IT Jobs- CV tips for AI screening

IT Jobs: How to optimise your CV for AI screening

If you’re applying for IT jobs in 2025, chances are a machine will read your CV before a human. Many companies now use AI-powered tools to scan and shortlist candidates, helping hiring teams manage large volumes of applications. But if your CV isn’t optimised for AI, it might not make it past the first hurdle – even if you’re a strong match for the role.

So, how can you make sure your CV impresses both robots and recruiters? Here are five practical tips to help your tech CV stand out in an AI-driven hiring process.

Use a clean, simple format

AI tools scan CVs for structure and content. Overly designed layouts or fancy graphics can confuse the software and cause important details to be missed. Stick to a clean, simple layout with clear headings and consistent formatting.

Use standard section titles like:

  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Certifications

Avoid using tables, columns, or unusual fonts that might throw off the software.

Tailor your keywords to the job description

AI tools search for keywords that match the job description. If your CV doesn’t include these, it could be overlooked. Read the job spec carefully and include keywords that match your experience. These could be:

  • Job titles (e.g. Software Engineer, DevOps Lead)
  • Skills (e.g. Python, Kubernetes, REST APIs)
  • Tools (e.g. AWS, GitHub, Jira)

Don’t stuff your CV with keywords for the sake of it – use them naturally when describing your experience and achievements.

Focus on relevant technical skills

List your core skills clearly, ideally in a dedicated “Skills” section near the top of your CV. Be specific – don’t just say “programming languages” but list the ones you know and your level of experience.

Mention any current or emerging tech you’ve worked with. AI screening tools are designed to spot these and match them to specific job roles.

Quantify your achievements

AI systems – and hiring managers – favour results-driven CVs. Don’t just list your responsibilities; show the impact you made. Use numbers, percentages or timeframes to highlight your achievements.

For example, instead of saying “Led a team on a software project,” say “Led a team of 5 developers to deliver a SaaS product 3 weeks ahead of schedule, reducing customer onboarding time by 25%.”

This kind of detail gives your experience context, which AI tools are designed to pick up on. It also makes your CV more memorable and persuasive when reviewed by real people.

Use standard file types and naming

Save your CV as a .docx or .pdf – these are the most widely accepted formats for AI tools. Avoid using unusual file types.When naming your file, keep it simple and professional. For example: John_Smith_IT_CV_2025.pdf

Looking for new IT jobs?

Applying for IT jobs in 2025 means understanding how technology plays a role in the hiring process. By keeping your CV clean, keyword-rich, and easy to scan, you’ll boost your chances of landing an interview—whether the first reviewer is a robot or a recruiter.

If you’re unsure where to start, TechNET IT is here to help. We review CVs daily and understand what hiring managers – and AI tools – are really looking for. Get in touch for personalised advice on levelling up your tech CV by registering today!

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