How AI Screens Resumes

by Tara E. l January 19, 2025

AI screens resumes –did you know that? If you’ve ever applied for a job online and didn’t hear back, there’s a good chance a human didn’t see your application. Instead, it was likely screened by artificial intelligence (AI). AI tools, especially Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), are widely used by companies to sort through resumes and pick the “best” candidates.

While AI can make hiring faster and more efficient, it also creates challenges for job seekers. Understanding how these systems work and how to tailor your resume can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore how AI screens resumes, why it matters, and how you can beat the bots to land your dream job.

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An ATS is a software program that helps employers manage job applications. It acts like a gatekeeper, scanning resumes and ranking candidates based on how well they match the job description. Most ATS use algorithms to:

• Look for keywords that match the job requirements.
• Analyze formatting to extract information like your name, skills, and work experience.
• Compare your qualifications with the employer’s needs.

According to a report by Jobscan, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to streamline hiring. For smaller companies, ATS tools are also becoming more popular as they make it easier to filter out unqualified candidates.

How ATS Works: Behind the Scenes

When you submit a resume online, an ATS breaks it down into sections (like education, experience, and skills) and converts it into a format it can read. Then, it compares the content of your resume against the job posting. Here are some key factors ATS evaluates:

1. Keywords
   ATS looks for specific words and phrases mentioned in the job description. For example, if the job requires “project management,” but your resume says “managing projects,” it might miss the match.
2. Formatting
   Fancy designs, graphics, or tables can confuse ATS. A clean and simple layout is easier for the system to read.
3. Relevance
   The ATS will rank your resume higher if it finds multiple matches for critical skills, certifications, or experiences.
4. Structure
   ATS expects resumes to follow a standard format. For instance, if your work experience is listed out of order, the system might misinterpret it.

Why Beating the Bots Matters

It’s a fact. AI screens resumes. Many qualified candidates get rejected simply because their resumes aren’t optimized for AI. This doesn’t mean they’re unfit for the job—it just means they didn’t “speak the language” the ATS was looking for. According to a Harvard Business Review study, as many as 88% of resumes are eliminated before a recruiter even sees them.

If you want to make it past the initial screening, you need to craft a resume that is both human-friendly and ATS-friendly. Here’s how.

5 Tips to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly

1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

No two jobs are exactly the same, so your resume shouldn’t be either.

• How to Do It: Carefully read the job description and identify important keywords. For example, if the posting mentions “data analysis,” ensure those exact words appear in your resume.
• Pro Tip: Use free tools like Jobscan to compare your resume against the job description and identify missing keywords.

2. Keep Your Formatting Simple

An ATS works best with straightforward, standard resumes.

• Avoid: Tables, columns, graphics, images, or fancy fonts.
• Use: A clean format with clear headers like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• Pro Tip: Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) or a plain PDF, as these formats are easier for ATS to read.

3. Use Keywords Strategically

Keywords are the lifeblood of an ATS.

• How to Do It: Sprinkle relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections. Don’t just list them—use them in context. For example:
  • Instead of: “Data analysis”
  • Write: “Conducted data analysis to identify trends, improving efficiency by 15%.”
• Pro Tip: Avoid “keyword stuffing,” which can make your resume look unnatural.

4. Focus on Relevant Skills

ATS prioritizes hard skills over soft skills.

• What to Include: Certifications, technical skills, and tools directly related to the job.
  • Example: If you’re applying for a marketing job, mention tools like Google Analytics or SEO software.
• What to Avoid: Overloading your resume with soft skills like “team player” without backing them up with examples.

5. Test Your Resume

Before submitting your resume, test it to ensure it works with ATS.

• How to Do It: Copy your resume into a plain text file. If the formatting looks messy or information is out of place, it might confuse an ATS.
• Pro Tip: Use websites like Resume Worded or Resunate to check how ATS-friendly your resume is.

What to Do If You’re Rejected by ATS

Even with a well-optimized resume, rejection can happen. Here’s what you can do:

1. Reach Out to a Recruiter
   Email or connect with a recruiter on LinkedIn to express your interest. Share your resume directly with them.
2. Network
   Many jobs are filled through referrals. Build relationships with people in your industry to bypass ATS entirely.
3. Apply Again
   If the job is reposted, tweak your resume with better keywords and formatting. Sometimes, persistence pays off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overloading Your Resume
   A long resume doesn’t impress ATS. Stick to one or two pages with the most relevant information.
2. Skipping the Job Description
   Applying with a generic resume is like sending a blank email—it’s not tailored to the role.
3. Ignoring Certifications
   Many ATS systems prioritize resumes with certifications relevant to the job.
4. Being Too Creative
   Unique layouts might look nice to humans, but they can confuse ATS.

AI Screens Resumes…But AI Can’t Replace Humans in Hiring

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not perfect. It can’t measure creativity, emotional intelligence, or cultural fit. That’s why human recruiters still play a crucial role in hiring. Many companies now use a combination of AI and human judgment to ensure the best candidates aren’t overlooked.

According to Glassdoor, companies that combine AI with human review see 35% better hiring outcomes. This means your ability to connect with a recruiter still matters—so don’t rely on technology alone.

The Future of AI in Recruitment

So, now you know. AI screens resumes. AI in hiring is evolving. Future systems may focus more on candidate potential than just matching keywords. Companies are also working to reduce biases in AI by using more inclusive training data and transparent algorithms.

For job seekers, this means adapting to changes while focusing on timeless skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and communication.

Conclusion

There is no need to panic. Getting past AI resume screeners might seem like a challenge, but with the right strategies, it’s completely doable. Tailor your resume, use keywords wisely, and focus on a simple format to give yourself the best chance of success. Remember, while AI plays a big role in hiring, it’s only one part of the process. Building strong relationships, showcasing your skills, and being persistent will help you land the job you deserve.

For more tips on career development and navigating the modern workplace, explore other resources on MahoganySpeakstoYou.com.

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