Is Your CV AI-Ready? Exploring the Automated Resume Screening Process

While we've been processing all the ways AI will change the world of work, traditional methods of landing a new job have undergone a significant transformation. This has been slowly creeping in for years - using machines to read CVs rapidly, pre-filling online forms, sorting and filing candidates into categories. However with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, there's now a high likelihood that humans will never view the majority of applications. This brings a new layer of complexity to the job hunt.

Why AI Screening?

Companies are increasingly adopting AI-powered tools to streamline their hiring processes. These tools can rapidly analyse large volumes of resumes, identifying candidates who possess the specific skills and experience required for a particular role. This takes sorting candidates to the next level, contributing to decisions about the 'fit' of the candidate's application to the job criteria. While this automation can save time and resources, it also presents a unique challenge for job seekers: how to ensure their resumes are optimised for AI.

AI readers are thought to be objective and fair, because they will follow the rules they've been set. However for all their efficiencies, it's important to note that they also learn with objectivity. And this in itself can lead to an unusual pattern - or 'bias' - being applied. For example, if strong candidates in the past have statistically been those that also took less leave over the course of their career, this may inadvertently detract from candidates that took parental leave.

Tips to Ace the Automated AI Resume Screening Process

• Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

  It may only take a few tweaks to ensure your language aligns with the language in the job description. For example if the role calls for Change Impact Analysis, ensure you have this skill listed on your CV as 'analysis' and not 'assessment'. However, machines will become suspicious if your CV is a 100% match to the advertisement so avoid copying and pasting from the description directly into your resume.

  
  

  • Keyword Optimisation: Identify the key skills and qualifications listed in the job description and incorporate them strategically into your CV.

  • Customise Your Resume: Adapt your resume for each job application, highlighting relevant experiences and skills.

    
    

• Prioritise Clear and Concise Formatting

  AI models process text through multiple steps. This may take the form where text is converted to images of machine-readable text data. This is then pre-processed, breaking text into words and reducing words to their root form. The cleaned and structured data is then fed into a language model, which uses statistical techniques and deep learning algorithms to analyse syntax, semantics, and context. The model is constantly learning patterns from the vast amounts of text data, enabling it to understand the meaning, generate summaries, translate languages, and so on. Ultimately, the AI model's ability to "read" relies on its capacity to process the text on your resume.

  
  

  • Plain Text: Use a simple, easy-to-read format, avoiding complex layouts and excessive formatting.

  • PDF or Word Document: Choose a format that can be easily parsed by AI systems.

  • Clear Headings: Use clear headings for sections like "Summary," "Experience," "Skills," and "Education."

    
    

• Leverage Strong, Action-Oriented Language

  AI systems are designed to recognise patterns and keywords, so using strong verbs and quantifiable results can enhance your resume's visibility. By demonstrating your abilities with specific examples and metrics, you increase your chances of passing through the initial automated AI resume screening process and impressing human recruiters. Additionally, action-oriented language makes your resume more engaging and clearer, both for AI and human readers.

  
  

  • Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and numbers to showcase your accomplishments.

  • Highlight Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume, but avoid keyword "stuffing".

    
    

• Pay Attention to Detail

  Formatting and proofreading are crucial for AI resume readers because they provide the structure that directly impacts the accuracy and efficiency of the AI's analysis. Consistent formatting with clear headings, bullet points, and a logical layout helps the AI identify key sections and information and accurately extract relevant data, such as skills, experience, and education.   

  
  

  Proofreading eliminates errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that can confuse the AI and lead to inaccurate interpretations. In essence, proper formatting and proofreading enhance the comprehensibility of your resume for both human and AI readers, maximising your chances of getting noticed and advancing in the job application process.

  
  

  • Proofread Carefully: Ensure your resume is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

  • Check Formatting Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume.

  • Mind the Gap: Some resume readers reject long gaps between jobs. Try to ensure gaps are explained, such as a period of freelancing or further study.

    
    

• Optimise Your Online Presence

  AI processes are also increasingly being used to scan the online profiles of job candidates. AI tools can analyse social media profiles to assess a candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit and analyse online text to gauge communication skills, writing style, and overall online presence. A well-curated online brand can showcase your expertise and passions, making you stand out from the competition. It can also demonstrate your awareness that the digital world is an important marketplace for modern business.

  
  

  • LinkedIn Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and optimised with relevant keywords.

  • Personal Website: Consider creating a personal website to showcase your skills and projects.

Are the Machines Talking to Each Other?

Recruiters are well aware that you're using Chat GPT to write your resume and cover letter. There are already use cases out there of candidates being able to use AI to scan for keywords and automatically submit job applications. This begs the question of whether we'll soon move to a world where the recruitment machine will automatically match with the application machine, and the first you'll know about being considered for a new job is when you get the offer.

While many scenarios seem possible, in the meantime you can significantly improve your chances of clearing the initial AI screening hurdle and getting your resume into the hands of a human recruiter. Even though AI can automate certain aspects of the hiring process, human judgment still requires a human. The process of applying for a job is still a two-way street and the recruitment process is often a candidate's first impression of the organisation. Only you can answer whether the process you experienced during recruitment makes you want to work for the hiring organisation.

If you're looking for advice to shape your career in the change management industry, or in transforming aspects of your life, book in an introductory chat to find out how we can help.

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