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CV Writing in 2024: Striking the Balance Between AI and Authenticity

Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 24 January 2024

In the ever-evolving job market, the introduction of AI has been a significant game-changer. Since their launch in 2022, these tools have captivated over 180 million people worldwide, transforming the daily workflows of countless professionals. This includes hiring managers, who are becoming increasingly adept at identifying CVs crafted entirely from templated content.


But this doesn't mean you should disregard AI's potential in your job hunt. Let's explore how to effectively utilise AI to create a standout CV that captures attention for all the right reasons.


Embrace AI for Keyword Integration

Tailoring your CV for each application is crucial. This involves integrating key terms from the job description to ensure your CV passes through any Application Tracking Systems (ATS) designed to filter out applications lacking specific keywords.


Using AI chatbots for this task can be highly efficient. Upload your main CV and request the inclusion of particular keywords. The AI can adeptly incorporate these into your existing skills and experiences, enhancing your CV's relevance.


Be Critical of AI's Initial Output

AI is a tool, not a magic wand. If the first draft from an AI source doesn’t quite hit the mark, experiment with different prompts to refine the output. Avoid directly copying large sections of text. AI-generated content should be a starting point, not the final product.


Remember, most AI platforms have knowledge only up to January 2022. For insights into current market trends or industry forecasts, you may need to supplement the AI's output with more recent information.


Ensure Correct Spelling

AI often defaults to American English spelling, which can be a red flag for UK employers. If you're using AI for your CV, always double-check spellings and adjust any Americanisms to their British counterparts.


Avoid Overstating Experience with AI

It’s a known fact that job applicants occasionally embellish their CVs. However, relying on AI to artificially enhance your experience is a risky move. Overstatements can be easily spotted, especially if your claimed expertise doesn't align with your career level. Keep your CV authentic and true to your actual experience and skills.


In summary, AI can be a powerful ally in crafting a compelling CV, but they require thoughtful use. Integrating industry-specific keywords, critically evaluating AI suggestions, ensuring correct spelling, and maintaining authenticity in your experience are key to creating a CV that stands out positively in today's competitive job market.

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LinkedIn Poll Results - January 2025

by Simon Clark • 17 January 2025
As we step into 2025, it's crucial for professionals and businesses to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Our first LinkedIn poll of the year asked industry leaders and professionals to identify what they believe will be the biggest challenge facing their industry this year. The responses shed light on the diverse obstacles different sectors anticipate as we navigate through 2025. The poll results revealed a clear concern, with 'Skilled Labour Shortage' leading as the predominant challenge, cited by 40% of respondents. This highlights an acute issue across industries: the struggle to find adequately skilled professionals. This shortage can hinder growth and innovation, emphasising the need for enhanced recruitment strategies and perhaps a greater focus on training and education within companies. Both 'Regulatory Changes' and 'Technological Advancements' were each seen as the biggest challenge by 20% of participants. These results indicate a landscape of rapid change, where staying compliant with new regulations and keeping pace with technological evolution are critical for maintaining competitive edges. Similarly, 'Economic Fluctuations' were also viewed by 20% as a significant challenge, reflecting concerns over market stability and the broader economic environment that can impact business operations and profitability. These insights are crucial as they highlight the multifaceted challenges industries face in 2025. For businesses, understanding these potential hurdles is the first step toward mitigating their impacts. It suggests a need for a proactive approach in workforce development, regulatory compliance, technology adoption, and economic resilience. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about the results from this month’s poll or maybe looking to recruit and expand your team in 2025, click here to get in touch.

Employers - What are the Top Red Flags on a CV?

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 2 January 2025
When reviewing CV’s, employers often encounter common red flags that can indicate potential issues with a candidate. Whilst no single red flag should automatically disqualify a job seeker, it’s important to pay attention to red flag patterns that could be a concern for you moving forwards. Here is a look at some of the most common red flags employers should watch out for when reviewing a CV. Unexplained Gaps in Employment Gaps in a candidate’s employment history can be a natural part of a career journey but if those gaps can’t be explained, that could cause a recruiter to look at the application more closely. Most gaps can be explained if the candidate has taken a career break to move into further education, travel or raise a family but it’s wise to ask for context from the potential employee for significant periods of inactivity. Frequent Job Changes Moving from job to job quickly can sometimes reflect ambition and a desire for new opportunities but too many job changes in a short space of time could also portray that the candidate shows instability or lack of commitment to their career and could be someone who isn’t going to stick around to grow within the company. Typos and Errors A CV is a candidate’s opportunity to create an excellent first impression and a CV full of spelling and grammatical errors can create doubt about their attention to detail. If a candidate can’t take the time to proofread their CV, it could be a sign that they might not put in much effort to their job responsibilities. Overuse of Buzzwords The overuse of buzzwords and generic terms such as ‘team player’ ‘dynamic’ or ‘passionate’ have become red flags. Whilst these words can be used genuinely, they often lack real substance unless the candidate has explained how they have demonstrated these qualities. If it looks like the candidate is just trying to fill space on their CV, they probably aren’t a good fit for your company. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements A CV that lists responsibilities without demonstrating how a candidate contributed to their previous employers success won’t add much value. Employers want to see results, so the candidates that highlight specific achievements or improvements that demonstrated their impact in previous roles is a winner. A Generic CV If a CV comes across as a generic one that could have been sent to a lot of employers without addressing the specific requirements of the role, this could show a lack of interest or effort on the candidate’s part. Tailoring a CV to highlight the most relevant skills and experience to the job posting shows that the candidate is serious, interested and committed. As an employer, reviewing CV’s carefully can save you time in the hiring process. Whilst one or two minor red flags might not be a reason to discount a candidate, larger patterns of inconsistencies or lack of professionalism shouldn’t be ignored. Keeping our tips in mind, you can make informed decisions and ultimately find the best person for the role. Are you struggling with finding the right candidates for your vacancies? Reach out to us today to learn how we can help streamline your hiring process and connect you with top talent.
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