Did you know your CV might be read by a robot before a human? More businesses are now using AI or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a recruiter or hiring manager even sees them. If your CV isn’t AI-friendly, it might be getting filtered out before you even get a chance.
At Nobul, we believe candidates deserve transparency and support, so we’ve pulled together some quick, practical tips to help your CV beat the bots and actually get seen.
Whether you’re actively looking for a new role or just updating your CV, these are things every candidate should know.
Keep formatting simple
AI systems struggle with complicated designs. While a graphic-heavy CV might look great, it can confuse screening software.
- Stick to clean, standard fonts such as Arial or Calibri.
- Avoid text boxes, tables, or images.
- Save your CV as a Word document or PDF to ensure readability.
Use clear section headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills so the AI knows what it’s scanning.
Use relevant keywords
AI filters are designed to look for matches against the job description.
- Pick out key skills, certifications, or software mentioned in the advert.
- Integrate them naturally into your CV.
- Provide context: instead of simply writing “managed payroll” write something like; Managed payroll and employee records using Sage, ensuring compliance with employment law.
This ensures your CV reads well for both machines and humans.
- Tailor your CV to every role
Generic CVs rarely make the cut. AI loves relevance.
- Identify 3–5 essential skills or experiences highlighted in the job advert.
- Showcase them in your work history and skills section.
- Align your achievements with the role’s requirements.
- Highlight real-life examples or specific projects you’ve worked on that demonstrate your suitability. This not only makes your CV stand out but also builds trust with employers.
Focus on achievements
AI systems give weight to measurable results.
- Use action-driven statements with outcomes.
- Example: “Increased client retention by 15% through targeted relationship management.”
- Numbers, percentages, and results help your CV stand out.
This also shows recruiters and hiring managers the impact you’ve made, not just the tasks you handled.
Don’t forget the human reader
Getting through AI screening is only the first hurdle, your CV still needs to impress a recruiter.
- Use bullet points for clarity.
- Keep sentences concise.
- Ensure it’s easy to skim in under 30 seconds.
Remember: AI gets you noticed, but people make hiring decisions.
AI screening is here to stay, but candidates who adapt their CVs will avoid being lost in the system. By keeping your formatting clean, tailoring to each role, focusing on achievements, highlighting real projects, and following practical AI-friendly tips, you’ll boost your chances of getting noticed.
Ready to take the next step in your job search? Get in touch!
