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What Do Recruiters Look for in a Resume? Key Elements You Must Include

In just a few seconds, recruiters decide whether your CV moves forward or not. What do recruiters look for in a resume? They look for clear formatting, the right keywords, and measurable achievements that prove your impact.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to include — backed by real data on what makes candidates stand out in today’s AI-driven hiring process.

The Data: What Most Candidates Get Wrong

Some interesting info: 

  1. Only 40% of the CV´s include a linkedin profile – CV´s with a linkedin profile see higher interview rates 
  2. Candidates only include 51% of important keywords and skills, heavily under indexing soft skills 
  3. Only 26% of the CV’s include measurable metrics, which highly increases resume outcomes (include at least 5 or more metrics, related to the role you are applying) 
  4. 56% of CV’s include fluffy content cliches or incorrect pronouns – don’t be that person. 
  5. Only 15% of the people that are applying tailor the CV to the job/role description

How CV Reading works

You are absolutely right that software plays a massive role in the hiring process. And now, even more. It’s the first hurdle to clear before a human ever sees the document: 

  • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Explain that many large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and rank applications. These systems scan CVs for specific keywords and formatting. The document you provided mentions that “CVs are scanned by software that represent the first barrier”. Also, Surveys indicate that a large majority of organisations are using some form of AI in their recruitment or screening processes. For example: 51% of companies report using AI technology for hiring, with projections rising to ~68% by end of 2025
  • The Seven-Second Rule: If your CV passes the AI screening or the ATS, recruiters spend an average of just seven seconds reviewing a CV.  CV needs to be scannable not just for software, but for the human eye as well. Using clear headings, bullet points, and bold text is key.
  • ATS-Friendly Formatting: use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, and to avoid putting key information in headers, footers, or images, as ATS may not be able to read it.

Keywords Tailored to the Job Description

  • The “Why”: using keywords from the job description directly addresses the ATS’s filtering criteria. It shows both the software and the recruiter that the applicant has the necessary skills and experience for the role.
  • Practical Application:  students should go through the job description and highlight key skills, responsibilities, and qualifications. They should then strategically incorporate these exact keywords into their CV, especially in the summary and skills sections. For example, if a job description asks for “excellent communication skills,” use that exact phrase.
  • The Power of Quantifiable Metrics: use data and numbers to prove their achievements. This makes your accomplishments more impactful and provides concrete evidence of their skills.

AI Tools to Enhance a CV

AI tools to enhance a CV have completely transformed how job seekers prepare and optimize their applications. With hiring processes increasingly driven by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and data-based screening, using AI is no longer optional — it’s a competitive advantage.

These tools can help you write, structure, and tailor your resume faster while improving its chances of passing both AI filters and human review. Below are the main categories of AI-powered tools and how each can help you create a standout CV:

AI-Powered Resume Builders

These platforms use artificial intelligence to create or improve resumes automatically, guiding you step-by-step through professional templates, wording suggestions, and formatting tips.
They analyze your job title, industry, and experience level to produce a layout that recruiters find clear and engaging.

Examples include MyPerfectResume, Resume Now, Rezi, and Enhancv.

Keyword Optimization and ATS Checks

Passing the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is one of the biggest challenges for job seekers today. AI tools can analyze job descriptions and suggest the exact keywords you should include in your CV to match the employer’s criteria.

These systems also test your document’s ATS readability, ensuring that fonts, formatting, and sections are easily scanned by automated filters.

Tools like Rezi and Enhancv can scan a job description and suggest relevant keywords to improve your ATS score. They can also provide real-time feedback on your content.

✅ Pro Tip: Always run your CV through an ATS checker before applying. Even small changes in phrasing (“project management” vs. “managing projects”) can affect your ranking.

CV Content Generation

AI can also help you generate powerful, personalized content for your CV or cover letter. With the right prompts, you can instantly produce resume summaries, bullet points, and accomplishment statements that sound professional and are tailored to your target role.

For instance, AI can turn a general statement like “Responsible for team coordination” into something measurable and impactful, such as “Led a cross-functional team of 8 to deliver projects 20% ahead of schedule.”

General AI Assistants

AI assistants like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini are flexible tools for rephrasing, proofreading, and tailoring your resume for specific positions.

They can:

  • Reword bullet points to sound more dynamic and results-focused.

  • Adjust your CV to match different industries or seniority levels.

  • Proofread for grammar, tone, and clarity.

Cover letters written by AI are often easy to spot and should be handled with care.

Key Points for a Standout CV

  • Content is King: While formatting is important, the content of your CV accounts for 30% of your success. This is where you tell a compelling story about your career.
  • Tailoring is Crucial: This is the most important factor, accounting for 65% of your chances of success. Your CV must be specifically tailored to each job. Generic applications are ineffective.
  • A Seven-Second First Impression: Recruiters spend an average of just seven seconds on a CV. It needs to be clean, readable, and easy to scan for key information.
  • Beat the Bots: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs. Your document must be formatted correctly and include the right keywords to make it past this initial barrier.
  • Use the Right Keywords: Pull keywords directly from the job description and use them strategically throughout your CV, especially in the summary and skills sections. This is critical for getting past the ATS.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Use data and metrics to quantify your achievements and make a bigger impact. Bold these key accomplishments to draw the reader’s eye.
  • Leverage AI Tools: Use AI-powered builders, content generators, and resume checkers to optimize your CV for keywords, grammar, and ATS compatibility.
  • Go Proactive: Your document highlights that securing a referral is a major key to success. Don’t just apply online; use platforms like LinkedIn to network and find opportunities before they are public.
  • Formatting Best Practices: Use clean, readable fonts. Your document suggests professional colors like blue or green and warns against using colors associated with danger, like red or yellow. Keep it one pager, only relevant information. No picture.

The Winning Formula: AI + Human Skills

The most successful candidates use AI for structure and rely on human skills for substance.

That’s exactly where GogoTechy comes in.

We combine AI-powered tools with human expertise to help you truly stand out. Through our NAILED™ Methodology, 50+ insider-led courses, and the GetHired AI voice agent, you’ll learn how to:

✅ Communicate your value with confidence
 ✅ Build your professional storytelling
 ✅ Master interviews with real, data-backed frameworks
 ✅ Turn preparation into job offers

How can we help you?