You are applying for an internship, a work-study program, a job… Please note, the first reading of your application will not be carried out by a human but by an AI: more and more companies are using artificial intelligence to pre-select the numerous CVs (curriculum vitae) that they receive.
Here’s how to adapt it to machines, without forgetting to appeal to the human eye, to maximize your chances of landing an interview.
AI widely used by recruiters
Recruitment managers at large companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage the sometimes significant volume of applications when posting an ad. These ATSs incorporate artificial intelligence-based algorithms to scan resumes. They identify keywords and filter them according to predefined criteria. Text recognition tools (OCR: Optical Character Recognition) are used to extract information from your CV.
These software are not simple filters; they can rank applications and thus seal your fate before a human recruiter even lays eyes on your application.
1. Reuse ad vocabulary and speak the same language as the AI
This is a golden rule for any CV intended to pass an AI filter: the algorithms compare your document word for word to the text of the published job offer. If your CV does not use the same technical terms, professional vocabulary, the same expressions or the same acronyms, the software may conclude – wrongly – that you do not correspond to the profile sought. You would then be downgraded automatically, even if you have the necessary qualifications.
It is therefore crucial to include the exact titles of the skills, the names of the software mentioned, the qualities required, responsibilities and even the action verbs used in the ad. Make sure you “speak the same language” as the ad. If, to stand out in the CV banks, the keywords were important, they must be adapted to the targeted advertisement. Each key term in the offer must find its direct echo in your CV.
Avoid acronyms if they are not in the ad and use as few abbreviations as possible, to be sure you are well understood in terms of diplomas, software or company names.
2. Take care of readability: simplicity is the key for the algorithm
Artificial intelligences are not sensitive to aesthetics or original layouts like those offered by graphics platforms like Canva; they do not “read” but “decipher” your text. Graphical elements such as multiple columns, tables, icons, graphic lines, or very designer layouts – are real obstacles for these AIs. They then risk misinterpreting the information, mixing up the data, or worse, skipping entire sections of your CV because they can’t extract it correctly.
While the trend in recent years was more towards aesthetics with numerous free online tools, now favor a simple, clear and refined format. Opt for a single column, clean and airy text, and classic and universally recognized section titles (like “Skills”, “Professional Experience”, “Training”). From the first lines of your CV you can start with your skills with a list of keywords describing your experience. Use bullet points to list your key points and achievements, rather than pictograms.
In form, export your CV to PDF or Word for better compatibility with all AI. Once finalized, test your document using several tools available free of charge (CVcrea, or Cvcatcher offered by several recruiter sites such as Orange, Société Générale, BNP, etc. on their recruitment platforms.) to find out if the LLM (large language model) can understand it well.
3. Prepare two versions of your resume, one for robots and one for humans
To maximize your chances and adapt to all situations, you can prepare two complementary versions of your CV:
A “simple and effective” AI special CV: This version will be for companies in the tech sector, large companies, with recruitment agencies, HR firms that work with these ATS. It must be concise but can take 1 or 2 pages, it must precisely include the keywords of the ad and present your skills in a very structured and easy to analyze way. This is the CV that will pass AI filters most easily, because it is optimized for quick and efficient reading.
A special “original” human CV: when you know that your interlocutor will take the time to open your document, for a spontaneous application, this version will allow you to better highlight your personality with possibly color, your photo, and an original layout (it is preferable to fit on 1 page, especially for a young graduate).
Depending on the number of applications, sometimes posted on job sites, you may choose to use one or the other option. Above 100 applications, there is a good chance that an ATS will filter your application.
Last final advice: don’t use AI to write your CV! A practice which carries more risk of benefit if read by a recruitment expert who will very quickly recognize the impersonal style of the AI.