If you’ve ever applied for a job only to hear nothing back, you’re not alone. Many candidates don’t realize that their resumes might not even reach a human recruiter. Instead, they get filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). In some cases, these systems rely on AI-powered software that scans, sorts, and ranks applications before recruiters or hiring managers ever see them.
It's worth mentioning that SkyWater does not utilize AI-powered screening. However, we can perform searches in our ATS to help us recall candidates we've worked with in the past. Thus, many of the tips here today are relevant to systems like ours, where human recruiters are searching to recall resumes.
In either case, ATS systems help companies manage large applicant pools. But if AI is involved in an initial screening process, they can also be frustrating for candidates who feel like they’re being rejected before getting a fair shot. The good news? You can optimize your resume to pass AI screenings and increase your chances of landing an interview. Here’s how:
1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description
AI screeners are designed to match resumes to specific job descriptions. If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords or relevant experience, it may be automatically rejected (or hard for a human recruiter to recall in a search later).
✅ How to do it:
- Read the job description carefully and highlight key skills and qualifications.
- Incorporate exact keywords from the job listing into your resume (but naturally—don’t just copy and paste).
- If the job requires “project management” experience, don’t just say you “oversaw initiatives”—use the phrase “project management” directly.
💡 Tip: Different companies use different ATS software, so even if you’ve applied for similar roles before, tweak your resume to match each job posting.
2. Use a Simple, ATS-Friendly Resume Format
Many AI screeners struggle with overly designed resumes that include graphics, tables, or columns. Keep your resume simple and structured for better ATS readability.
✅ Best practices:
- Use a clean, standard font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
- Stick to chronological or functional formats.
- Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) or a plain-text PDF (some ATS systems struggle with fancy PDFs).
🚫 Avoid:
- Headers, footers, or text boxes (ATS may not read them).
- Fancy fonts or excessive formatting.
- Images, charts, or graphics (they won’t be scanned).
3. Use Standard Job Titles & Avoid Jargon
Some companies use creative job titles internally (e.g., “Data Wizard” instead of “Data Analyst”). But AI screeners look for standardized job titles.
✅ Example: If you were a “Customer Experience Ninja,” it’s better to list your title as “Customer Service Specialist” or “Client Success Manager” instead.
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, check LinkedIn job postings to see how similar roles are labeled.
4. Include Both Hard and Soft Skills
AI systems scan for both technical and soft skills. If a job description lists “leadership” or “team collaboration” as key qualities, make sure those appear in your resume.
✅ Examples:
- Technical Skill: “Proficient in Salesforce CRM”
- Soft Skill: “Led cross-functional teams to improve customer retention”
💡 Tip: Skills sections help ATS systems categorize you correctly, so list your hard skills clearly in a dedicated section.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Abbreviations & Acronyms
ATS software doesn’t always recognize industry abbreviations. If a job description asks for experience in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), write it both ways:
✅ Example: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” instead of just “SEO” (at least once in your resume).
6. Don’t Rely Only on Online Submissions—Network Too!
Even with a perfectly optimized resume, the best way to land a job is still through connections. If you apply online, follow up by reaching out to a recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn. A direct referral can bypass AI filtering entirely.
✅ Action Steps:
- Connect with recruiters at the company.
- Send a personalized LinkedIn message expressing your interest.
- Attend networking events or industry meetups.
💡 Tip: If you work with a recruiting firm like SkyWater Search Partners, we can advocate for you directly with hiring managers—helping you avoid ATS hurdles.
Final Thoughts: Make AI Work for You, Not Against You
AI resume screeners are a reality in modern hiring, but they don’t have to stand in your way. By optimizing your resume with job-matching keywords, using an ATS-friendly format, and networking strategically, you can improve your chances of landing interviews.
And if you want personalized guidance on your job search, the recruiters at SkyWater Search Partners are here to help! We connect top talent with leading companies—and we can help ensure your resume lands in front of the right people.
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