CV Mistakes That Could Land Your Application in an AI' Black Hole'

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in hiring is becoming increasingly common, especially in countries like the UK. In fact, a recent survey found that 83% of all employers, including 99% of Fortune 500 companies, use automation to filter job applicants. This means that your CV is more likely than ever to be scanned by an AI or similar scanning tools before it ever reaches a human recruiter.

While AI can be a powerful tool for streamlining the hiring process, it can also be a source of frustration for job seekers. If your CV doesn't meet the AI's criteria, it could be automatically rejected, even if you're a qualified candidate.

Here are some common CV mistakes that could land your application in an AI hiring filter 'black hole':

• Using non-standard formats. AI systems are trained to recognise and process text in a specific format. If your CV is formatted in a way that the AI doesn't understand, it could be rejected. This includes using custom fonts or colours, symbols, pictures, hyperlinks, diagrams and charts. You should avoid these unless the job you are applying for requires these elements on your CV.
• Not using keywords. When an AI scans your CV, it's looking for specific keywords that match the job description. If the CV doesn't include the right keywords, it's less likely to be passed through to the next stage of the hiring process. Keywords do not have to be the exact match as most of the AI tools are now trained to pick up relevant skills or similar phrases from the CV. However, it is important to tailor your CV to the job that you are applying for.
• Having spelling or grammar errors. AI systems are very good at detecting spelling and grammar errors. If your CV has any errors, it's likely to be rejected.
• Being too long. AI systems don't have the time or patience to read long CVs. If the CV is more than two pages long, it's likely to be rejected. It is important to keep your CV concise and clear.

In addition to these common mistakes, there are a few other things you can do to avoid getting your CV caught in an AI hiring filter 'black hole', where you never get a reply or get rejected automatically.

• Use a clear and concise writing style. The AI is looking for information that is easy to understand and scan. Use short sentences and paragraphs, and avoid using jargon or technical terms, unless they are job related.
• Use active verbs. Active verbs make your CV more engaging and easier for the AI to process
• Quantify your accomplishments. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in terms of numbers or percentages. This will help the AI to understand the impact of your work.
• Use keywords throughout your CV. Don't just include keywords in the CV summary or objective. Use them throughout your CV, especially in the job descriptions and skills sections.
• Get feedback from others. Once you've finished writing the CV, ask a friend, family member, or career counsellor to review it for you. They can help you to identify any potential problems with your CV.

These days it is very difficult to avoid your CV being read by an AI or scanning tool first, especially if the job receives lots of applications. When you get rejections, you should not assume that your CV has been read by a person and it did not meet the requirement. Maybe it is strong, but it was just filtered out by an AI for some reasons.

You can follow these tips shared above to increase your chances of having your CV passed through the AI hiring filter and into the hands of a human recruiter. If you would like to have specific guidance on how to write UK standard CV, which is favoured both by  employers as well as AI tools, you can register and attend our CV writing workshop.