With the increase in applications for remote positions, IT job hunters face another problem—an Artificial Intelligence (AI) screening tool.
What Is an AI Screening Tool?
This is an element of the hiring process that uses AI to filter through large stacks of resumes. Each company’s hiring process may contain different criteria these screening tools look for. It helps hiring managers and recruiters save time they would have spent reading over every applicant’s resume, often containing similar information or skills. Instead, the AI screening tools take certain information and pick out candidates based on it. These candidates may go on to be interviewed by the recruiter or hiring manager.
5 Tips to Help You Pass the Test
- Go easy on the keywords.
Just like an error-ridden resume, an AI screening tool will treat a resume full of keywords like a red flag. Of course, keywords are good to include in moderation—they could even be that last nudge to get your resume into a real person’s hands. But, try to outsmart the system, and your resume may be tossed out. Then you’ve missed your chance.
- Every position deserves a specialized resume.
By tailoring your resume to the position you’re applying for, you’re more likely to be acknowledged by a screening tool (and hiring manager or recruiter) as a valuable candidate. So read job descriptions carefully, particularly for required skills, and list those relevant skills in your resume if you possess them.
- Formatting is more important than you think.
AI screening tools, recruiters, and hiring managers aren’t looking for fancy resumes. In fact, the more visually appealing or over-the-top your resume is, the less likely you are to be chosen because the screening tool may not scan the document properly due to unfamiliar formatting. Stick with a simple style, clear headings for sections, an easy-to-read font, and submit it in a Word document.
- The standard resume tips are still valid.
Get an outside perspective on your resume before you submit it. Ask a friend, pay for a resume critiquing or editing service, or reach out to someone in your field who might be able to tell you if you’re doing something wrong.
Don’t limit yourself to only using an Application Tracking System (ATS) like Jobvite or SmartRecruiters. Networking is a great way to make connections that can impress potential employers before they even read your resume.
- Getting a job takes more than a resume.
A resume is only part of the selection process. Aim to pass the AI screening test sure, but don’t forget that the rest is about what you have to offer and how you handle an interview or any other tests prior to being hired.
Your resume is your first impression—it’s not you.
It’s important for your resume to look professional and include relevant skills and experience. The facts about you are presented in it. Once you pass the AI screening test, it will come down to your capability to convince (yes, convince) a hiring manager or recruiter that you are the person they should hire. After all, you’re not selling them your resume, you’re selling them you.
