While some human resources departments and hiring specialists manually review applications, many organizations rely on resume artificial intelligence (AI) scanners. This technology compares resumes to job descriptions to determine which candidates can advance in the hiring process. Knowing how to cater your resume to an AI scanner may improve your chances of ensuring employers actually read your resume.
In this article, we explain what a resume AI scanner is, discuss how to optimize your document for this technology and provide expert tips to help you proceed in the hiring process.
What are resume AI scanners?
Resume AI scanners are software applications that use artificial intelligence to screen job candidates. Recruiters, hiring managers and human resources specialists rely on this technology to select relevant resumes and streamline the hiring process rather than manually looking through hundreds to thousands of resumes. The software makes decisions by comparing the information on a resume with a job description to determine whether the candidate is a good match for the role. Along with helping employers save time on the hiring process, AI scanners can reduce bias and help employers determine who is the most qualified for their roles.
How to optimize your resume for AI scanners?
- Use a compatible format
Consider reading the job application directions before submitting your resume. For instance, employers who use a resume AI scanner may ask you to save your document as a .doc rather than a portable document format (PDF). Saving your resume in the correct format ensures the scanner can read through your text. If you typically save in a different format, you can review the new file type to ensure it preserves the integrity of the document’s format.
Along with saving your resume in the correct file, try to limit any visual elements to ensure they transfer correctly. Instead of using a visual resume, use plain text, default colors and basic formatting. Consider excluding charts, graphics, logos or images, as an AI scanner might not be able to decipher this kind of complex information. You can save these supporting documents for an interview after the employer gets to manually review your resume. - Read the job description
In addition to the application directions, consider reading the job description thoroughly. Understanding the role’s specific duties can help you tailor your resume in a way that caters to the AI scanner. You can start by carefully reading through the job description and thinking about how your own experiences relate. For instance, imagine that your resume currently highlights your critical thinking skills. If the job description calls for problem solvers, you can adjust the language in your document to better appeal to the AI scanner. - Incorporate relevant keywords
Keywords are prominent criteria resume AI scanners consider. This technology pinpoints certain keywords based on the employer’s preference. The job description can help you guess which keywords are ideal to include in your document. Use a highlighter to choose a handful of relevant keywords you could incorporate into your resume. For instance, if a job description says, “Looking for a skilled marketer with a strong background in copywriting, social media and email marketing,” you might want to use the keywords “marketer,” “copywriting,” “social media” and “email marketing” in your resume. - Check how it looks with plain text
Some employers use a system that copies your resume into a plain text format. Before submitting, try to see how your resume looks in such a format. You can ensure all of your information aligns and that the order of the document remains logical. When organizing your resume, consider listing your experience in reverse chronological order to adhere to conventions.
Tips for passing resume AI scanners
Consider these tips when writing your AI-friendly resume:
Personalize your document. While an AI scanner may see your resume before a hiring manager does, it’s ideal to write your resume for a person. Hiring managers tend to appreciate language that appears professional and natural.
Highlight your achievements. You can use your experience section to write about accomplishments that might impress a hiring manager. A resume AI scanner may be able to detect that you have useful experiences and successes.
Submit one resume. A resume AI scanner may detect if a candidate submits more than one application. Being an honest candidate and adhering to the instructions of only submitting one resume might make you more desirable to an employer.
Use keywords thoughtfully. Try to incorporate keywords naturally throughout your resume. Using keywords where they make sense can appeal to resume AI scanners and human readers.
Include soft and hard skills. Hiring managers might use AI software to see which applicants have specific soft and hard skills, meaning you can include your attributes as they relate to human interaction in addition to your technical abilities.
Consider adding a summary. A summary is a brief statement that goes at the top of your resume. It’s an easy way for you to incorporate keywords by giving an overview of your professional experience, skills and achievements.
Include contact information in the document’s body. While it’s common to place your contact information in the header or footer, AI scanners might not be able to see this information. Include it in the body of your page instead.
Send a follow-up email. Sending a well-written email inquiring about the hiring process might ensure a real person looks at your resume. This measure can help you progress in the hiring process if the resume AI scanner didn’t approve your application.
Source: Optimize Your Resume for AI Scanners (With Tips) – Image source