AI-driven hiring goes beyond applicant tracking systems (ATS). Companies such as Amazon and Google rely on tools like HireVue, LinkedIn Recruiter, and Pymetrics to assess resumes for relevance, skills, experience—even tone.
Unsurprisingly, your resume isn’t just read—it’s analyzed. So, how do you outsmart artificial intelligence without losing the human touch?
That’s where modern resume builders come in. They help job seekers optimize their resumes for AI, ensuring they pass screenings while remaining compelling to hiring managers.
Let’s break down how AI shapes the hiring process—and what you can do to make your resume work smarter from the start.
Key takeaways
- Keyword optimization is crucial: Use exact terms from job descriptions but integrate them naturally to avoid sounding robotic.
- Format matters: Stick to ATS-friendly layouts, clear section headings, and simple fonts for optimal parsing.
- Action-oriented language ranks higher: Strong verbs and measurable achievements improve both AI scoring and human readability.
- AI scans for skills in context: Listing a skill isn’t enough—show how you applied it through results-driven bullet points.
- Balance AI optimization with personality: Your resume should be ATS-friendly but still sound like you. Using generic AI-generated text can backfire.
How AI reads and scores resumes
It's common to think that ATS and AI resume scanners are the same but they have a few distinct differences.
An ATS is a type of software that helps employers collect, sort, and rank resumes based on specific keywords and criteria. It primarily focuses on storing applications and identifying those that closely match the job requirements.
AI-enabled ATS, however, is much more advanced in the way it analyzes your application.
See the difference:
| Aspect | Applicant tracking systems | AI scanners |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Collects and organizes resumes and scores them based on keyword matching. | Analyzes resumes for context, relevance, skills, experience, and tone using machine learning and natural language processing. |
| Evaluation criteria | Focuses on exact keyword matches and basic qualifications. | Assesses nuanced factors like contextual relevance, soft skills, and predictive success indicators. |
| Limitations | May overlook qualified candidates due to rigid keyword requirements, and has limited understanding of context. | Offers a more holistic evaluation but may still require human oversight to mitigate biases. |
While some AI scanners can assess the overall sentiment of your application and pick up on subtle semantic choices, they aren’t immune to biases. AI-driven hiring still requires human oversight for fair and accurate evaluations.
Recruiters’ judgment remains essential not just to catch blind spots, but to interpret context, assess potential, and make the final call on who moves forward.
So, while you can’t predict exactly how your resume will be read and processed before it reaches human eyes, you can ensure it’s fit for every scenario.
Let’s get into the six tried and tested strategies for optimizing your resume for AI.
AI resume trends
AI has been reshaping how we approach job hunting, too.
American job seekers have widely embraced AI for resume writing, with men being 35% more likely to use it than women. This trend highlights how candidates are leveraging AI not just for efficiency, but to improve their chances of landing interviews.
#1. Find relevant keywords for AI scanners
There are plenty of ways to use AI when creating a resume—from researching job descriptions to fine-tuning the final edits. But if you’re focusing on optimization, the first step is getting your keywords right.
This step is crucial for tailoring your resume to specific job descriptions.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications employers prioritize.
- Match your strengths by pinpointing the requirements you meet.
- Integrate the same terms into your resume, ensuring they fit seamlessly within your experience and skills sections.
Avoid overstuffing your resume with keywords. AI systems can flag it as robotic or inauthentic.
PRO TIP
Modern AI scanners go beyond simple keyword matching—they analyze how skills are applied in context. Instead of just listing “data analysis”, an AI-powered system looks for evidence of that skill in action.
For example, “Analyzed customer behavior data to identify trends, leading to a 15% increase in sales” is far more effective than just stating “data analysis” in a skills section.
If that sounds like too much hassle, try Enhancv’s AI resume builder. You can feed a job description into the AI Assistant and it will filter the main keywords in seconds.
Just upload your resume and instantly make it more readable for AI systems.
Is your resume good enough?
Drop your resume here or choose a file. PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
#2. Choose an AI-friendly resume format
Your resume format plays a big role in how well it gets processed by AI and ATS systems.
The reverse-chronological format is the best option because it lists your most recent experience first, making it easy for both AI and recruiters to scan your career progression. This type is preferred for most jobs since it highlights steady growth, achievements, and relevant skills in a clear, structured way.
