A postdoc asks—

I've heard that companies are using AI to screen resumes before a human ever reads them. Is that true, and should I be writing my CV differently because of it?

It certainly is true that recruiters and hiring managers are utilizing AI to screen applications faster. This isn’t that new (hiring managers have actually been using different algorithmic applicant tracking systems to review applications for at least a couple decades), and fortunately, you don’t need to approach your CV and other materials differently because of AI. The important decisions are still going to be made by people, and so the underlying philosophy around preparing your application materials should not really change. Here are the things you should be doing whether your materials are going through some kind of automated screening or maybe just starting with a first reader who is not a specialist in your field or the role.

It's always good to err on the side of simpler formatting, avoiding intricate multi-column layouts or complex graphics (human reviewers appreciate this too!). Use exactly the same language that was used in the job description - it shows that you actually read the job description and are a good match for exactly what they want, and avoids having a non-specialist misinterpret your work. At the same time, do not add extraneous keywords in the hopes that it will help you pass the automated review. Even if it did help (it won’t) it will make your documents feel more clunky to a real person.

-Matt Arvedson, Career and Professional Development Leadership Senior Intern