The Best Job Search Advice You’ll Ever Get in This Day and Age (and How AI Can Help You Get Hired)

If you’ve been applying for jobs and hearing nothing back, the problem might not be your qualifications — it could be your CV isn’t even getting seen by a human.

In today’s job market, companies receive hundreds of applications for a single job posting. To manage this flood of applications, most organizations — especially large ones — use something called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

If your CV isn’t optimized for ATS, you may be getting disqualified automatically — before a recruiter even has the chance to look at your application.

But don’t worry. In less than 3 minutes, I’ll show you how to beat the ATS using ChatGPT or any AI tool — and dramatically increase your chances of getting shortlisted.

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What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by recruiters and HR professionals to streamline the hiring process. It scans incoming CVs, searching for specific keywords that match the job description.

Based on how well your CV matches the role, the ATS gives it a ranking. Only the top-ranking applications make it to the recruiter’s desk.

So, if your CV doesn’t have the right keywords, it won’t make the cut — even if you’re qualified.

Also, if you want to understand how the ATS works in more detail, I’ve done another explainer video. Be sure to check it out.

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How to Use ChatGPT to Find the Right Keywords for Your CV

Here’s a simple technique that can help you beat the ATS and get your application in front of a real person.

Use this ChatGPT prompt:

“Based on the job description below, please provide me with a list of 25 common keywords that I would need in my CV to match the requirements outlined in this job description. You can make each keyword one to three words in length.”

Then, paste the job description into ChatGPT. For example, I used the job description for an Accountant position at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

ChatGPT generated 25 relevant keywords — such as:

• Financial reporting
• Certified Public Accountant
• Tax compliance
• Accounts payable
• Audit preparation
• Budget analysis

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Where to Place These Keywords in Your CV

Once you have your keyword list, strategically sprinkle them throughout your CV:

1. CV Title (just below your name) Example: Accountant | Finance | Audit
2. Professional Summary / Personal Profile Include key phrases like accounts payable, financial reporting, audit experience.
3. Technical Skills Section Highlight skills like accounting software, tax compliance, internal controls.
4. Certifications & Qualifications For example: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Remember: you don’t need to keyword-stuff your CV. Instead, ensure the wording aligns with what the employer is actually looking for.

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Why This Works

This approach works because you’re speaking the same language as the job description. ATS software is trained to look for exact matches between the job ad and your application. Including the right terms ensures your CV ranks higher — giving you a much better chance of landing an interview.

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Watch the Full Video

Want a visual walkthrough? Check out my YouTube video on this exact topic and see how I used ChatGPT to optimize a real CV.

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Need Help With Your Job Search?

If you’re struggling to get responses from your job applications, drop a question in the comments or reach out to me. I’m happy to help or even make a new video to guide you.

Don’t let the ATS be the reason you’re missing out. Optimize your CV today — and let your qualifications shine through.

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”—George Eliot