As redundancy levels continue to rise across the UK, job seekers face a recruitment landscape increasingly shaped by AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and increased competition. Technology has emerged that filters applications before humans even see them. owen morganManaging Director in charge of reemployment and human resources specialist INTOO UK and Irelandsays candidates need to take a more strategic and structured approach to their job search.
INTOO’s Culture in the Balance report revealed that 53% of employees are worried about being made redundant in the next 12 months, but the data also shows that a shocking 91% are unequipped to find a new job and need support.
“Redundancy can be a difficult and often unexpected experience, but it is also an opportunity to re-evaluate your skills and how you communicate them,” says Owen. “In an era where technology plays a huge role in recruiting, candidates need to be more intentional about how they express their experience than ever before.”
Owen urges people to rethink how they position themselves after redundancies and how they navigate the application process in an age where AI often “sees” and filters resumes before people do.
Many recruitment agencies rely on some form of ATS software to review applications, so customizing your resume is essential. This includes using relevant keywords from the job description, clear formatting, and avoiding overly complex designs that can make the system difficult to read.
“A good CV for an ATS is less about fooling the system and more about making sure it gets through its filters,” Owen says. “These tools are often set up to track clear and simple language, identify specific results, and match keywords to job descriptions.
“It’s important to demonstrate your understanding of the job, not only in your resume, but also in the cover letter materials you need to submit. If it says you lead a team, focus on that in your application. How big were the teams you oversaw? How did you delegate? What was the meeting process like? Don’t just say you led a team. That’s too vague and risks being excluded by the ATS.”
Owen also emphasizes that while visually creative resumes may stand out to the human eye, they can cause problems for ATS software.
He says, “Clarity always comes first. A simple layout, standard fonts, and clear section headings will help the system read your resume accurately. If the system can’t process the information, it won’t fully recognize your experience. So trying too hard to make your application aesthetically pleasing is doing yourself a disservice.”
Candidates are encouraged to avoid columns, graphics, and text boxes and instead use standard headings such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
Owen added: “It’s important to understand and articulate your values, and if AI is likely to be used to filter applications, it’s also important to keep your applications clear and concise. However, it’s equally important to understand the types of skills employers are looking for. This should include both technical and soft skills that align directly with the job description.”
INTOO’s Future World of Work research found that adaptability (49%), resilience (43%) and communication (41%) rank as the top skills that will be key to business success in 2028.
“Our research shows that companies are looking for strong soft skills,” Owen says. “You can teach them the technical stuff, the basics of the job. But if you have poor communication skills, can’t adapt to situations, and succumb to pressure, that can be a big red flag for employers.
“Think of your skills section as a checklist for your system. It should clearly reflect the competencies the employer is looking for, using as precise terminology as possible. It’s also important to avoid vague language and instead focus on specific, relevant competencies that fit the role. ATSs are often tailored to select measurable outcomes, so you can avoid applying in very general language.”
Generic keywords and ambiguous responsibilities are often the biggest reasons why ATSs reject applications. Candidates should look carefully at the job description to reflect and match it as accurately as possible. This includes matching job titles where appropriate and clearly listing required competencies.
“ATS systems don’t always recognize variations in phrases,” Owen says. “If your ad uses specific terminology, it’s important to reflect that wording on your resume to ensure consistency.”
Part of Gi Group Holding, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing HR and recruitment providers, INTOO can help you move forward with confidence after a redundancy or redundancy with personalized support and expert guidance.
