In the modern job market, the initial reviewer of a job candidate’s Application is often an automated system rather than a Human. Shockingly, data from 2019 revealed that three-quarters of resumes never reach human eyes. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission estimated that 83% of employers, including 99% of Fortune 500 companies, use AI-driven automation to filter job applicants. This reliance on automation has given rise to what experts refer to as a “resume black hole,” where resumes are automatically discarded before reaching a human evaluator.
However, it’s important to note that AI did not create the resume black hole; it merely automated the process. Even in the era of human-driven hiring, flaws in the system caused certain applications to get lost in the shuffle. Companies have historically ignored certain pools of candidates, leading to the resume black hole. Nevertheless, the black hole remains a constant feature of the hiring process, now powered by AI algorithms. Here are three common mistakes job seekers make that land their resumes in the land of lost resumes:
Getting too creative: While it’s tempting to experiment with resume design to stand out, AI systems struggle with non-standard formats. Unconventional elements, such as a blue background, can confuse algorithms and lead to rejection. To AI-proof your resume format, follow these tips:
Avoid pictures: AI screeners cannot interpret visual images, so stick to words and punctuation marks.
Hyperlink with caution: Separate hyperlinks from sentences to avoid AI cutting out attached phrases.
Don’t customize fonts and symbols: Default fonts commonly found in platforms like Microsoft Word or Google Docs are best.
Be consistent: Use the same formatting for titles, dates, and descriptions to help AI systems detect patterns accurately.
Despite AI platforms like ChatGPT providing conversational experiences, they lack the ability to grasp subtext like humans do. When it comes to your resume, be explicit about your skills and responsibilities, as AI may not make the same connections as a human would. Optimize your resume by incorporating exact terms from the job description, as AI scanners match keywords. Avoid assuming that certain skills or experiences are obvious and explicitly mention them to prevent disqualification.
Although AI readers are becoming the first reviewers of resumes, human evaluators still hold significant importance. Job seekers should prepare their application materials to satisfy both machines and humans. While crafting an application to navigate automated algorithms is crucial, it is equally vital to maintain human connections and relationships. A well-crafted letter to a recruiter and a thoughtfully constructed resume can make a difference.
Source: Resume mistakes that can land your application in an AI filter ‘black hole’ (cnbc.com)
