27.04.2026

Career expert offers jobseekers guidance to avoid AI pitfalls

As redundancy levels continue to rise across the UK, jobseekers are facing a hiring landscape increasingly shaped by AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) and heightened competition. With technology now filtering applications before a human ever sees them, Owen Morgan, Managing Director at outplacement and HR specialist INTOO UK & Ireland, says candidates must take a more strategic, structured approach to their job search.

INTOO’s Culture in the Balance report revealed that 53 per cent of employees are worried about being made redundant in the next 12 months, however the data also shockingly displays that 91 per cent aren’t equipped to look for a new job and would need support.

“Redundancy can be a difficult and often unexpected experience, but it also presents an opportunity to reassess your skills and how you communicate them,” Morgan said. “In an age where technology plays a major role in recruitment, candidates need to be more intentional than ever before about how they present their experience.”

Morgan is urging people to rethink how they position themselves following redundancy and how they go about the application process in an era where AI will often ‘see’ and then filter their CVs before a person ever does.

With many recruitment businesses relying on some form of ATS software to screen applications, tailoring your CV is essential. This includes using relevant keywords from the job description, clear formatting and avoiding overly complex designs that systems may struggle to read.

“An ATS-friendly CV is less about tricking the system and more about making sure you make it through its filters,” Morgan said. “These tools are often set up to track clear, simple language, spot tangible results and match key words to the job description.

“It’s important you display an understanding of the job in your CV, but also in any cover letter material you may have to supply. If the job says you’ll be leading a team – make that a big focus on your application. How big was the team you oversaw? How did you delegate? What was the meeting process and so on. Don’t just say you led a team – it’s too vague and risks being filtered out by the ATS.”

Morgan also stresses that while visually creative CVs may stand out to humans, they can cause issues for ATS software.

He said: “Clarity always wins. Simple layouts, standard fonts and clear section headings ensure your CV can be accurately read by the system. If it can’t process your information, your experience won’t be fully recognised – so you do yourself a disservice trying too hard to make your application aesthetically pleasing.”

Candidates are encouraged to avoid columns, graphics and text boxes, and instead use standard headings such as ‘Work Experience’, ‘Education’ and ‘Skills’.

Morgan added: “Understanding and articulating your value is critical. It’s also important to be clear and concise in your applications when AI may be used in filtering them. However, it’s equally as important to understand the sorts of skills an employer is looking for. This should include both technical and soft skills, aligned directly with the job description.”

INTOO’s Future World of Work research found that adaptability (49 per cent), resilience (43 per cent) and communication (41 per cent) were the top ranked skills key to business success in 2028.

“Our research points to businesses wanting strong soft skills,” Morgan said. “The technical stuff – the nuts and bolts of the job – can be taught. But if you’re an ineffective communicator, can’t adapt to situations and fold under pressure then they can be big red flags for employers.

“Think of your skills section as a checklist for the system. It should clearly reflect the capabilities the employer is looking for, using the exact terminology where possible. It’s also important to avoid vague phrases and instead focus on specific, relevant competencies that match the role – ATS can often be tailored to pick out measurable outcomes so it can avoid applications with very generic language.”

General keywords and vague responsibilities are often the top reasons why ATS will reject applications. Candidates should take a very close look at the job description to mirror and match it precisely where they can. This includes matching job titles where appropriate and clearly listing required competencies.

“ATS systems don’t always recognise variations in phrasing,” Morgan said. “If the advert uses specific terminology, it’s important to reflect that wording in your CV to ensure alignment.”

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