AI and Job Applications: How to Build a CV That Passes the Bots and Impresses the Recruiters

If you’re job hunting, you’ll be aware that the market has changed and that AI tools are now an inevitable part of the job application process. It’s likely that your application will be screened using AI tools before a human being ever sees it, and this can have implications for you and your chances of success.

It is believed that 98% of Fortune 500 companies make use of AI in the process of filtering candidates, and more than half of medium sized organisations in the USA are already using AI as part of their recruitment method. At CareerWise, we aim to help you optimise your job search and tailor your applications to make the most of your CV.

Writing for AI Tools

If you are writing your CV with AI processes in mind, there will be a few things to consider. To make the most of your application, take the time to become familiar with the way these systems work so that you can tick the boxes and make it through the first rounds of applications.

Here’s how to beat the bots with your CV:

Understand the process. AI tools are not reading to discover more about your personality, they are simply extracting data from your resume and categorising it using keywords in context. This enables a quick process of shortlisting according to the requirements of the job in question. The important factor here is to keep your keywords specific to the job specification, using the exact terms included in the information you are given.

Keep it simple. Check exactly what you are being asked to do, optimising your opportunities to succeed in the early stages. For instance, you should always submit your CV as a Word document rather than a PDF as these are easier for AI tools to handle, and use a layout that is straightforward and easy to read. Do not be tempted to include images, colours, charts, tables or fancy fonts as these are often difficult for AI tools to interpret and this could undermine your chances of success.

Work chronologically. The way your CV is laid out can make all the difference, and you should be aware that AI analysis requires data to be chronological to make the best use of it. Stick with this as a format, and create an informative and professional document, including all contact information in the main body of your text rather than in the header or footer of your CV. When including your soft skills, refer back to the preferences highlighted in the job specification.

You can check for any glaring errors by copying and pasting your CV into a plain text converter to ensure it is complete and readable. Don’t forget that the AI tools will only be used in the initial, filtering stages and a human being will ultimately be making the hiring decisions, so your CV will need to be engaging and well written to enable you to proceed to your dream job.

Recruitment Experts In Ireland

Working with a Recruitment Agency like CareerWise can give you a head start when you are searching for a new job, supporting you in making the most of the recruitment process. We work with individuals and organisations to make connections between great opportunities and the top talent.

We are based in Cork, Shannon, Galway, Mayo and Dublin and we specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland. You can contact our experienced team online now or give us a call on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to arrange a consultation.

Mike Morissey

(Director) MRGC, MRMC, MCIPD – Cork Office

Mike Morrissey has extensive knowledge of production, quality and engineering, having worked for Dell, Creative Labs and Tyco Safety Products /Sensormatic.

His expansive operational experience is grounded with training as a Six Sigma Black Belt.

As a lead auditor, he is very familiar with compliance and quality standards and has project managed the implementation of the environmental standard ISO14001. He has successfully utilised his project management and team leading skills in implementing numerous cost-saving and process improvement projects.

Since joining CareerWise Recruitment, Mike has graduated with a Diploma in Personnel Management from UCC and is a Chartered member of the CIPD.

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