Tips to Optimize Your Resume for AI and ATS Systems

AI-based hiring now goes far beyond basic applicant tracking systems. Large employers like Amazon and Google use platforms such as TestGorilla, Codility, myInterview and Pymetrics to review resumes for fit, skills, background, and even communication style.

As a result, resumes are no longer just read by people; they are examined by software. The real challenge is learning how to work with artificial intelligence while still sounding human.

This is where today’s resume tools play a role. They help candidates adjust resumes so they pass automated checks while still appealing to recruiters.

Below, we’ll explain how AI influences hiring decisions and what steps you can take to make your resume perform better from the beginning.

Key Points to Remember

Keywords still matter: Pull exact phrases from job listings, but blend them naturally so the resume sounds real.
Layout affects results: Use simple structures, clear headings, and readable fonts so systems can scan content easily.
Strong wording helps rankings: Clear action verbs and measurable outcomes support both software scoring and human review.
Context matters for skills: Naming a skill alone is not enough; explain how you used it and what it achieved.
Keep your voice intact: AI-friendly resumes should still reflect you. Overly generic AI-written content can hurt more than help.

How Resumes are Reviewed by AI

Many people assume ATS and AI resume tools work the same way, but there are important differences between them.

An ATS is software that stores applications and sorts resumes based on set rules and keywords. Its main role is to organize data and highlight candidates who appear to meet job requirements.

AI-powered systems take this further by examining resumes in a more detailed way.

ATS focuses on collecting resumes and scoring them using keyword matches.

AI scanners review meaning, relevance, skills, experience, and writing tone through learning models and language analysis.

Traditional systems rely on fixed rules and may miss context.

AI tools offer deeper review but still need human checks to reduce bias.

Even though some AI tools can detect tone or wording patterns, they are not perfect. Human review remains necessary to catch gaps, judge potential, and make final hiring decisions.

Since you cannot control how each employer’s system works, the best approach is to prepare your resume to perform well at every stage.

Next, let’s look at six proven ways to improve your resume for AI screening.

Current AI Resume Trends

AI has also changed how candidates approach job applications.

Across the US, many job seekers now use AI tools to write or refine resumes. Men are reported to adopt these tools more often than women, showing how applicants are using technology to improve interview chances, not just save time.

Identify Keywords that AI Systems Look For

AI can help at several stages of resume writing, from reviewing job ads to polishing wording. However, optimization starts with choosing the right terms.

This step helps align your resume with what employers are actively searching for.

To do this well:

Carefully read the job post and note repeated skills and qualifications.
Compare those needs with your own experience.
Use matching terms naturally in your skills and work history sections.

Avoid forcing keywords into every line, as that can look unnatural to both AI and people.

Helpful Insight

Modern scanners look at how skills are used, not just listed. Instead of writing “data analysis” alone, AI looks for proof within your experience.

For example, “Reviewed customer data to find patterns, increasing sales by 15%” carries more weight than a simple skills label.

If this feels time-consuming, tools like OfferLanded’s AI resume builder can help identify key terms quickly. Upload your resume, add the job description, and adjust content to improve clarity for automated systems.

Pick a Resume Format that Works with AI

The way your resume is organized affects how well systems process it.

A reverse-chronological format is the safest choice. It lists recent roles first, making it easier for software and recruiters to follow your work history. This format suits most roles because it shows growth, results, and consistency.

A hybrid format can also work well, especially for career changes. It highlights skills upfront while keeping a clear timeline of experience, helping AI spot transferable abilities.

Formats to be Cautious with

Functional resumes often confuse automated systems because they focus on skills without clear job timelines. Important details may be missed or read incorrectly.

If you are applying to companies that rely on AI screening, avoiding this structure can improve accuracy.

Now let’s move on to the simplest way to improve AI readability.

Organize Content So AI Can Read it Correctly

Strong experience won’t matter if systems cannot interpret it. Clear structure ensures your information is picked up correctly while staying easy for recruiters to review.

Readability Enhancing Practices

Use common section titles like “Work Experience” rather than creative labels.
Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs to highlight achievements clearly.
Avoid heavy use of tables, graphics, or icons, which may cause scanning errors. Simple layouts work best.

Since layout affects performance, let’s look at design choices that support AI scanning.

Design Choices that Support AI Review

Good design is not just about looks; it also affects how systems process your resume.

To improve results:

Keep margins between 0.5 and 1 inch for balance.
Use clear fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Rubik. Decorative fonts can cause issues.
Choose clean templates without extra styling elements.

Tip: Formatting manually takes time. OfferLanded handles this automatically by using ATS-friendly templates. These designs keep resumes readable for systems while still looking professional, even when photos or logos are included.

Refine Resume Wording for AI Review

AI hiring tools do more than scan for keywords. They also assess how clearly you explain your skills and results. Because of this, your choice of words plays a direct role in how your resume is scored.

As noted earlier, AI systems look for relevant abilities, certifications, and industry terms that align with job postings. If these details are hidden behind unclear or weak phrasing, you may be skipped, even if you meet all requirements.

Effective Ways to Present Skills and Experience

Technical and Hard skills

Use the same technical terms mentioned in the job posting, such as Python, Data Analysis, or CRM tools.
Add related or supporting terms where they make sense, like pairing SEO Optimization with Search Engine Marketing.
Include numbers, when possible, to show scale or impact (“Maintained SQL databases with over 500,000 records”).
Avoid broad phrases like “Familiar with Adobe Photoshop.” Instead, write “Edited high-quality images using Adobe Photoshop.”

Soft Skills and Work Habits

Rather than listing traits, show them through examples (“Managed a team of 8 during a fast-paced product rollout” instead of simply stating “Leadership”).
Use strong verbs and measurable outcomes to show effort and results (“Handled vendor negotiations, cutting costs by 15%”).
Be careful with subjective words like “hardworking” or “team player,” as AI needs clear proof to understand them.

Certifications and Professional Credentials

Write out full certification titles before abbreviations (“Certified Public Accountant, CPA”).
Add the issuing body and year where relevant (“AWS Certified Solutions Architect | Associate | 2023”).
Only include certifications related to the role, since AI tools prioritize industry-specific credentials.

Industry Language and Common Terms

Use standard job titles rather than internal or creative ones (“Business Development Manager” instead of “Growth Ninja”).
Mention known frameworks or methods such as Agile, Scrum, or Six Sigma.

When listing tools, clarify skill level (“Advanced Excel functions: Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP”).

Our resume builder recommends stronger verbs, keyword alternatives, and clearer phrasing to help improve AI scan results.

It also flags areas where:

Achievements need numbers to show impact.
Credentials should be written out fully.
Language could sound more confident and outcome-focused.

Run a Final Review

Even a well-prepared resume can score poorly if it has formatting problems or is saved incorrectly. Before submitting, take these final steps:

Last Checks Before AI Screening

Review for spelling and spacing: AI tools may misread misspelled keywords or uneven formatting, which can lower your match score. A small typo can prevent a resume from aligning with a job listing.
Look for hidden formatting errors: Copying text from different files may add invisible characters or spacing issues. Check your resume in a plain text editor to confirm everything appears clean.
Select the correct file type: Most systems read PDFs well since formatting stays intact. If a Word file is requested, double-check alignment and bullet points to avoid layout issues.
Skip overly creative designs: AI cannot read text inside images or complex visuals. Use text-based layouts with clear section titles.

Completing these steps helps ensure your resume works for both AI tools and hiring managers. Passing the scan matters, but the goal is still to earn a call from a real person.

Tip: There’s no need to avoid AI screening. Instead of trying to get around it, focus on working within it, and that’s where OfferLanded helps.

Our resume builder is built to pass AI checks while keeping your personal style. You’ll receive focused suggestions that highlight your strengths without removing your voice, so both systems and recruiters see your best work.

Conclusion

AI plays a bigger role in resume screening, but people still make hiring decisions. Tools like OfferLanded AI Resume builder help candidates prepare resumes that work with AI while still showing real personality, because in the end, jobs are offered to people, not just keyword matches.