Applying for jobs in 2025 feels different. You spend hours crafting your CV, only to send it into an automated system that scans, ranks, and filters before a human ever lays eyes on it. In this new hiring landscape, standing out isn’t just about experience it’s about strategy. At Resource Provider Ltd, we’ve helped hundreds of UK jobseekers break through the AI wall. Here’s how you can too.
The Problem: CVs Are Being Filtered by Machines
AI isn’t the future of recruitment it’s already here. Most medium to large employers in London now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to pre-screen CVs. These systems sort and rank applications based on keywords, formatting, and relevance. Great candidates are often missed simply because their CV wasn’t machine-optimised.
So how do you stay human in an automated process?
1. Your CV to Each Role
Generic CVs are the fastest route to rejection. ATS software looks for specific role-based keywords, and if yours doesn’t match, you’re likely to be filtered out.
Before applying, study the job description closely. Identify the key responsibilities and required skills. Then mirror that language in your CV but naturally. For example, if the role mentions “stakeholder engagement,” make sure that phrase appears in your own experience section if applicable.
2. Focus on Clean, Simple Formatting
While a sleek design might impress a hiring manager, ATS tools struggle with graphics, text boxes, and non-standard fonts. Use a clean, professional layout with clear section headings. Save your CV as a .docx or .pdf file whichever the application platform prefers.
Avoid:
- Tables
- Columns
- Embedded charts or logos
- Unusual file formats
3. Prioritise a Powerful Personal Summary
Your CV’s top third is prime real estate. A well-written personal summary helps both AI and humans understand who you are fast.
Example:
Digital Marketing Manager with 7+ years’ experience in PPC, SEO, and content strategy. Proven success driving lead generation and ROI in B2B tech firms across the UK. Looking to leverage data-driven campaigns in a growth-focused London agency.
Short, keyword-rich, and outcome-driven.
4. Use Metrics That Matter
AI loves data. So do hiring managers. Replace vague duties with concrete outcomes.
Weak:
- Responsible for managing social media
Strong: - Increased LinkedIn engagement by 45% and grew follower base from 5K to 20K in under 6 months
When you quantify your impact, it tells a stronger story and boosts your visibility to AI scanners.
5. Include a Skills Section Strategically
Use a skills section that reflects the keywords from the job posting, but keep it truthful. Tools like ATS are trained to spot keyword stuffing or irrelevant skills.
If the job prioritises CRM tools, list the specific platforms you’ve worked with (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot). Be specific.
6. Don’t Rely on AI to Beat AI
Tempted to use AI tools to write your CV? They’re useful for structure or inspiration, but they often produce generic, bland content. Employers can tell. A better approach is to use AI for suggestions, then refine it in your own voice. Make it personal, focused, and true to your experience.
Why Human Touch Still Matters
Even the best AI-optimised CV won’t land the job on its own. What happens after your CV gets through matters even more your cover letter, your follow-up, your interview. That’s where authenticity wins.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we help jobseekers not only format CVs for the system, but tell the kind of stories that resonate with real decision-makers.
Final Thought
AI may be the new gatekeeper, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With the right structure, strategy, and support, your CV can rise above the noise even in the most competitive London markets.
Want expert feedback on your CV? Get in touch with our team at Resource Provider Ltd and let us help you shine even in an automated world.