An AI-friendly alternative is the hybrid (combination) format, which works well for career changers or those with diverse experience. It blends a strong skills section with a chronological work history, helping AI recognize transferable skills while still maintaining structure.
Which format to avoid
Sometimes, AI struggles to parse functional resumes because they use a non-linear structure and emphasize skills rather than job experience. This can lead to missing or misinterpreted information.
If you're applying to a large company that likely uses AI for screening, it's best to avoid this format to ensure your resume is properly read and ranked.
Next, explore the most straightforward method of optimizing a resume for AI systems.
#3. Structure your resume for optimal AI parsing
Even the best content won’t matter if AI can’t read it properly. Structuring your resume with AI in mind ensures your experience and skills get accurately parsed—without losing clarity for human recruiters.
Best practices for AI readability
- Use clear section headings: Stick to standard labels like “Professional Experience” instead of creative alternatives like “Career Timeline” or “What I’ve Done”. AI relies on these headings to categorize information correctly.
- Write strategic bullet points: Choose bullets over paragraphs to keep your achievements concise and action-driven. Start each bullet point with a strong active verb and add measurable impact whenever possible.
- Avoid tables, columns, and graphics: Some AI scanners struggle to read complex layouts, which can cause key details to be skipped. Both single- and double-column resumes parse successfully, but it's best to minimize creative elements like icons to ensure readability.
Since we’re already talking about layout, let’s dive into how you can design your resume for the best results with AI scanners.
#4. Design your resume for AI software
A well-designed resume isn’t just about aesthetics—it also needs to be AI-friendly to ensure smooth parsing.
Here’s how to structure your document for the best results:
- Margins: Keep margins between 0.5" and 1" to maintain readability without overcrowding the page.
- Fonts: Stick to simple, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Rubik. Fancy or script fonts can confuse AI scanners.
- Templates: Use a clean resume template without excessive styling or unnecessary decorative elements.
PRO TIP
Manually formatting a resume for AI can be time-consuming—but Enhancv does it for you in no time. All оur resume templates are ATS-compatible, ensuring your content is easily parsed by hiring systems—even if you include a photo or company logos. Our smart formatting keeps your application both visually appealing and AI-friendly.
#5. Optimize your resume language for AI
Beyond the scan for keywords, AI-powered hiring systems also analyze how you present your skills and accomplishments. This means the language you use can directly impact how well your resume ranks.
As mentioned earlier, AI is designed to identify relevant skills, certifications, and key industry terms to match candidates to job descriptions. If these terms are buried in vague or weak phrasing—you might get overlooked, even if you’re highly qualified.
Best practices for describing your skills and qualifications
Hard skills and technical abilities
- Use the exact technical terms from the job description (e.g., Python, Data Analysis, CRM Software).
- Incorporate variations and related words (e.g., SEO Optimization alongside Search Engine Marketing).
- When possible, quantify your proficiency (“Managed SQL databases with 500,000+ entries”).
- Avoid vague descriptions like “Familiar with Adobe Photoshop.” Instead, use “Edited high-resolution images using Adobe Photoshop”.
Soft skills and behavioral strengths
- Don’t just list soft skills—demonstrate them in context (“Led a team of 8 through a high-growth product launch” instead of just writing “Leadership”).
- Use action verbs and numbers to showcase initiative and impact (“Negotiated vendor contracts, improving cost efficiency by 15%”).
- Be cautious—AI struggles to interpret subjective terms like “hardworking” or “team player” without supporting examples.
Certifications and industry credentials
- Spell out full certification names before abbreviations (“Certified Public Accountant—CPA”).
- Include details like the issuing organization and year (“AWS Certified Solutions Architect | Associate | 2023”).
- Only list certifications that are job-relevant—an AI scanner prioritizes industry-specific qualifications over general ones.
Industry terms and jargon
- Use standardized job titles instead of niche company-specific ones (“Business Development Manager” instead of “Growth Ninja”).
- Mention relevant methodologies or frameworks (Scrum, Six Sigma, Agile).
When listing tools or practical skills, specify your level of expertise (Advanced Excel functions: VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).
Our resume builder suggests stronger action verbs, keyword variations, and phrasing improvements to help your resume rank higher in AI scans.
It also alerts you when:
- You need to quantify an achievement for better impact.
- You should spell out a credential for better recognition.
- Your wording could be more confident and results-driven.
