Turns out “organized a closet” can sound like you ran logistics for NASA.
I asked 5 different AI models if they could help me make my basic CV into something more interesting. Because when all you’ve got is “answered phones” and “ran a 5K,” you need a little algorithmic magic.
If you’re staring at your resume thinking, If all I’ve got are basic skills, what the hell do I even put on a CV? — you’re not alone. It’s easy to assume that without a Fortune 500 internship or a degree in something that ends in “-engineering,” you’re resume roadkill. But in the era of AI-powered everything, there’s a twist: what if your regular, everyday tasks could sound… weirdly impressive?
To find out, I gave five popular AI models the same challenge: take five super basic life experiences and rewrite them into resume-worthy gold. Here’s the exact prompt I used:
“I’m updating my CV, but I only have five super basic things to work with. Help me turn them into something that sounds surprisingly impressive.
Respond to each with:
What is it?
Why does it matter?
How can I make it sound impressive?”
And this is what the AI panel delivered:
Gemini
1. Customer Service
- What is it? Helped customers.
- Why does it matter? It demonstrates customer service skills, problem-solving, and communication.
- How can I make it sound impressive? “Provided exceptional customer support, effectively resolving inquiries and issues to enhance satisfaction and build lasting relationships.”
2. Digital Proficiency
- What is it? Used a computer.
- Why does it matter? Shows foundational digital literacy, essential for almost any role.
- How can I make it sound impressive? “Proficiently utilized various software applications and digital tools to streamline workflows and optimize productivity.”
3. Team Collaboration
- What is it? Worked with a team.
- Why does it matter? Highlights collaboration, interpersonal skills, and ability to contribute to collective goals.
- How can I make it sound impressive? “Collaborated effectively within a team environment, contributing to shared objectives and fostering a cohesive work atmosphere.”
4. Adaptability & Learning
- What is it? Learned new things.
- Why does it matter? Demonstrates adaptability, initiative, and a growth mindset.
- How can I make it sound impressive? “Quickly assimilated new concepts and skills, demonstrating a proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development.”
5. Professional Reliability
- What is it? Showed up on time.
- Why does it matter? Basic but crucial for reliability, professionalism, and commitment.
- How can I make it sound impressive? “Consistently maintained punctuality and a strong work ethic, demonstrating reliability and commitment to all responsibilities.”
Deepseek
1. Worked at a coffee shop
- What? Customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Why? Mastered multitasking, problem-solving, and handling high-pressure situations.
- How to make it impressive? “Optimized customer experience in a high-volume retail setting, resolving conflicts and streamlining service—boosting repeat clientele.”
2. Babysat my cousin
- What? Supervised and engaged a child.
- Why? Developed patience, creativity, and responsibility.
- How to make it impressive? “Managed early childhood development activities, fostering cognitive growth while ensuring safety and meeting parental expectations.”
3. Took a coding class
- What? Introductory programming course.
- Why? Problem-solving, logic, and technical adaptability.
- How to make it impressive? “Built foundational expertise in computational thinking, designing basic algorithms to solve real-world problems.”
4. Ran a 5K
- What? Completed a running event.
- Why? Discipline, goal-setting, and perseverance.
- How to make it impressive? “Trained for and executed a 5K race, demonstrating commitment to personal growth and sustained motivation.”
5. Organized a closet
- What? Decluttered a space.
- Why? Organizational skills and efficiency.
- How to make it impressive? “Revamped inventory systems for optimal space utilization, reducing waste and improving accessibility.”
ChatGPT
1. Part-time Retail Job
- What: Worked at a clothing store.
- Why: Demonstrates reliability, customer service, and teamwork.
- How to make it impressive? “Delivered top-tier customer experiences in a fast-paced retail environment, consistently exceeding daily sales targets and contributing to a 15% increase in monthly revenue.”
2. Basic Microsoft Office Skills
- What: Can use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Why: Still a must-have in many roles.
