The best AI tools for writing a CV or resume
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Ranked on published features, free-plan limits and beginner ease (checked 14 October 2026). We have not benchmarked these tools hands-on, and commissions don’t affect rankings.
AI can turn a messy list of jobs into clear, tailored bullet points in minutes. It can also invent achievements, so you stay in charge of the facts. Here’s a simple, mostly free workflow.
Decide in 30 seconds
- Write tailored bullet points → ChatGPT free
- Feedback on a draft or cover letter → Claude free
- Catch mistakes → Grammarly free
- Shorten wordy lines → QuillBot
- Make it look good → Canva free
Our top picks
ChatGPT
Who it’s for: Anyone turning duties into achievement-focused bullet points for a specific job ad.
Worth knowing: Answers can sound confident and still be wrong. Check important facts.
Claude
Who it’s for: People who want careful feedback on a draft CV or cover letter.
Worth knowing: Free usage is limited; long sessions may need a paid plan.
Grammarly
Who it’s for: Catching spelling, grammar and tone issues in Word, Google Docs or the browser.
Worth knowing: Some rewrites and advanced assistance are paid; keep your own voice.
QuillBot
Who it’s for: Shortening long bullet points and finding a clearer phrase.
Worth knowing: Rewriting can change meaning. Review it and follow your school or work rules.
Visit QuillBot ↗ (opens in new tab) (paid link: we may earn a commission)
Canva
Who it’s for: People who want a clean, designed CV from a template.
Worth knowing: Some assets and AI features require a paid plan; check usage rights.
Side-by-side comparison
| ChatGPT | Claude | Grammarly | QuillBot | Canva | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Drafting | Feedback, cover letters | Proofreading | Rewording | Design |
| Free option | Free plan | Free plan | Free plan | Free plan | Free plan |
| Watch out for | Invented details | Free limits | Pro for rewrites | Meaning drift | Fancy layouts and applicant tracking systems |
Pricing
| Tool | Free | Entry paid |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Free plan | Go: US$8/month |
| Claude | Free plan | Pro: US$20/month |
| Grammarly | Free (100 AI prompts a month) | Pro: US$12/month as listed |
| QuillBot | Free plan | Premium: AU$12.49/month billed annually |
| Canva | Free plan | Pro: US$180/year |
Prices checked on 14 October 2026 from official pricing pages (official pricing pages for ChatGPT, Claude, Grammarly, QuillBot (AUD) and Canva). Prices are shown as listed, in US dollars (USD) and Australian dollars (AUD). Australian prices, GST and app-store pricing can differ, and plans change often, so confirm on the provider’s site before you pay.
How to get started
Paste the job ad and your current CV (remove your address and phone number first) into ChatGPT or Claude.
Ask it to suggest 3–5 tailored bullet points per role, using only facts you provided.
Check every claim, then proofread with Grammarly and tighten long lines with QuillBot.
Use a simple Canva template, or a plain document if the employer uses an online application system.
How we chose
We chose tools with free plans that cover each step of writing a CV, using official product and pricing pages. We haven’t benchmarked them hands-on.
Prompts to copy
- “Here is a job ad and my experience. Suggest 4 bullet points for my role at [company] that match the ad. Use only the facts I gave you and start each with a strong verb.”
- “Review my CV for a [job title] role. List the 5 most important improvements. Don’t rewrite it.”
- “Draft a short cover letter using only the details below. Keep it under 250 words and sound like a real person.”
Or build your own with our free prompt generator.
Polish: Grammarly and QuillBot
Grammarly’s free plan catches spelling and grammar mistakes in Word, Google Docs and your browser, and its tone detection helps with cover letters. Full-sentence rewrites need Pro. QuillBot (opens in new tab) (paid link: we may earn a commission) is handy for shortening a wordy bullet point; check that it still says what you did. See Grammarly vs QuillBot.
Layout: Canva
Canva has many free CV templates. Simple, single-column layouts are safest when you apply through an online application system, because heavily designed layouts can be harder for those systems to read. When in doubt, also keep a plain Word or PDF version.
Privacy
Remove your home address, phone number and referees’ details before pasting your CV into any AI tool, and add them back at the end.
Who this isn’t for
- Anyone tempted to add skills, qualifications or results they don’t have: employers check.
- Roles where the employer asks you not to use AI in your application.
Our verdict
Draft with ChatGPT or Claude, proofread with Grammarly, tighten with QuillBot, and lay out with Canva, all on free plans. See also the best AI tools for writing emails.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ChatGPT to write my resume?
Yes, as a drafting helper. Give it your real experience and the job ad, then check every line. Never let it add things you haven’t done.
What is the best free AI resume builder?
A free combination works well: ChatGPT or Claude to draft, Grammarly to proofread and a Canva template for layout.
Will employers know I used AI?
Generic AI wording is easy to spot. Edit the draft so it sounds like you and includes specific, true results.
Are Canva resumes ATS-friendly?
Simple, single-column templates are safest. Keep a plain version too if you apply through online systems.
Is it safe to paste my CV into AI tools?
Remove your address, phone number and referees first, and avoid confidential employer details.
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Prices are shown as marked: US dollars (US$) and Australian dollars (AU$). Australian GST and currency conversion may apply. Confirm the final price at checkout.