The job market can be tough at the best of times, but over the past year, it’s become increasingly cut-throat, making it more difficult than ever to stand out from the crowd. Luckily, we live in a world where smart tools, like AI, can help you stand out.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use AI to polish your CV for each job you apply to without turning it into a carbon copy of the job description, raising an eyebrow from the recruiter or hiring manager.
By Matthew Lannen, the Delivery Team Lead at InfoSec People.
Why Tailoring Your CV Matters
A Recruiter’s Perspective
I’ve seen it all, from glowing CVs that hit the mark to ones that read like an AI dissertation on DevOps. Trust me, there’s a big difference between using AI to enhance your CV and letting it take total control. If you’re applying to jobs with a cookie-cutter CV, hiring managers can spot it faster than you can say “Next, please!”
First Impressions Count
Whilst the saying goes not to judge a book by its cover, recruitment often does just that. Hiring managers usually skim CVs for only a few seconds before deciding whether to keep reading or move on. When your CV highlights the most relevant experience for that specific job, it makes a strong case for you instantly.
The Pitfalls
AI can be a double-edged sword when it comes to tailoring a CV, as there is a fine line between highlighting your fit for the role and making it look like you wrote the JD yourself. We all know the “perfect” candidate doesn’t exist, so striking the right balance is key.
Build Your ‘Base’ CV
Accuracy Is Everything
Start with a master CV that has your complete, accurate work history, education, and achievements. AI tools can sometimes get a little overly creative, so you’ll want a reliable document to compare against any suggestions they make.
Core Content
Make sure your base CV covers the essentials:
- Work experience, including key responsibilities for each role
- Education and certifications
- Highlights or achievements
This master version is your foundation. From here, you can customise it for each application.
Use AI to Analyse the Job Description
Copy, Paste, and Ask
Got a new job posting that looks perfect for you? Copy the text of that job description and ask an AI tool for a quick rundown of its top keywords and required skills. For example, you might request:
“Which hard and soft skills appear most often in this description, and how can I align my CV to them?”
Avoid Letting AI Take the Steering Wheel
Whatever responses you get, remember: you are the driver here. Don’t hand over your entire CV to be rewritten blindly—AI might suggest you collaborated on advanced threat detection when in reality you were just troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues. Ask for tips on how to adjust your existing content so it reflects what the job ad is looking for.
Blend in Keywords and Lose the Buzzwords
Natural Integration
Add in relevant keywords where appropriate. Think of them like seasoning on a meal—just enough to enhance the flavour without overpowering it. For instance, if the JD emphasises “project management,” work it into the bullet points of your relevant experience—assuming you’ve actually done it.
Buzzword Banishment
If your CV says “team player,” “results-driven,” or “go-getter,” you might be making your recruiter roll their eyes. Show off what you did as a team player, rather than simply stating it. Something like “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to increase efficiency by 20%” sounds far more interesting.
Style Overhaul
AI-generated formats can look slick, but if every applicant is using them, recruiters will notice. Add small personal touches or rearrange sections slightly. It can be as simple as choosing a different heading style or adjusting your bullet points.
Navigating ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
If you’re not working with a recruiter directly, your CV often has to charm a machine before it reaches human eyes. That machine is called an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), and it’s set up to look for specific keywords and relevant experience.
The ATS Game Plan
- Match Up Titles: If the JD says, “IDAM Specialist,” try to reflect that phrasing somewhere in your CV if it’s accurate to your experience.
- Use Keywords Naturally: An ATS scans for the right skills and experience to see if you match the role. Don’t just paste the entire JD into your CV; weave in terms that genuinely apply to your background.
- Watch Out for Formatting: Fancy graphics and tables can confuse some systems. Keep the layout neat and text-based.
Double-Check Your Facts
AI Creativity vs. Reality
Sometimes, AI tries a bit too hard to help you stand out. It might slip in an extra skill you don’t actually have, like flaunting your “ethical hacking prowess” when you’ve only dabbled in a couple of coding bootcamps. Always read through the final version to ensure every claim reflects the real you.
Maintain Credibility
Your personal brand is at stake. You want to win the job on your own merits, not AI’s fantastic tales. If something looks off or too good to be true, remove it. It’s better to be honest than to explain to a hiring manager why you claimed you oversaw a project you never touched.
Best Practices (and Pitfalls to Avoid)
Stay True to Yourself
Using AI doesn’t mean selling your soul. It’s a tool, not your spokesperson. Your CV should sound like you—a professional, competent, and unique individual.
Keep It Short and Sweet
We’ve all seen those essays posing as CVs, and trust me, no one has time for that. Aim for clear, concise bullet points that highlight accomplishments, not your entire life story.
Tailor for Each Role
Does it take extra time? Sure. But sending out 50 identical CVs is like casting a net with giant holes in it. You’ll miss out on opportunities that truly match your strengths.
Final Touches
Get a Second Opinion
Before firing off your CV, have a friend or mentor give it a once-over. They’ll catch odd turns of phrase, typos, or sections that might still read like they were penned by a bot. If you’re working with a recruiter, ask for their help—most would prefer you show a willingness to make changes rather than simply present a final product that could be improved.
Consistency Is Key
Check your bullet points, fonts, and headings for uniformity. The smoother your CV reads, the easier it is for recruiters and hiring managers to see what you bring to the table.
Using AI to tailor your CV can be a game-changer—when done right. The trick is to keep your voice and experience front and centre. By weaving in relevant keywords, ditching overused buzzwords, and double-checking any AI-assisted tweaks, you’ll create a CV that grabs attention for all the right reasons. Good luck, and remember: technology is here to help, not to replace you (yet…).
This article was written by Matthew Lannen, the Delivery Team Lead at InfoSec People. If you have any questions about CVs, interviews, or anything else job-related, feel free to reach out to Matthew:
Matthew@infosecpeople.co.uk.
InfoSec People is a boutique cyber security and IT recruitment consultancy, built by genuine experts. We were founded with one goal in mind: to inspire people to find the careers that inspire them. With the success of companies fundamentally driven by the quality of their people, acquiring and retaining talent has never been more important. We believe that recruitment, executed effectively, elevates and enables your business to prosper.
We also understand that cyber and information security recruitment can genuinely change people’s lives, that’s why we take the duty of care to those we represent very seriously. All our actions are underpinned by our core values:
- Always do the right thing
- Be the best we can be
- Add value
We work with businesses in the cyber/tech arena, from start-ups and scale-ups to FTSE100 and central Government, many of whom are always looking for great people.
Call us directly on 01242 507100 to discuss opportunities or email info@infosecpeople.co.uk.