If you’ve applied for a job recently, there’s a good chance your application was run through an AI applicant tracking system (ATS) and reviewed by a computer before anyone saw it. AI has changed hiring, and it’s still an ongoing debate whether it’s for better or worse. Job seekers are more likely to fall on the “worse” side of the debate, since the human element of hiring is lessening with every passing month. AI systems are designed to make hiring move faster, but this can also filter out qualified candidates who don’t present their work history in a way that the AI assistant will understand. Figuring out how to stand out in automated AI hiring can be a difficult step, but we’re here to help you get prepared.

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How Do Automated ATSs Work?

Thankfully, AI screening tools aren’t as complicated as they sound. They scan your resume for specific information that the employer is looking for. Examples of information they’ll grab:
• Keywords from the job description
• Relevant skills and experience
• Job titles that match the open role
• Important certifications or education
Think of it this way: the scans are almost like a word matching game. If there are enough words in your resume that match with what the employer is looking for, your application gets flagged as one they’ll be interested in. If there aren’t, your resume might not move forward in the process.

Use Keywords Strategically

The key to matching up with what the automated scanner is looking for is using the right keywords. Your resume should reflect the language used in the job posting you’re looking at as closely as possible. For example, don’t leave forklift or order picking experience to vague terms like “moving materials.” Get specific about it.
• Use exact phrases as they appear in the job description when they apply to you.
• Include spelled-out phrases and common abbreviations (“OSHA” vs “Occupational Safety and Health Administration”).
• Focus on any skill areas that are mentioned more than once.
However, don’t simply stuff your resume with keywords. This just means speaking the same language as the employer who made the job posting.

The Simpler, the Better

A flowery, fancy resume design is going to confuse an AI resume reviewer. Simple, professional layouts with minimal to no graphics is the best way to get the AI to understand what you’ve written.
A simple layout also maintains clarity for human viewers, too. Aside from graphic design jobs or acting, a clean and organized look works best in every scenario.

Don’t Skip the Basics

Basic resume advice from the past is still incredibly important. Here is a small checklist of things to get you started:
• Spelling and grammar
• Correct work history (past job titles and dates)
• Up to date contact information
• File format (PDF or Microsoft Word; no images)
If you miss out on these things, AI systems won’t scan your resume correctly, or they will pick up inaccurate information. Most employers won’t accept resumes that aren’t in PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx) format.

Find Work Through a Staffing Agency

While automated resume reviewers are on the rise, one thing that remains constant is the value in human-to-human interaction. Many staffing agencies, like Tempstar and OFFICEforce, understand the human aspect to recruitment and won’t use AI tools in the screening or interview process.
When you work through a staffing agency, you’ll have access to industry experts on what to look out for when job searching, resume advice, and a variety of jobs with great employers in your area. Not only that, but they interact with their clients directly, not through an AI, which means humans look at your resume every step of the process. Tempstar and OFFICEforce is the same way.

If you’re ready to face the new age of AI hiring, contact us today to learn how we can help!