7 Ways To Make Your CV Stand Out To AI (before A Bot Rejects You)

Forbes

2 days ago

You've found the perfect job, spent hours tailoring your CV… and then nothing. No interview, no feedback. The reality? In 2025, it's likely your application never reached a human being.
Most medium‑to‑large UK employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan, score, and rank candidates, often enhanced with AI to improve efficiency. A recent survey by Workable found that nearly two‑thirds of recruiters have used some form of AI in their hiring process, making it vital for jobseekers to optimise their CVs for both machines and humans.
This means your CV must satisfy two audiences: the algorithm that decides if it reaches the shortlist, and the hiring manager who decides if you get the interview. As Forbes explains, optimising your CV with the right keywords and structure is key to moving past AI screening before a human ever sees it.
1. Mirror the job description's keywords
AI screening tools assess how closely your CV's content matches the job description. They look for specific phrases, often the same ones used in the advert, to determine whether you've got the required skills and experience. If the role specifies 'project management,' 'stakeholder engagement,' and 'budget forecasting,' ensure those exact terms appear in your CV. Using synonyms that don't appear in the advert might cause the system to miss you entirely.
The easiest way to identify gaps is to paste the job ad into a keyword extraction tool or AI CV analyser, then compare the output to your CV. This helps you add missing, relevant terms naturally into your work history or skills section, without keyword stuffing.
2. Keep formatting ATS‑friendly
Even a well‑written CV can fail if the ATS can't read it. Complex tables, images, or multi‑column layouts can scramble the order of your information, leading the system to miss key details like job titles or dates. A clean, single‑column format with conventional headings is the safest choice.
When saving, choose a Word document (.docx) or text‑based PDF rather than a scanned image. Most UK ATS software, including popular platforms like Workday and Taleo, can parse these formats reliably. Remember: if the AI can't interpret your CV correctly, the human recruiter will never see it.
3. Use standard section headings
Section headings act as signposts for AI systems, telling them where to find key information. If you label your work history 'Career Highlights' instead of 'Career Summary,' the ATS may not recognise it, which can hurt your score. Sticking to headings such as Professional Profile, Core Skills, Career Summary and Education ensures your details end up in the correct database fields.
It also benefits the hiring manager. Once you've passed the AI stage, clear and familiar headings make your CV faster to scan and easier to assess.
4. Front‑load measurable achievements
Passing the ATS is only half the battle: your CV still needs to impress a human reader quickly. Recruiters spend an average of 30 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to read further, so your strongest evidence should come first. Start each bullet point with a measurable achievement: 'Increased sales by 18% in 12 months' or 'Cut processing time by 25% through system automation.'
Numbers catch the eye and prove impact. For every role, include at least one quantifiable result, whether it's revenue gained, costs reduced, efficiency improved, and so on. This makes it easy for the recruiter to picture the value you could bring.
5. Avoid images, icons, and unusual symbols
AI parsing tools are built to read text, not graphics. Logos, images, or decorative icons can interfere with how your CV is interpreted, and unusual symbols like ✓ or ★ might be ignored entirely. That means you could lose vital content if it's displayed visually rather than in text.
Stick to plain bullet points and standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in 10-12pt size. A simple design ensures both AI and human readers see exactly what you intended.
6. Optimise your core skills section
A clearly defined skills section makes it easy for both AI and human reviewers to quickly identify your key strengths, so it's worth placing it prominently near the top of your CV. Include a balanced mix of hard skills such as 'data analysis,' 'budget forecasting,' 'Python', and soft skills such as 'leadership' and 'problem‑solving' that appear in the job ad.
Place this section high on your CV, ideally just below your profile, so it's visible without scrolling. By mirroring the employer's own language in this section, you make it easier for AI to connect your CV to the job requirements.
7. Test your CV before you submit it
If you're applying for a competitive role, testing your CV can reveal issues before it's too late. ATS simulation tools such as CVScan, Jobscan, or ResyMatch can flag formatting problems, keyword gaps, and parsing errors. While no simulation is perfect, they'll highlight common reasons a CV might be filtered out.
As Forbes advises, testing your CV with ATS simulator tools before submitting can highlight formatting issues and keyword gaps. Even without specialist tools, manually reviewing your CV against the job description can improve your chances. Reading the two side-by-side often reveals missing terminology or phrasing that you can add without exaggerating your experience.
The takeaway
AI‑driven screening is now a standard part of the UK hiring process, and it's here to stay. By understanding how these systems read and rank your CV, you can present your skills and achievements in a way that works for both algorithms and people.
The aim isn't to trick the AI, it's to communicate your value clearly in a format it understands. In 2025, being AI‑ready from the moment you hit 'upload' could be the difference between being rejected automatically and landing in front of the decision‑maker who can offer you the job.