Using AI and HRTech to Boost Your Resume Writing: Creating an AI-Friendly CV

By Taniya Shaikh Last updated Aug 21, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed how businesses analyze, evaluate and select candidates for different types of jobs. Job applicants should suitably modify their applications to satisfy the requirements set by both employers as well as the human recruiters, as AI is becoming more commonplace in the Human Resource and hiring life cycle.

AI-powered recruiting solutions aim to increase productivity, minimize biases, simplify the hiring and reduce the redundancy within the hiring process. Based on predetermined criteria, these algorithms evaluate cover letters, resumes, and other application materials to decide which candidates are the greatest fit.

A Gartner survey states that 75% of HR directors have integrated AI-powered technologies into their hiring procedures.

This change emphasizes the necessity for AI to become more and more important in recruiting.

To successfully navigate these new challenges while looking for the next big opportunity for yourself, it’s essential to understand what AI typically looks for. AI systems scan for relevant keywords related to the job description, so including specific terms and skills mentioned in the job posting can significantly improve your chances of passing the initial screening.

Jason Corsello, Founder & CEO of Acadian Ventures, notes that “AI is transforming the recruitment process by providing deeper insights into candidates’ potential and reducing time-to-hire. However, it’s essential for candidates to understand how these systems work to optimise their applications accordingly.” They also evaluate the relevance of your professional background and educational qualifications to the job requirements. Moreover, well-organised and clearly formatted resumes are easier for AI systems to process, so avoid complex designs and use standard headings. Ensuring that your application materials are free from errors and inconsistencies is also crucial, as AI tools can flag discrepancies in dates, job titles, and other details.

To maximise your application’s appeal to both AI systems and human recruiters, it’s important to tailor your resume for each job. Customise your resume for each application, emphasising keywords and skills relevant to the specific job description. Sticking to traditional resume formats with clear headings (e.g., Experience, Education, Skills) and avoiding the use of tables, graphics, or unusual fonts that AI might struggle to interpret can also help. Highlighting your core competencies and achievements is essential, and using bullet points for easy readability can make a huge difference. Including a brief summary at the top of your resume can provide a quick overview of your qualifications and career goals, appealing to both AI and human reviewers. Lastly, proofreading thoroughly to ensure your resume is free from errors is crucial. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can help check for grammar and clarity issues.

Aman Brar, CEO of Jobvite, emphasises that “As AI continues to evolve, the key for job seekers is to focus on relevance and accuracy. Tailoring your resume for each job application can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.” This perspective is supported by a study from LinkedIn, which revealed that 67% of hiring managers believe AI has made their hiring processes more efficient. Additionally, IBM research indicates that companies using AI for recruitment see a 30% increase in qualified candidates.

To aid in creating AI-friendly resumes, there are several HR tools that are available:

Jobscan: Scans your resume against job descriptions to identify missing keywords and suggest improvements, helping ensure your resume is optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by employers.
Resume Worded: Provides AI-powered feedback on your resume, highlighting areas for improvement and suggesting actionable changes, increasing the chances of your resume passing through AI screenings by optimising content and format.
Grammarly: Offers advanced grammar and spell-checking, as well as style and tone suggestions, ensuring your resume is free from errors and reads professionally.
Hemingway Editor: Analyses text for readability and conciseness, highlighting complex sentences and passive voice, helping make your resume clear and easy to read, appealing to both AI and human recruiters.

As AI becomes an integral part of the recruitment landscape, job seekers must adapt their applications to meet the demands of both AI systems and human recruiters. By understanding how AI screening processes work, using specialised HR tools, and following best practices for resume optimization, candidates can enhance their chances of securing their desired positions.

The key is to stay informed, remain flexible, and continually refine your approach to stay competitive in the evolving job market.

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