How to give your job applications a 'human touch' in the AI era
AI is changing the way we apply for jobs and sparking fears about its impact, but one thing remains the same: employers still value the human touch. The 2025 AI and the Applicant report from Resume Now found that 78% of hiring managers say personalised details signal genuine interest and fit for a role. And, 62% say AI-generated resumes without customisation are far more likely to be rejected.
At the same time, more recruiters are turning to AI to screen job candidates. A 2023 IBM survey of more than 8,500 global IT professionals found that 42% of companies were using AI to enhance their recruiting and HR processes. This technology often scans applications for keywords and phrases that match the job description, helping employers quickly filter through candidates.
So, how can you make sure your application gets noticed by both the AI and the humans behind it?
'In every industry, including the most technical ones, hiring is still a human decision,' says Victoria McLean, CEO & founder of the global career consultancy City CV. 'I work with a lot of senior leaders and even in those data-heavy roles, the human touch is what clinches the offer. I wouldn't say it depends on the job you're applying for. Human-ness is always king.'
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When hiring managers are looking at your application, they're trying to picture you in the role. So, AI-generated jargon – which is often meaningless – isn't going to win you any favours.
'Recruiters are asking themselves: Can I trust this person with high-stakes work? Will they get along with the team? Do they care about what they do?' McLean adds. 'None of that is answered by credentials alone. It comes through the clarity of your narrative, the thought you've put into your choices, and the way you talk about impact.'
Balance 'humanness' with AI needs
Obi James, a leadership expert, recommends writing your CV, cover letter or application yourself, before using AI to optimise it.
'Allow space for your creative thinking and authentic tone to fuel how you write about your wins, values and achievements first,' he says. 'Then do a quick AI pass to check the right keywords and metrics are there, without swapping out your voice. Algorithms scan, humans feel. You want to connect with your recruiter, not just impress them with your keyword‑stuffed, AI‑polished writing.'
Avoid generic phrasing
McLean warns that AI doesn't – and cannot – understand you or the nuances of your abilities and achievements.
'If you must use AI, the key thing to avoid is overly generic phrasing,' she says. 'I speak to HR and recruiters all day every day, and they are fed up with seeing generic CVs that read the same - which they well and truly all do.'
"It's important to avoid common lines such as: 'I'm a dynamic and results-driven individual', 'I thrive in fast-paced environments', 'I bring a proven track record of success'."
'They may seem harmless, but not to the recruiter who's read hundreds of applications that day,' McLean explains. 'To be totally honest, it reads as homogenised nonsense, and triggers rejection. Candidates need to be more deliberate with their language. Every sentence must carry weight and answer the question: Why do you deserve this specific job?'
Check for errors
AI may be getting more advanced but it isn't infallible. Using AI to craft any text risks introducing inaccuracies to your work.
Read more: How to stay motivated during a long job hunt
'I've seen CVs where AI has filled in gaps or reworded achievements in a way that slightly distorts their career history or makes assumptions about their roles,' says James. 'That catches a lot of people out at the interview stage, so if you are using AI, you must fact-check.'
Focus on clarity and motivation
Technology may be used to scan your application, but it's the human who hires you – and they need to feel some sense of connection.
'Finding balance comes from understanding the mechanics of AI screening, then writing through that lens rather than for it,' says McLean. 'A CV that's been entirely reverse-engineered around keywords or job specs might perform technically well, but it often reads as flat and disconnected.'
Instead, it's essential to focus on clarity, genuine motivation and a career story that makes sense.
'Be crystal clear on your value,' says McLean. 'What have you delivered, why does it matter, how have you gone about it? Once that's in place, then you can check it against what the algorithms might be scanning for, whether that's adding in relevant metrics, refining the structure or mirroring the language in the job description.'
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