- How to make it impressive? “Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; created automated Excel tools and polished presentations that enhanced internal communications and reporting.”
3. Volunteering at a Local Event
- What: Helped organize a community fair.
- Why: Shows initiative, organization, and community spirit.
- How to make it impressive? “Led logistics for a 300+ attendee community event, coordinating vendors and volunteers to deliver a seamless experience.”
4. School Project/Presentation
- What: Did a group project.
- Why: Proves collaboration and public speaking.
- How to make it impressive? “Spearheaded a team research project, presenting findings to an audience of 50+ with clear visuals and data-backed insights.”
5. Social Media Use
- What: Familiar with Instagram, TikTok, etc.
- Why: Valuable for marketing roles.
- How to make it impressive? “Developed engaging content strategies for personal social media, organically growing an audience and boosting engagement metrics.”
Microsoft Copilot
1. Using Email
- What? Sending, receiving, and managing digital communication.
- Why does it matter? It’s the backbone of modern work culture.
- How to make it impressive? “Efficient digital communicator skilled in managing high-volume correspondence with clarity, professionalism, and timeliness.”
2. Using Google
- What? Searching for information online.
- Why does it matter? It shows resourcefulness and self-sufficiency.
- How to make it impressive? “Quick-thinking problem solver with strong research skills and a knack for locating accurate, relevant information under pressure.”
3. Typing
- What? Entering text on a keyboard quickly and accurately.
- Why does it matter? Speed and precision save time.
- How to make it impressive? “Highly efficient typist with consistent 80+ WPM speed and precision, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity.”
4. Using Social Media
- What? Navigating platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
- Why does it matter? It’s communication, branding, and trend-savviness rolled into one.
- How to make it impressive? “Digitally fluent in online engagement and personal branding through strategic, audience-focused content across major platforms.”
5. Using a Smartphone
- What? Navigating apps, tools, and settings.
- Why does it matter? It’s your portable productivity hub.
- How to make it impressive? “Adept at leveraging mobile technology for communication, organization, and on-the-go problem solving.”
Claude
1. Microsoft Office/Google Workspace
- What? Document creation and data management
- Why does it matter? Digital literacy drives modern workplace efficiency
- Impressive version: “Proficient in advanced document automation and data visualization across integrated productivity platforms”
2. Customer Service
- What? Helping customers with questions/problems
- Why does it matter? You’re the company’s face and problem-solver
- Impressive version: “Delivered exceptional stakeholder experience through consultative communication and conflict resolution”
3. Social Media Use
- What? Posting and browsing platforms
- Why does it matter? You understand digital engagement trends
- Impressive version: “Demonstrated expertise in multi-platform digital marketing and audience engagement strategies”
4. Cleaning/Organization
- What? Keeping spaces tidy
- Why does it matter? Shows attention to detail and systems thinking
- Impressive version: “Implemented systematic organizational protocols to optimize operational efficiency”
5. Time Management
- What? Getting things done on schedule
- Why does it matter? Productivity and reliability are gold
- Impressive version: “Executed strategic priority management to consistently exceed deadline expectations”
Let’s be honest — the AI glow-ups were impressive, sometimes hilariously so. It’s nice to know that “organizing your closet” can sound like you’re reengineering Amazon’s supply chain, or that answering phones makes you a “communications triage specialist.”
But here’s the thing: if your CV is starting and ending with “Showed up on time,” we might need to talk about why you didn’t show up somewhere else. A job. A class. A volunteer shift. Anything.
Basic skills are totally valid — but at some point, it’s not about spinning your way to a job, it’s about showing up with something real. And the good news? These days, “real” doesn’t have to mean fancy. There are free and fast online courses, short-term gigs, and even community events that count for more than you think. Just an hour spent learning Canva or helping set up chairs at a fundraiser can give your CV more than AI polish — it gives it substance.
So by all means, let AI sprinkle a little magic dust on your skills. But don’t stop there. Your next bullet point could be one click, one shift, or one online lesson away.
