How To Write a Resume That Passes Scrutiny by AI Resume Screeners?

Human resource departments try to automate as much of the resume screening process as possible these days. Rather than have HR managers go through hundreds of resumes by hand, they employ artificial intelligence screening software to do the job. If you’re in the process of applying to jobs, you need to make sure that your resume is able to pass screening by such software. There are a few things that you need to be aware of. 

How do screening algorithms and recruitment programs work?

The screening software that human resource departments use today tends to work similar to search engines; they apply natural language processing algorithms to attempt to understand the resumes that they are fed. For the most part, they look for keywords and keyword phrases. In general, the keywords that AI resume screeners look for are the same ones that appear in the job listings.

These programs also look for job specifications. They try to determine how experienced a candidate is, and what kind of degrees and certifications they possess. If the right words appear on a resume, the screening software accepts the resume. Such software can even determine how many years of experience a candidate has, by doing elementary math with dates stated.

How do you optimize a resume to be read by an AI screener?

Generic, one-size-fits-all resumes don’t work well with algorithmic screeners. Since such resumes aren’t written for specific job listings, they are unlikely to contain the right keywords from those listings.

For instance, if a job listing requires that candidates come in qualified to use specific software, it would be a good idea to create a special section in your resume to dedicate to your qualifications in the area. The section would include descriptions that contained keywords related to the software in question.

You should also look for keywords that describe the background that the ideal candidate should possess. If a listing talks about job responsibilities such as preparation of surveys, or reporting to senior management, you need to make sure that you include the relevant keywords in your resume.

You should check to see if a job listing asks for intangible skills such as people management skills or an ability to take projects from start to finish. You should address these requirements in your resume. Every artificial intelligence screener has its own method of interpreting resume language to match requirements set out in job listings.

Don’t make these mistakes creating a resume for AI screeners

It’s important to not use fancy fonts, artwork, or novel-looking templates on your resume. You shouldn’t place information and headers and footers, either. These aren’t likely to be read correctly by machines.

It’s also not a good idea to use creative names to describe earlier positions. If you were in charge of marketing, you shouldn’t use terms like marketing guru for added flair. They are unlikely to be understood correctly by software.

It’s best to submit resumes in standard formats that are able to be read by Microsoft Word. Many AI software is unable to deal with PDF documents.

Make sure that you include a cover letter

Some AI screeners try to look at cover letters. Even if an employer’s AI screener doesn’t, the hiring manager is likely to look for one once a resume makes it past the AI screener. In a cover letter, you can detail the intangible positives that you possess. You can talk about your experiences and tell stories to try to explain why you would be the right fit at a company.

Finally, it’s important to be sure that your resume matches the information on your JobCollate and LinkedIn profiles. At this point, AI screeners don’t go online to compare resume information to information available on LinkedIn. Hiring managers tend to do it, however. If there are discrepancies, it would not work in your favor.

These days, it’s no longer enough to make sure that your resume reads well to human readers. You need to take artificial intelligence into consideration as well. For the most part, including the right keywords and leaving out unusual word choices can help your resume make it past the software gatekeepers.