Get past the AI Screening Bot: 3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts of online applications.

Would your application get accepted by a screening bot?

68% of Australian businesses are currently using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support their day-to-day operations. Therefore, it is no surprise that AI has made an appearance in the recruitment sector. Greatly accelerated by the COVID 19 pandemic, AI has only just recently made its debut in the hiring process, however the reliance on this technology is growing exponentially.

Just like many other organisations and employment providers, job boards like SEEK, use AI software to screen candidates, organise applications, and integrate a seamless digital process between all recruitment databases.

How does AI screen resumes?

Known as an Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), this resume screening technology is increasing in popularity for both internal recruiters and external agencies. Although it may sound a little temperamental, or less than ideal, Applicant Tracking Systems can significantly speed up the recruitment process, maximise potential leads, and filter out applicants who do not meet the job requirements.

3 out of 4 resumes won't be seen by a human

According to Forbes, 75% of resumes are never read by a human, and only 5 applicants (out of 250) will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview. When writing your resume, it’s important to structure crucial information it in a way that can be easily interpreted by human recruiters and can be successfully transferred through AI screening bots.

Types of AI used for resume screening include:

Keyword-based AI: Used to identify terms and phrases that match the job requirements set by the employer or listed in the job description.
Quality-based AI: Used to break down essential information or skills in the resume that are unique and differentiated.
Statistic-based AI: Used to highlight numerical data (years, salary, KPI’s) to organise quality applicants by experience and/or unique skills that meets the job requirements.

To ensure your resume gets past these AI scanners, you need to ensure that your resume meets the set criteria.

Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of submitting an online application:

Do This:

Use Keywords: AI screening bots are often set up to identify keywords that match the job description. Read the job posting and add in any relevant keywords that will be picked up by the screening technology. But be truthful and only add in skills and experience you can provide.
Use a simple, basic format: Although you may be tempted to use a stylist Canva or Word template, it is safer to stick to a simple, clear, and standard format. Use common fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
Create a clear structure: Organise the information on your resume under simple headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” It is also important to put your contact information at the top of the resume so it will not be missed.

Don’t Do This:

Do not add any graphics and images: While creative resumes may stand out to human eyes, they can confuse AI screening software. The ATS may not pick up on the information that could get you through to the next stage of the hiring process.
Do not use decorative typefaces or symbols: Keep it simple, use standard fonts and avoid using symbols that might be confusing.
Do not try to cheat the system: only submit one resume and stay truthful. Do not keyword stuff or copy parts of the job description to get it past the ATS. Your resume will eventually be read by human eyes, and if it isn’t authentic, you will not get any further in the hiring process.

Steps Forward:

Although it can seem alienated to apply through an AI system, the future is now. The time for sending your resume by mail or by responding to a Yellow Pages advert are in the past. The online job boards have provided job seekers with an abundance of choice and Applicant Tracking Systems are changing the future of recruitment for the better.

If you follow these tips, you can increase your chances of getting your resume past the AI screening bots and onto the next stage in the recruitment process. But remember, your resume will be seen by both AI and a human, so it must be accurate and well-structured.