Job searching in the age of AI: A quick guide for candidates

Looking for a new role can feel overwhelming particularly if you’ve recently experienced redundancy and your search for a new role was not expected.  This can feel even more daunting now that AI and automation are part of the hiring process. The good news is that understanding how these systems work can actually give you an advantage.

This guide focuses on simple, practical steps to help your application get seen and understood.

How AI is used in recruitment

Many employers use automated systems and job boards to manage applications. These systems help filter CVs before a recruiter reviews them.

This means:

• Your CV needs to be easy for software to read

• Clear structure and simple formatting matter

• Relevant experience and keywords help your application progress

Getting your CV through the system

A well-formatted CV increases your chances of reaching a real person.

What works best:

• Word (.docx) format where possible

• Clear headings such as experience, skills, and education

• Bullet points that explain what you did and what you achieved

• Standard fonts like Arial or Calibri

What to avoid:

• Image-based or highly designed CVs

• Graphics, icons, and tables

• Relying only on PDFs

Good to know:
PDF CVs or CVs saved as images may not be read correctly by automated systems, which can stop your application early.

Using AI as a helpful tool

AI tools can be useful when used thoughtfully.

They can help you:

• Improve clarity and structure

• Tailor your CV to different roles

• Prepare interview answers and examples

Just remember:

• Personalise everything before submitting

• Use your real experience and examples

• If using Chat GPT (or similar) read, re-read, edit, check for accuracy.
• Make sure you can confidently explain what’s on your CV

Writing a strong, clear CV

 Future employers value clarity over buzzwords.

Try to:

• Match your skills to the job description

• Be specific about your experience

• Focus on outcomes and responsibilities

Example:

• “Led a team of 5 delivering projects up to £250k”

This tells a clearer story than vague phrases like “results-driven”.

Applying through Job Boards

Job boards make applying easier but be selective and take your time to review each job advert.

Helpful tips:

• Apply for roles that match your skills and experience

• Answer screening questions honestly

• Tailor your CV where needed

This helps both you and the employer make better matches.

Interviews still matter most

Once you reach interview stage, authenticity is key.

• Be ready to talk through your experience

• Share real examples

• Don’t worry about sounding perfect as clarity and honesty matter more

What Next?

AI is now part of recruitment, but it doesn’t replace human decision-making.

Candidates who do well:

• Understand how applications are screened

• Use AI to support, not replace, their input

• Present their experience clearly and honestly

How ARV Solutions can help.

AI may be part of recruitment but people still make hiring decisions and (hopefully) always will.

The team here have years of experience across many decades and our jobs is to help get your CV onto the right desks.

We do the hard work matching you with the right opportunities, representing you professionally, and helping you take the next step in your career.

If you’re ready to move forward, we’re ready to help.

Call any of the team on 0117 959 2008 or get in touch through all the usual channels

You can register your CV directly through the link and we’ll be in touch with feedback.

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