Artificial intelligence is changing how job seekers submit their resumes

Understanding the volume of applications

A single job opening can attract dozens or even hundreds of applications before a recruiter even starts reviewing them. To manage this demand, companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that organize applications and identify skills, experience, and information that match the job requirements.

Some platforms now use artificial intelligence to conduct initial screenings, which also changes how candidates can benefit from AI. It’s worth using this technology to better understand a job opportunity, identify gaps in your application, and make your career path clearer.

Use AI to analyze the job description

Before making any changes to your resume, copy the job description into the AI and ask it to analyze the requirements. The tool can separate technical skills, experience, tools, education, and other criteria mentioned by the employer.

Which requirements for this position appear in my resume and which are missing?

The goal is to avoid turning this analysis into a list of words to artificially insert into the document. Screening systems consider not only individual terms but also job titles, skills, and how experience is described.

Adapt your resume without fabricating experience

Based on the comparison, ask for suggestions to reorganize the information you actually have. If the job requires experience with a specific tool and you have it in your history, AI can help highlight that point.

The same applies to results. Your resume can explain which activities were carried out, which tools were used, and which results were achieved, as long as this information is true.

Indeed recommends tailoring the content to the job, using relevant keywords, and maintaining a simple structure that is easy for screening software to interpret.

Review the formatting before submitting

A visually elaborate resume may not be the best choice when the application will be processed by a system. Simple formatting, clearly labeled sections, and readable text make automated interpretation easier.

AI can also review the document for unclear information, repetitions, or generic descriptions. However, the candidate should check the final version, as a tool can reorganize the text but does not automatically know the reality of their career path.

Don’t try to “game” the screening

Using AI to insert hidden instructions in a resume or manipulate a selection tool can have the opposite effect. Indeed reported in 2026 that recruitment systems began to be tested against prompt injection techniques, in which candidates insert commands into the resume to try to influence the automated evaluation.

It’s also important not to assume that every application goes through an AI that simply eliminates resumes with few keywords. Companies use different technologies, and not every selection process automates screening in the same way.

Use AI to better choose where to apply

In addition to increasing the number of applications, technology can be used to reduce the number of less relevant applications.

In 2026, Indeed tested a feature called Apply For Me, which could help candidates submit applications automatically. After the test, the company paused the automatic application mode and began to prioritize an experience where the user reviews the applications before submission. The decision reinforces that speed does not replace relevance.