BetterHunt
Creating the first MVP for BetterHunt: An AI powered resume builder and customizer
Overview
In recent years, applying for jobs has become increasingly challenging due to advancements in hiring technology, global competition, and shifting workplace dynamics. With a high volume of applicants vying for fewer positions, candidates face the dual challenge of applying at scale while ensuring each application is of high quality.
This project addresses these pain points by empowering users to create polished, impactful resumes efficiently, allowing them to focus more on the job search process and less on repetitive editing.
The Problem
The modern job search is tedious and effort-intensive, often leaving job seekers too overwhelmed to customize their resumes for each application.
This leads to:
Missed Opportunities
Applications are overlooked due to lack of customization.
Job Fatigue
The repetitive, unsuccessful process leads to emotional burnout.
Longer Job Search
Candidates apply to more roles to achieve the same outcome.
The Goal
Create a resume customizer that helps users efficiently tailor polished, impactful resumes, with a simple builder as a foundational step.
By utilizing AI, we aim to help users build and tailor resumes quickly so they can utilize their time applying to more jobs.
Starting Assumption
Customizing resumes is crucial for maximizing a job seeker's chances of securing an interview.
While we did not explicitly seek to confirm this assumption, we focused on understanding how job seekers approach customization, the challenges they face, and what recruiters look for in a great resume. These insights shaped the direction of the project and informed key features of the resume customizer and builder.
User Interviews
How do job seekers feel about customizing resumes?
We interviewed 5 job seekers from diverse industries and experience levels to identify the most challenging aspects of the job application process and assess the importance they placed on tailoring resumes. These insights informed our decisions and helped us prioritize features to address their pain points and enhance their overall experience.
"The idea of customizing my resume for every job that I'm going to apply to sounds insane to me. And I just don't have the bandwidth for that."
"Some jobs yes most but customizing jobs for 60 plus jobs a day takes a considerable amount of time."
So what makes a great resume?
We also interviewed three recruiters and hiring professionals to gain insights into what makes a great resume. These findings helped shape the logic behind the AI's recommendations for resume improvements.
Impactful
Utilizing the STAR method structures your accomplishments by outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, making your impact easy to understand.
Tailored
Tailoring resumes aligns your skills and experience with the specific job requirements, making you seem like a better fit.
Relevant
Relevant experience directly demonstrates your qualifications for the role, showing employers how your skills and achievements align with their needs.
Competitor Analysis/Feature Prioritization
Prioritizing the essentials.
We researched the most popular resume builders and customizers to identify key strengths and potential opportunities for improvement. While this research inspired ambitious ideas for making our product unique, we prioritized establishing core functionality as the first step.
Wireframes
Rapid prototyping using a wireframe kit.
To accelerate the design process, we used a wireframe kit to quickly assemble a functional, testable prototype. This approach allowed us to focus on core features and user flows while preparing for early usability testing. Things like color palettes were temporarily used to visually help stakeholders understand the product and were going to be changed down the line anyway.
First draft created to quickly explore structure and layout.
Refined version used for early usability testing.
Usability Testing
Validating our direction with early usability testing.
After completing our wireframes, we conducted early usability testing to evaluate whether users could navigate the prototype as intended. This helped us determine whether our design direction was on track or if adjustments to the user flow were needed.
A/B Testing
Follow-up testing to validate a template-based iteration.
Since all users interacted with the template first, we pivoted to a more template-focused editor, transforming the form field panel into an AI assistant. During the iteration phase, our team debated the direction of the template-based builder. Version A offered an open-ended approach, enabling users to freely make detailed edits to their resumes, while Version B provided a more structured experience through guided form fields. To resolve the differing opinions, we conducted A/B testing to determine which approach resonated better with users, using data to inform the final decision.
A/B Testing Results
Majority of participants preferred version B with the form fields.
Our A/B testing showed that 2 out of 3 participants preferred version B for its simplicity during tasks. However, I suspected this was influenced by test structure and prototype limitations, which may have prioritized task ease over the full resume-building experience.
However, I suspected users' preference may have been influenced by:
Prototype Limitations
The prototype didn't fully replicate how users would interact with the final product.
Test Structure
The tasks focused on short-term interactions rather than the full resume-building process.
Proposed solutions if more time was available.
Advanced Prototyping Tools
Using a more advanced prototyping tool to create a higher-fidelity experience would allow users to interact with the prototype in a way that mirrors the final product more authentically.
Larger Sample Size
A larger sample size could make the findings more reliable by reducing the impact of outliers and providing stronger evidence of user preferences. It could also reveal nuanced behaviors and edge cases that a small sample might miss.
Style Guide
Developing the visual identity.
Based on testing feedback indicating that a light mode would make the product more inviting, I developed a color palette that reflects both our brand name, BetterHunt, and our mission to help users efficiently create tailored resumes.
Given the association of "hunt" with bows, arrows, and the forest, I selected a dark green for primary CTAs and a beige/cream for the background. To further reinforce the brand identity, I designed a simple arrowhead logo symbolizing precision, guidance, and efficiency. Just as an arrowhead is crafted to hit its target, BetterHunt empowers users to create resumes that are sharply focused on the job description and tailored for success.
Standardization
The first MVP after a few more iterations.
After several iterations, these screens became the first MVP sent to development. The customizer features dynamic expanding sections, allowing only one to be viewed at a time to keep key information accessible without cluttering the interface. The builder’s assistant panel utilizes a responsive box that adjusts in size based on the amount of displayed information. Additionally, small refinements were made, including an updated logo that better represents the product and spacing adjustments in the edits panel.
Exploration and Refinements
Exploring an alternative approach for consistency and usability.
While the MVP met baseline functionality and was sent to development, I explored alternative refinements to enhance consistency and usability mainly regarding the assistant panel.
Fixed panel size for consistency and possibly easier developer implementation.
I opted for a fixed-size panel to maintain a consistent and predictable layout for users. By using the same dimensions regardless of the content, users always know where to look for information.A fixed-size panel may also simplify implementation for developers by avoiding the need for dynamic resizing logic. While I don’t have technical expertise to confirm this, it is a consideration that aligns with the overall goal of simplicity.
Pre-filled template with filler text for a more predictable editing experience.
When selecting a resume template, users first see a preview filled with sample content, giving them a clear idea of the final layout. However, in the MVP, selecting a template led to an empty form with only field labels, which could be jarring and disrupt the editing flow. Keeping the template pre-filled with placeholder text helps users understand the structure from the start, making the transition smoother and more predictable. This approach also aligns with user expectations and reduces friction in the resume-building process, ensuring a more seamless and intuitive experience.
Conclusion
Balancing constraints, usability, and iteration.
Navigating design decisions and usability trade-offs.
This project challenged me to navigate differences in design perspectives, balance usability with feasibility, and think critically about how testing conditions influence outcomes. While the MVP provided a functional foundation, I explored alternative solutions to improve consistency, predictability, and overall user experience.
Recognizing the limits of testing and areas for improvement.
A/B testing offered insights into user preferences, but with a small sample size and prototype limitations, I recognized the need for further validation. Had there been more time, I would have refined the testing approach and leveraged a higher-fidelity prototype to capture long-term usability insights. Alternatively, a better testing method could've been used.
The value of iteration and future opportunities.
Ultimately, this experience reinforced the importance of iteration—not just in product design, but in decision-making and collaboration. As the project evolves, I see opportunities to revisit elements like the assistant panel’s responsiveness and the template’s pre-filled content to ensure the final product best supports user needs.
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