How do you make your CV /job application standout to an AI recruiter? - Blair McPherson

 

It’s one of life’s contradictions that even in  organisations that use  AI- automated recruitment systems managers don’t like AI generated CV’s. The thinking seems to be  “if they can’t be bothered to take time and effort to draft a tailored application/ CV…”

 

Writing a CV or supporting letter for an automated recruitment system is not so different but the key to success is keep it simple do not use flowery language and systematically give examples of how how your Experience ,Skills, Knowledge and personal characteristics meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification (PS).

 

AI generated CV’s tend to follow a similar formula and language,  to make your application standout you need to show individually and demonstrate personal skills and experience beyond just copying and pasting. If your experience is not directly relevant to the post then identify your transferable skills and how they would enable you to do this work. ( People management, budget management , problem solving, ability to quickly acquire and understand new information)  plus personal characteristics with anecdotes to show your positive out look , resilience , stamina and determination in the way you have addressed challenges in the past. 

 

 You stand a much better chance of being short listed if your application form makes it easy for the recruiter ( machine or human) to identify the essential requirements. If the recruiter is looking through a lot of application forms they are less willing to spend time and effort trying to find evidence that you meet the PS . So make it explicit even if this makes the prose more clunky. 

 

Whether it’s a machine or a person shortlisting they are gong through all the applications forms ticking off the essential criteria. If you meet them all you are invited to an interview. It makes their tasks easier and therefore less likely to miss evidence if you write your supporting statement in the same order as the essential criteria are listed on the person specification. The result can read a bit clunky, so may need a little polishing. Start by removing the repartition and duplication, try not to use the same example as evidence of meeting more than one essential criteria. Try and capture the interest of the reader/shortlister in referring to your experience by reference to something unusual or different about the circumstances or organisation and don’t be afraid to mention your values and how they informed your work. But don’t go into detail leave that for the interview. Keep it short and punchy,

 

My top tip would be don’t be tempted to reuse a generic supporting letter with your CV. Every organisation thinks they are different whether because of their history, values ,circumstances or the profile of their customers so tailor your supporting letter to their post in their organisation.

 

Blair McPherson former Director author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk