How to Write a CV That Performs Well in AI Screening

Practical strategies to ensure your CV stands out in modern recruitment processes

Artificial intelligence is now embedded in many recruitment platforms across Australia. From CV screening and skills matching to shortlisting and talent pooling, technology plays a role in identifying relevant candidates.

This does not mean robots are making final hiring decisions. It means clarity, structure and alignment matter more than ever.

If you understand how AI-assisted screening works, you can position your CV to perform strongly in both automated systems and human review.

How AI Screening Tools Review Your CV

AI-enabled recruitment systems typically scan for:

• Skills alignment with the job description
• Relevant experience
• Keywords and terminology
• Career progression
• Location and work eligibility
• Measurable outcomes

The software ranks and organises applications to help recruiters prioritise relevant candidates efficiently. It does not replace human judgement, but it does influence which applications are surfaced first.

Career takeaway: Your CV must be easy to read, clearly structured and aligned to the specific role.

1. Mirror the Language of the Job Description

One of the most effective ways to improve your CV performance is to align your language with the job advertisement.

If the role requires:

• Stakeholder management
• Regulatory compliance
• Risk analysis
• Project coordination
• Data reporting

Ensure those terms are clearly reflected in your experience, where relevant.

This is not about copying and pasting. It is about demonstrating alignment.

If your CV uses completely different terminology from the job description, screening systems may not identify the match as strongly.

2. Use Clear Section Headings and Simple Formatting

AI systems prioritise readability.

Avoid:

• Text embedded in images
• Complex graphics
• Overly creative formatting
• Multi-column layouts that disrupt text flow

Instead, use clear headings such as:

• Professional Summary
• Core Skills
• Work Experience
• Education and Certifications

Simple formatting improves both machine scanning and human readability.

3. Quantify Your Achievements

Strong CVs move beyond responsibilities and focus on outcomes.

Instead of writing:
Responsible for managing client portfolios.

Write:
Managed a portfolio of 120+ clients, increasing retention by 15 percent over 12 months.

Instead of:
Oversaw production processes.

Write:
Improved production efficiency by 18 percent through process optimisation and lean initiatives.

Quantified results are easier to interpret and more impactful during both automated screening and recruiter review.

4. Highlight Digital and Systems Capability

Across industries, digital literacy is increasingly expected.

Even if you are not in a technical role, include:

• Systems and platforms used
• Reporting tools
• CRM or ERP systems
• Automation exposure
• Data analysis tools

This signals adaptability in an evolving workforce.

In many hiring briefs, employers specifically request familiarity with particular systems. If you have used them, state them clearly.

5. Include a Clear Skills Section

A dedicated skills section helps both AI systems and recruiters quickly identify alignment.

Focus on:

• Technical skills
• Software proficiency
• Compliance knowledge
• Industry-specific competencies
• Certifications and licences

Avoid vague descriptors such as “hard-working” or “team player” in this section. Prioritise measurable or demonstrable capability.

6. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Generic CVs underperform.

While your core experience remains the same, your emphasis should shift depending on the role.

If applying for:

• A compliance-focused position, elevate regulatory experience.
• A leadership role, emphasise team management and strategic oversight.
• A technical role, prioritise systems and specialised capability.

Screening tools assess alignment against specific criteria. Tailoring improves your match strength.

7. Demonstrate Career Progression

AI systems and recruiters both assess trajectory.

Clear progression, expanded responsibility and increasing scope signal growth and capability.

If your role evolved internally, clarify this rather than listing it as one flat title.

For example:

Senior Underwriter
Promoted from Underwriter after 18 months due to portfolio growth and performance outcomes.

Clarity improves interpretation.

8. Avoid Keyword Overloading

Some candidates attempt to insert excessive keywords in an attempt to “beat the system”.

Modern AI tools assess context and coherence. Overloading keywords without evidence of experience can weaken credibility.

Focus on authentic alignment, not artificial optimisation.

What Still Matters Most

While AI screening influences early stages, final hiring decisions remain human.

Recruiters and hiring managers assess:

• Cultural alignment
• Communication skills
• Commercial awareness
• Problem-solving capability
• Leadership potential

Your CV should be structured for screening, but written for people.

Clarity, credibility and measurable value remain your strongest advantages.

A Quick Self-Check Before You Submit

Ask yourself:

• Does my CV clearly reflect the language of the job description?
• Are my achievements measurable and specific?
• Is my formatting simple and readable?
• Have I demonstrated digital literacy where relevant?
• Would someone scanning this for 20 seconds immediately understand my value?

If the answer is no, refinement is worthwhile.

The Bottom Line

AI is not replacing recruiters. It is helping them manage volume and prioritise relevant applications.

Candidates who understand this shift position themselves more effectively.

A clear, structured and outcome-focused CV performs strongly in both AI-assisted screening and human review.

Want Expert Feedback on Your CV?

If you are unsure whether your CV is aligned with current hiring practices, our team can provide practical guidance.

Fuse Recruitment specialises in Insurance, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Technology roles across Australia.

We understand what employers are prioritising in today’s market and can help you position your experience accordingly.

Speak with our team to ensure your next application reflects your true value.