Have You Ever Wondered How to Beat AI Screening in Job Applications?

Well, you’ve all heard about AI reshaping the future world of work, but did you know it’s also transforming the job application process? Here’s a little-known fact: AI now screens out up to 75% of resumes before they ever reach a human eye. With more companies relying on AI-powered tools, passing these initial filters has become essential in the job application.

It’s not just traditional Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that identify keywords, skills, and experience levels that match specific job requirements and filter out resumes that don’t align. There’s a whole raft of AI tools now in use. Many companies now use AI scoring and ranking systems that gauge how well your background fits the role, and some even rely on video analysis tools to assess communication style and personality fit. These tools save recruiters time and pinpoint top talent faster, meaning job applications must be more strategic than ever.

With AI quickly becoming the norm in hiring, adapting to this shift is critical if you want your application to stand out and reach the real decision-makers. So, here are three tips to help you optimise your resume and cover letter to make an impression on both AI and human reviewers.

  1. Use Targeted Keywords – Research shows that resumes with role-specific keywords can increase interview chances by up to 40%. Look for the exact skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the job description and integrate these naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the summary, skills, and experience sections.
  2. Keep Your Resume Format Clean – Complex formatting, such as tables, graphics, or unconventional fonts, can confuse ATS and other AI tools, causing them to miss critical details. Stick to a simple format with clear headers, bullet points, and traditional fonts. Save as a Word document (.docx) or PDF to ensure compatibility with AI.
  3. Highlight Measurable Achievements – Both AI and recruiters prioritise resumes that quantify accomplishments. Numbers make your impact tangible and help with the AI scoring rubric. Instead of just listing responsibilities, include measurable achievements (e.g., “Boosted sales by 20% in six months”) and incorporate keywords where relevant to boost visibility.

With AI as another gatekeeper in the job application and hiring process, optimising your resume has never been more crucial. By using targeted keywords, maintaining a clean format, and emphasising measurable achievements, you’re not just beating the bot, you’re also setting yourself up for success with human reviewers. If you’re serious about landing that role, make every word count!