Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how people search for jobs and how employers search for people. In today’s recruitment landscape, AI technology is used at almost every stage of the hiring process. From how CVs are screened to how interviews are conducted, the impact is significant.
If you’re actively job hunting, understanding how AI affects your applications is no longer optional. It’s essential.
AI CV Screening: Keywords Matter More Than Ever
One of the biggest changes AI has brought to recruitment is automated CV screening. Many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) powered by AI to filter candidates long before a human reads a CV.
These tools look for keywords that match the job description, including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. If your CV doesn’t include the right terms, it might not even make it past the first round.
That doesn’t mean you should overstuff your CV with buzzwords. But it does mean tailoring your application to each job is more important than ever. Make sure your experience reflects the language used in the job spec, especially when it comes to technical skills, industry-specific tools, and role titles.
AI Matching on Job Boards and Databases
AI isn’t just used by employers. It’s integrated into job boards and recruitment agency databases too. When you upload your CV or apply for a job online, AI algorithms often assess your suitability and automatically match you with similar roles.
These matches are again based largely on keywords, categories, and job titles. That means even if you’re the right fit in practice, you may never be matched unless your CV clearly reflects the required criteria.
If you’re being overlooked for roles you’re qualified for, check your CV for gaps in terminology. Using different phrasing or missing out on key industry terms could mean you’re invisible to these automated systems.
AI Screening Agents
Some businesses have introduced AI-powered screening tools that engage candidates in early-stage interview questions or assessments. These platforms might ask you to record video answers, respond to scenario-based prompts, or complete skills-based tasks.
Your responses are then analysed by AI to assess traits such as communication skills, confidence, and technical ability, using pre-set benchmarks and keyword detection.
While these tools are designed to save time and increase consistency, they’ve also raised concerns around fairness, accessibility, and accuracy. Candidates who are less familiar with technology or who come from different cultural backgrounds may be unfairly filtered out if the AI isn’t calibrated properly.
The Rise and Risk of AI-Generated CVs
AI isn’t just helping employers. It’s now being used by candidates to generate CVs as well. Platforms like ChatGPT and other CV builders can create full documents based on a few inputs.
But while these tools can help structure and polish your CV, they also come with risk. We’ve seen a rise in applications containing exaggerated, misleading, or completely incorrect information due to over-reliance on AI.
Hiring managers are becoming increasingly aware of this. Many can spot an AI-written CV instantly, and it often leads to immediate rejection if the content feels generic, inaccurate, or inconsistent.
Use AI to assist, but never let it replace your personal input.
What This Means for CV Length
The keyword-driven nature of AI tools has reignited the conversation around how long your CV should be. While concise CVs can be easier to read, shortening your document too much could mean cutting out essential skills and experience, especially the keywords AI tools are looking for.
Don’t hinder yourself by trimming your CV just to fit a page count. Focus instead on clarity, relevance, and including the terms that clearly show you’re the right fit for the role.
Face-to-Face Interviews Are Making a Comeback
As AI becomes more common in application stages, many employers are going the other way when it comes to interviews. Some businesses are stepping back from video-based assessments and returning to face-to-face interviews to ensure candidates are answering questions authentically, without AI-generated prompts or real-time assistance.
This shift highlights one key truth: no matter how advanced the technology gets, employers still want to understand the real person behind the CV.
Final Thoughts
AI is now a major player in the hiring process, but that doesn’t mean job seekers are powerless. Understanding how these systems work gives you the tools to improve your chances.
Tailor your CV. Use clear, accurate keywords. Don’t rely on AI to write your story. And when you get to interview, be ready to show up as yourself.
At Cooper Lomaz, we stay at the forefront of recruitment technology, helping candidates navigate these changes with confidence. If you’re unsure how to stand out in an AI-driven process, speak to one of our consultants. We’re here to help.
