Monday Insights # 9 - How to Get Hired in the Age of AI Screening
How to Get Hired in the Age of AI Screening
Good morning!
AI is transforming the hiring landscape, and if you’re job hunting, you need to understand how companies are using AI to screen applicants. This week, I’m sharing insights from a fascinating Harvard Business Review article by Marlo Lyons titled How to Get Hired When AI Does the Screening.
With AI handling resume filtering, candidate ranking, and even initial interviews, job seekers must refine their approach to stand out. Here’s how to ensure your application doesn’t disappear into the AI void.
The AI Hiring Shift
Companies are increasingly leveraging AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Workday, Oracle HCM, and Greenhouse to screen resumes. These systems rank candidates based on keywords and structured data, often rejecting applications that don’t match pre-defined parameters—even if the applicant is highly qualified.
Some key trends:
83% of companies now use AI to screen resumes.
Nearly half of hiring teams deprioritize AI-generated resumes.
Companies like Anthropic ask applicants to certify that they didn’t use AI in their applications to ensure authenticity.
AI isn’t just screening resumes—it’s also conducting initial interviews using platforms like HireVue and CodeSignal, assessing everything from word choice to vocal tone and body language.
The hiring game has changed. Here’s how to adapt.
Optimizing Your Resume for AI Screening
Change Your Narrative
AI is replacing many traditional job functions, so it’s essential to highlight human-centric skills that AI cannot replicate—such as relationship-building, decision-making, and stakeholder management.Example: Investment analysts face automation threats as banks implement AI for financial modeling. To stay relevant, analysts must emphasize strategic decision-making and client engagement—skills that AI lacks.
Understand AI Resume Filters
AI filters out resumes that lack role-specific keywords. To pass the AI screening, tailor your resume to each job description by including:Industry-specific terms (e.g., “process optimization” for operations roles).
Keywords that appear frequently in the job listing.
Hard and soft skills directly relevant to the role.
Pro Tip: Use AI tools sparingly—not to write your resume but to identify missing keywords and optimize phrasing.
Avoid AI-Generated Resumes
Many companies now screen for AI-generated applications, and generic, AI-written resumes often get flagged. Write your resume yourself and use AI only as a refinement tool—not as a replacement for your unique voice.
Acing AI-Assisted Interviews
Prepare for AI Video Screening
Before you speak with a human recruiter, you may have to pass an AI-powered interview. These systems assess:Completeness of your answers.
Use of relevant keywords.
Vocal delivery and body language.
Common AI Interview Questions:
What makes you unique?
Why are you the right fit for the role?
How does your skill set match this position?
How to Prepare:
Practice with AI interview prep tools like Interview Warmup or Huru.
Record yourself answering common questions and refine your responses.
Keep answers concise (under two minutes) while incorporating relevant keywords.
Ask About AI’s Role in the Company
Once you get to the human interview, ask strategic questions:“How is your company leveraging AI in hiring and operations?”
“What upskilling programs exist for employees as AI adoption increases?”
This positions you as someone who understands the future of work and is ready to adapt alongside AI rather than compete with it.
Final Thoughts
AI is here to stay in hiring, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a barrier. If you:
✅ Highlight AI-resistant skills like leadership and decision-making.
✅ Use strategic keywords to pass AI resume filters.
✅ Practice AI-driven interviews with structured, concise answers.
✅ Show awareness of AI’s impact on business in your human interviews.
…you’ll stand out in an increasingly automated job market.
For more insights, I’m gifting you access to the full HBR article here:
🔗 Read the full article
See you next week!
Best,
Werner Mouton, CGMA