Intro. | AI in the recruitment process

In today’s interconnected digital world, landing a job is more challenging than ever. If you’re applying for jobs online, or updating your CV, it’s crucial to understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly common in the recruitment process.

To emphasise the importance, AI can significantly effect the success or failure of your online job application.

the automated systems, that screen your CV, decides whether or not to forward your application to a human

So, in this career insights article we’ll provide an overview of how AI is used by recruitment consultancies, agencies, and companies own inhouse recruitment efforts.

You’ll gain an understanding of how to craft a CV that not only highlights your qualifications, skills, and experience…

But equally important, how to format your CV to successfully pass through the automated systems, that screen your CV, and decides whether or not to forward your application to a human.

So, if you’re applying for jobs online, or updating your CV for the future, this article on how to write a CV for successful online job applications is for you.

The growing role of AI in the recruitment process

Companies are increasingly relying on technology to streamline thier processes. Recruitment is no different. As result, both companies and external recruitment firms are integrating technology, and more and more are using AI in the recruitment process.

As businesses aim to reduce costs, and improve efficiencies, many have adopted Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) into their recruitment process.

These systems are designed to manage large volumes of online job applications. They scan and filter CVs based on predetermined criteria, such as keywords, skills, and experience.

While these systems can make the recruitment process more efficient. On the other hand, they also present new challenges for job applicants.

For example, if your CV isn’t formatted, or written in a way that the ATS can easily process, in short, your application can be rejected before a human ever sees it.

the ATS scores each CV based on how well it matches all the criteria, & automatically rejects applicants that don’t meet the required threshold

So, to improve your chances of success, it’s essential to know how to “beat the bots”, and how to write a CV for successful online job applications.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An ATS is essentially a database, with additional software, used by recruiters and companies to manage job applications. It reads, and analyses CVs, searching for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description, as well as any predetermined criteria that’s been set to screen applicants.

The ATS then scores each CV based on how well it matches all the criteria, and automatically rejects applicants that don’t meet the required threshold.

Given the increasing use of ATS in the job market, understanding how to optimise your CV for these systems is crucial.

So, next lets cover what you can do to increase your success when applying for jobs online.

How to write a CV that passes ATS Screening

It’s important to point out, there’s a wide variety of Applicant Tracking Systems available on the market. Each one may have different capabilities.

In short, some ATS are better than others.

Equally, it’s impossible to predict the specific criteria the recruiter / hiring manager has set.

Or what weight has been given to each one, to score your application, and determine whether you meet the selection criteria. Or not.

Therefore, this article may not cover all possible scenarios. After all, the scale and pace technology evolves is constantly accelerating.

However, the following tips will certainly increase your CV’s chances of successfully passing through most ATS screening process.

1. Use a standard format:

Avoid using templates or saving your CV in complex file formats like .docx, PDFs, or RTFs. Instead, use a simple Word document (.doc) that Applicant Tracking Systems can easily read.

Keep the layout clean and straightforward. Avoid using headers, footers, or text boxes, as these elements can confuse an ATS.

2. Tailor your CV to the Job Ad:

Customise your CV for each position you apply for by using the exact keywords and phrases found in the job description.

For instance, if the job requires experience with “Adobe Photoshop,” don’t just list “design software”. Specifically mirror the job criteria. In this example, write “Adobe Photoshop.”

Integrate these keywords naturally within your bullet points, highlighting specific achievements and responsibilities.

3. Avoid complex formatting:

Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. Maintain the same font, and font size, throughout your CV. Ensuring you use a font size of at least 11.

Keep your CV in a single column format. Avoid using tables, columns, or any unusual spacing.

Place your name on the top line, not in the header, and don’t include any special characters, or punctuation in your name, or headings.

4. Be specific with dates:

When listing your work experience, or education, include both the month and year (e.g., 06/2015 – 08/2020) and place these dates on the right-hand side of the page.

5. Spell it out:

Use both the full version of terms and their abbreviations (e.g., “Project Manager / PM”). This ensures that the ATS recognises your qualifications, experience etc, regardless of the format used in the job description.

6. Don’t overload your CV with graphics:

Avoid using images, logos, or other graphic elements. These can be misread or ignored by the ATS, which may cause your application to be rejected.

This point is particularly important for creatives / designers, who often use an image for thier name, to showcase their design / creative abilities.

7. Proofread read your CV carefully:

Really, this point should go without saying. However, it’s worth mentioning the importance to proofread your CV carefully.

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can prevent the ATS from accurately parsing your CV. Additionally, such errors could make a negative impression if your CV does make it to a human recruiter.

Writing a CV that stands out to both Bots & Humans

While it’s important to ensure your CV can pass through an ATS, remember it still needs to be appealing to human readers.

Once your CV gets past the initial ATS screening, a human recruiter will review it. So, maintaining readability and professionalism is key.

Use Bullet Points:

Using bullet points in your CV helps break up text, and makes your CV easier to read.

It’s important to realises, despite the time and effort you make writing your CV, and covering letter, your CV is likely to be skim read. At least, initially. So make the most important information, used in the job advert, stand out.

Incorporate Simple Formatting:

While you should avoid overly complex formatting, using bold or capitalisation for headers, and bullet points, to highlight key details can make your CV more readable.

Beyond the Bots: Tips for a successful Job Search

While optimising your CV for ATS is important, it’s not the only strategy you should use in your job search. So, here’s a few additional job search tips:

Broaden your job search:

Don’t rely solely on online job applications. Not all jobs are advertised. Equally, not all online job adverts are still live.

This point is too long to cover in this article. But in short, the internet craves content. As a result, numerous online job boards (job aggregators) clone job ads from other recruitment sites / pages.

Posting the job on their own job board. Listing the vacancy using the current date, and making it look like the original recruitment firm, or hiring company, has advertised it that day.

So, to broaden your job search, include networking, attending industry events, and directly reaching out to potential employers. These suggesting can be a more effective way for you to find job opportunities.

Build relationships with specialist recruiters:

If you’re in a specialised field, working with a recruiter who specialises in your industry, specific discipline, or skill, can help you target the right opportunities, and get your CV in front of the right people.

Remember, not all job opportunities are advertised. Recruiters can be briefed to work on confidential job vacancies. They can also have prior knowledge of upcoming opportunities with their clients, that could be fast tracked for the right person.

Stay organised:

Keep track of your applications and don’t just apply and wait for a response. Be proactive, follow up when necessary. This not only shows your interest, but also ensures you don’t miss any opportunities.

Especially, if your CV hasn’t made it through the ATS, and therefore your application hasn’t reached a human for consideration.

Final thoughts

So to conclude with some final thoughts. In a job market increasingly dominated by technology, knowing how to write a CV that passes ATS screening is essential.

By following the tips covered above, you’ll increase your chances of getting your application in front of a real person. And as a result, enhance your chances of successfully landing the job you want.

Keep in mind that while ATS optimisation is crucial, the ultimate goal is to create a CV that is both bot-friendly and compelling to human recruiters. Therefore, giving you the opportunity to get in front of the company, and tell them why you’re the person they should hire.

Finally, we wish you the all the best with your current job search, and longer term career.

NB. This career insights article is an updated version of a previous one, originally published on the 29 of September 2017