Crafting a standout CV in the world of AI

AI over-reliance is an issue that plagues the applications of many jobseekers as employers become more attuned to distinguishing what’s real and what’s fabricated.

As previously reported by HR Leader, Remote’s 2024 Global Workforce Report highlighted how rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) is flooding into the recruitment space by way of job candidates solely relying on the technology to fill out their résumés.

According to the report, 83 per cent of Aussie hiring leaders say they have received AI-created résumés that have false information, with 32 per cent citing it as a frequent occurrence.

Speaking on the issue, Guy Thornton, founder of Practice Aptitude Tests, claimed that this not only poses an issue for employers looking for the best available candidate but can also stunt the chance of jobseekers earning the role.

“The problem with relying too heavily on AI for job applications is that other applicants may have had the same idea,” Thornton said.

“This means employers have become overwhelmed with AI-written applications that have a lot of similarities, leaving your CV with little chance of standing out. To succeed, you need to show individuality and demonstrate personal skills and experience beyond just copy and pasting.”

Thronton shared insight as to how jobseekers across Australia can improve their CV to help stand out among the AI-generated crowd.

Floridity

“Sometimes, less really is more, especially in CV writing. Research shows that recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds looking at a CV, so it’s important to communicate key details as soon as possible. Wordy and exaggerated language can dilute your message and turn employers off,” Thornton said.

“When proofreading, ask yourself, ‘Can I say this in fewer words?’ In today’s competitive job market, every word should count.”

Overuse of metaphors

“Avoid using metaphors on your CV. AI models often overuse them, leading to an unclear or overly elaborate result. Employers prioritise clarity and conciseness, so it’s essential to be straightforward.”

“Instead of saying, ‘My determination for success mirrors that of a [metaphor],’ simply state, ‘I am determined to succeed.’ This communicates your attributes more effectively,” Thornton said.

Lack of personal anecdotes

“AI doesn’t know you personally, so it can’t inject unique achievements, experiences, or personality traits into your CV as well as you can,” Thornton said.

“Employers want to understand what you can specifically bring to the table. Mentioning personal projects where you excelled, times you led your team to success, or a tight deadline you met can be the key to landing that all-important interview.”

A disconnect between your CV and your interview

“If you do manage to secure an interview with an AI-generated CV, any discrepancies between ‘interview you’ and ‘CV you’ can quickly become clear to the interviewer,” Thornton said.

“When there’s a disconnect between how you present in the interview versus what’s on your CV, prospective employers may feel uncertain about hiring you. If you seem different from what the CV suggests, it could cost you the opportunity.”