company has its own unique set of needs and priorities, and a candidate's fit for a particular role should be evaluated based on these factors rather than solely on the expectations set by the AI chatbots.

It's also important to continue developing your skills and gaining experience, but not to be too hard on yourself in the job search process.

Remember that expectations set by the AI chatbots for the "perfect" candidate are quite unrealistic and may exclude many highly skilled and qualified developers from consideration. It's important to recognize that there is no such thing as a "perfect" candidate and that hiring decisions should be based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, technical skills, and cultural fit.

Networking, building a strong online presence, and researching companies that align with your skills and experience can help make the job search process more manageable and realistic.

Ultimately, perseverance and determination are key to finding the right job fit.

Conclusion

In conducting this experiment of asking the AI chatbots to create the 'perfect' software developer candidate, my intention was to gain insight into the industry's current expectations and identify any areas where I may need to improve my skills and knowledge.

While the expectations set by the chatbots are quite unrealistic and exaggerated, there are certainly useful insights that can be gleaned from them.

By focusing on the core technical skills and qualifications that are directly relevant to the role, candidates can position themselves as strong candidates for the job, without feeling the need to match every expectation set by the chatbots.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is to remain realistic and use the insights provided by the chatbots to craft effective cover letters and resumes that showcase your unique strengths and qualifications.