#6. Do a final check
Even the best-optimized resume can get a bad AI score if it contains formatting errors or isn’t saved in the right file type. To avoid this, follow these final steps before submitting your resume:
Resume improvements before AI screening
- Proofread thoroughly for AI and human readability: AI may misinterpret misspelled words or irregular spacing, which can affect how your resume is scored. Even a small typo in a keyword could mean missing out on a match for a job description.
- Check for hidden formatting issues: Copy-pasting from different sources can introduce encoding errors, odd spacing, or invisible characters that throw off AI scanners. So, before you submit, do a quick check in a plain text editor to make sure everything appears clean and readable.
- Choose the right file format: Most ATS systems process PDFs correctly because they preserve formatting. However, if a Word resume (.docx) is required, be mindful of potential layout shifts—things like misaligned text or disappearing bullet points. If you’re going with Word, make sure you're confident in your formatting skills.
- Avoid creative resumes: AI scanners can’t read text embedded in images or overly stylized designs, which means your resume might end up blank from the system’s perspective. Stick to text-based formats with clear section headings.
Taking these final steps ensures your resume isn’t just optimized for AI but also easy for hiring managers to review. At the end of the day, it’s not just about making it past the scanner—it’s about making a real person want to call you for an interview.
PRO TIP
No need to fear AI screenings or try to bypass them. Instead of worrying about beating the system, focus on working with it—and that’s where Enhancv can help.
Our fully optimized resume builder ensures your resume gets past AI scanners without losing your personality or customization. You’ll get tailored suggestions that highlight your strengths while keeping your unique voice intact, so both AI and hiring managers see the best version of you.
Frequently asked questions on optimizing your resume for AI
AI-driven hiring tools can feel like a black box, but once you understand how they work, you can use them to your advantage.
Here are some common questions job seekers have about AI screenings and how to get past them.
Do employers check if a resume is AI-generated?
Employers typically don’t run direct checks to see if a resume was written by AI, but many use AI-powered hiring software to screen applications. Some of these tools can detect overly robotic, generic, or non-personalized language, which can hurt your chances.
While AI can be helpful for drafting, a resume that sounds too automated—filled with vague buzzwords and lacking real accomplishments—might not perform well with either AI scanners or human recruiters. The key is to use AI as a tool, not a crutch, and ensure your resume still reflects your unique experience and personality.
Can I use ChatGPT to optimize my resume?
Yes, but with caution. AI tools like ChatGPT can help with phrasing, formatting, and keyword optimization, but don’t rely on them entirely. Customize the output by adding specific details about your experience, quantifying your results, and making sure the wording feels natural.
Why is my resume getting rejected by AI scanners?
If your resume isn’t making it past AI screenings, it could be due to:
- Missing relevant keywords: Your skills and experience don’t match the job description.
- Formatting issues: Tables, columns, or fancy designs can confuse ATS systems.
- File type problems: Some scanners struggle with certain formats (stick to PDF or Word).
- Too much fluff: If your resume is full of vague statements instead of concrete achievements, AI might not recognize your qualifications.
How do I check if my resume is AI-friendly?
A quick way to test is by copying your resume into a plain text editor (like Notepad). If the structure gets messy or the text disappears, an ATS scanner might struggle to read it. You can also use online ATS resume checkers or, better yet, build your resume in Enhancv, where we ensure it’s AI-friendly from the start.
What is a good ATS score?
Most ATS systems rank resumes on a match percentage against the job description. A score of 70% or higher is generally considered good, meaning your resume contains enough relevant keywords and skills. However, the score isn’t everything—strong wording, a clean format, and clear results will still set you apart from other applicants.
AI resume optimization cheat sheet
- ATS-friendly format (PDF or AI-compatible DOCX)
- Clear headings and minimal formatting
- Strong action verbs and quantified achievements
- Keywords naturally integrated from job descriptions
- Readability for both humans and AI
- Traditional, ATS-safe fonts (Rubik, Lato, Volkhov)
- Limited use of colors—stick to subtle, neutral tones
- Bullet points for better scannability and structured content
- Varied language—use synonyms and related terms to enhance keyword relevance
Final thoughts
AI is changing how resumes are ranked, but a human-first approach still wins. Apps like Enhancv help job seekers create AI-optimized resumes that still showcase authenticity and personality—because at the end of the day, hiring managers hire people, not just keywords.
Make one that's truly you.
