It is quite different to find a job these days as compared to the past. You send your résumé and a recruiter reads it. Companies today are using artificial intelligence applicant tracking systems (ATS) to decide whether your résumé is even match worthy to be passed to a live person.
This confused many jobseekers, as they might ask this question: Should I opt out from AI resume screening or go with the new rule? Let’s discuss it in simple words.
What Is AI Resume Screening?
AI resume screening means your resume will be scanned first by a robot before your recruiter gets to see it. This software scans a resume by keyword, job title, skills, and even formatting.
If the resume gets matched to the requirements in the job posted, it will be forwarded to HR. The big companies usually have thousands of applications coming in for a single opening; thus they rely on these automated resume screening tools to get the job half done.
Why Do Companies Use AI Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
While all global corporations are trying to save time and money, one hiring manager simply cannot attempt to read 1,000 resumes for one position. Hence the AI applicant tracking system (ATS) comes in.
So, in essence, ATS are mostly used to filter resumes that do not match and maintain those relevant to the recruitment work in view. This makes it fast for the recruiters, at the same time making it tougher for jobseekers.
Should You OPT Out of AI Resume Screening?
No, you should not opt out of a resume screening. Nowadays, most large multinational companies use ATS; if you get out of it, you may well be eliminated from contention. Even when a company provides the option to disregard AI, the resume may be later subjected to resume keyword matching by the HR manager. Hence, opting out will not be beneficial for you. A sensible thing to do is to adapt your resume.
How Resume Keyword Matching Works
AI tools scan resumes for words that match the job posting. For instance, if the job requires “project management,” but your resume mentioned “led projects,” the ATS may examine that as not a match.
This is why resume keyword matching is so important because, it’s the closer your wording is to the job ad, and maximize the chances of passing the first screen.
Advantages & Disadvantages of AI Resume Screening
Advantages
- The process is faster because your resume gets checked quickly.
- In some cases, it can be fairer since AI focuses on skills, not personal details.
- It reduces human bias as the first filter is based on keywords, not appearance.
Disadvantages
- The system can be too strict, and can reject your resumes even for small formatting mistakes.
- Your resume can be ignored, even missing job-specific keywords.
- It is not perfect and may overlook strong candidates just because of wording.
Tips to Beat AI Resume Screening with ATS-Friendly Resume Formatting
Here are practical ways to beat AI resume screening with ATS-Friendly resume formatting:
- Read the job description carefully
- Use simple formatting
- Customize resume for every job
- Check your resume with free ATS scanners
- Use headings for different sections
Automated Resume Screening Tools
Here are some automated resume screening tools:
Job scan
This tool compares your résumé with a job description. It shows how many keywords match and what you need to improve to pass ATS checks.
Resume worded
Resume worded scores of your resume and LinkedIn profile. It suggests making changes into your resume that help to make it more attractive to recruiters and AI systems.
Grammarly
Grammarly checks grammar, spelling, and tone. It makes sure your resume is error-free. This helps to read smoothly, which leaves a positive first impression.
ATS-Friendly Scanners
Free online ATS scanners test if your resume can be read by applicant tracking systems. They flag formatting issues like tables or fancy fonts.
Resume Keyword Optimization
This means adding important job-related words naturally in your résumé. Keywords boost your chances of getting past automated screening.
ATS-Friendly Formatting
Simple layouts work best. Use standard fonts, plain text, and avoid graphics or columns. Clean formatting ensures ATS can scan your resume correctly.
Opting Out: The Human Advantage
- Recruiters tend to see traits that AI might overlook, like creativity, personality, or a typical career path.
- Humans understand storytelling; AI maps keywords.
- In the absence of an ATS, a personalized resume can have more impact in smaller firms.
- Human review works well for niche roles, startups, or hiring based on referrals.
- Larger companies depend on ATS, and this could limit your options if you decide to go small here.
- The best strategy is to prepare resumes that will function properly for both humans and AI systems.
FAQs
1. Should I opt out of a resume reviewed by AI?
Please don’t opt out AI applicant tracking systems (ATS) because most it used by many companies to screen resumes. If you opt out, the chances are that your resume would never be seen. Rather, make it ATS-friendly by using simple formatting and keyword matching.
2. Will employers know if you used AI for a resume?
Mostly, employers usually cannot tell if you used AI or human written. But mostly the matter is how clear, relevant, and professional your resume looks. If it matches the job description and feels natural, it doesn’t matter whether AI helped or not.
3. How to trick AI resume screening?
You can’t really trick an AI resume screening tool. Still, you could help improve your resume by utilizing an ATS-friendly format. You can match your keywords with those in the job description, and using a simple layout. Focus on highlighting skills and experience clearly to pass the system smoothly.
Final Thoughts
So, should you opt out of AI resume screening? The answer is no. What you should be doing instead is adjusting your resume for this new world of hiring. AI applicant tracking systems, automated resume screeners, keyword matching: none of these will go away.
An ATS-friendly resume format and an apt placement of keywords can help AI become a friend instead of a foe. Consider AI to be a first gatekeeper. If you know how to operate the gate, you can just walk right in.
REFERENCE:
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5146809
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-022-00166-4
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0007681319301612
