**I’ve been preaching having a good resume format / fonts / keywords / having no graphics on the resume / for years! Saw this last night on dailymail.com by Kim Komando (thanks Kim)

Long gone are the days of crafting resumes solely for human eyes. The ever-growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in HR operations now demands that your resume surpass automated scanning and filtering processes before reaching a human recruiter’s attention.

In today’s professional landscape, both Fortune 500 corporations and smaller businesses alike rely on AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring processes. Astonishingly, a 2019 study revealed that three out of four resumes were never even seen by human eyes. An astounding 99 percent of Fortune 500 companies employ AI bot filters, with approximately 83 percent of businesses overall utilizing this technology.

To ensure your resume successfully overcomes AI bots and lands in the hands of a recruiter, it’s essential to avoid these nine critical mistakes:

Banish Photos:

• AI-powered systems focus on processing text, rendering images irrelevant. Avoid listing your skills and qualifications in an image format, as they will likely be disregarded.

Embrace Keywords:

• Just like search engine optimization (SEO) enhances website visibility, ATS scans for specific keywords related to the job. Failure to include relevant keywords from the job description will result in low matching scores. Incorporate words from the job ad into your resume, striking a balance without overdoing it.
• Beware of Keyword Overstuffing: Attempting to deceive AI by cramming your resume with keywords is futile, as the systems are trained to discard such resumes. Aim for two or three keywords per previous position that align with the job you’re applying for.

Mind Your Layout:

• Complex layouts with multiple columns, graphics, or unconventional alignments can confuse these systems. Opt for a clean and simple layout, adhering to standard margins and using clear headings for each section. Consistency in formatting is key, avoiding fancy designs that may confuse AI and lead to overlooked information.

Say No to Fancy Fonts:

• While using “creative” fonts may seem like a way to stand out, they can perplex automated systems. Stick to fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Georgia, which are more legible for ATS.

Leave Out the Humor:

• AI lacks the ability to understand sarcasm or flowery language. These systems are designed to identify specific keywords and factual information. Focus on providing clear and concise descriptions of your experience and skills.

Accurate Job Titles:

• AI may struggle to decipher unconventional job titles. To ensure clarity, use standard job titles that accurately represent your roles, avoiding assumptions that the algorithm will understand your responsibilities based on the title alone.

File Type Matters:

• Don’t overlook the importance of using compatible file formats. Stick to commonly used formats like .docx or .pdf to ensure your resume is easily readable by ATS platforms.

Provide Context:

• Avoid listing accomplishments without providing context. AI systems cannot interpret vague statements. Instead, offer specific details that highlight the impact of your achievements. For example, rather than stating “Increased sales by 20 percent,” elaborate with “Implemented a new marketing strategy that resulted in a 20 percent sales increase within one quarter.”

By understanding and avoiding these resume mistakes, you can increase your chances of success in the era of AI-driven screening. Mastering the art of crafting a resume that surpasses automated hurdles will position you as a top candidate and propel your career forward in the competitive landscape of Fortune 500 companies.