I’m a big fan NotebookLM, but the thing I like most about it isn’t something it does, but rather what it doesn’t: hallucinate.
I accept that this is my anecdotal experience using Google’s AI research and thinking partner, and I still double-check all its answers. However, it is actually designed to only give you answers based on the source material you provide it with. This could be a lengthy PDF or even a YouTube video.
While this works for documents on all sorts of subjects, it’s also fun to experiment based on information about yourself. This could include things like your journal entries or family recipes.
So I thought: surely this could also work on my resume?
Working on an article for Tom’s Guide about using Google’s NotebookLM to create an AI podcast based on your resume. Pretty cool! pic.twitter.com/3mC2vSgOeXOctober 1, 2025
As far as tech news site bylines go, it doesn’t get much better than writing for Tom’s Guide. But when I’m working on new projects, I tend to undersell myself and suffer from the occasional bout of imposter syndrome.
When this happens, I find it helps to take a look back on all that you’ve accomplished so far and give yourself a pat on the back. But a little bit of external validation is also appreciated.
A standout feature of NotebookLM is its audio overview — a tool that generates an AI podcast based on the sources you upload. How cool would it be to eavesdrop on two "people" casually chatting about your work life?
I decided to give it a try and generate a podcast featuring two AI hosts discussing my resume. If you’d like to follow along with your own, simply follow the steps below. Also, did I mention it’s free?
How to make a podcast based on your resume
1. Create a new notebook
Using your Google account, sign in to NotebookLM. Once you’re in, click on the button to create a new notebook.
2. Uploading your documents
The most relevant documents to create this podcast are likely to be your resume, CV, and any cover letters you may have.
Google says it does not use your personal data to train NotebookLM, but caution is always advised. Ask yourself how comfortable you would be if any part of your upload were to become publicly available and determine what works best for you.
Once you’ve created a new notebook, a dialogue box should immediately pop up. Drag and drop your files into the sources box or choose a specific file to upload it. Alternatively, you can add a URL to a website or YouTube video of your choice.
3. Creating an AI podcast based on your resume
After you’ve uploaded your resume, NotebookLM will absorb all the information inside it. Since it’s a short document this should only take a few seconds.
You’ll then want to immediately click on the pencil icon to start customizing your Audio Overview.
4. Customizing your Audio Overview
The AI podcast will already feel personal, since after all, your resume is one of a kind. But you can still edit some settings to tweak the overall feel of the podcast.
Choose the precise format, length, and main talking points. You can even change the language if necessary. Once you’re all set, hit generate.
5. Listening to the podcast
Now comes the fun part! Once you’ve clicked on generate, NotebookLM will start creating a podcast featuring two AI hosts based on any documents you’ve uploaded so far. This step usually takes a few minutes to complete.
Once it’s done generating your audio overview, click on the play button sitting next to the podcast title. In my case, the podcast turned out to be 32 minutes long and when downloaded was was just shy of 44 MB.
Final thoughts
Some say flattery will get you nowhere, but after listening to two voices heap praise on each of my achievements, my spirits felt lifted. The voices sound very human and the conversation truly has that cliché podcast vibe.
In hindsight, the only thing I would have done differently is to ask NotebookLM to keep the podcast shorter. I asked for a lengthy deep dive and got quite some extra rambling. That’s not to say it wasn’t all accurate, but it makes the discussion a bit less engaging.
If you want a quick release of dopamine, a few minutes of listening to NotebookLM’s AI hosts pouring over your life will do the trick. They’ll act as your biggest cheerleaders, ready to help beat that imposter syndrome.
This is also perfect for when you’re travelling to a job interview — follow each of the steps I described above, pop in your earbuds and hit play. You’ve got this!
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More from Tom's Guide
- NotebookLM — 5 uses for Google's Gemini-powered research companion
- 5 totally free and under-the-radar ways to use NotebookLM
- How to use Google's AI-powered NotebookLM — 5 tips to get started
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