4. Job search AI-assisted CV development
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — software that automatically scans and organises CVs before they are reviewed by a recruiter. These systems identify skills, qualifications and keywords that match the job description. For people with disabilities, valuable experience gained through non-traditional career pathways may not always be recognised if it is not clearly described. AI tools can help organise information and improve wording, but they must never fabricate qualifications, responsibilities or achievements. Learners remain responsible for reviewing all AI-generated content before submitting a job application.
4. a. Core CV sections
Your name
Contact details (email/phone number) – οnly the contact information needed for the application should be included. A full home address, date of birth, photograph, marital status or health information is usually not required unless there is a specific and lawful reason.
Professional profile or summary
Work history, work experience or voluntary work
Education, training and qualifications
Skills (computer skills, communication skills)
Languages
Certifications, projects or volunteering, where relevant
Relevant interests or activities (optional)
4. b. Tailoring a CV
Identify the most relevant duties and keywords in the advertisement.
Move the most relevant evidence higher in the CV.
Use similar terminology only when it truthfully describes your experience.
Provide short evidence-based statements.
Quantify results only when the figures are accurate and can be explained.
Remove irrelevant information that distracts from the application.
| CASE STUDY 3: CREATING A PROFESSIONAL CV PROFILE WITH AI |
John's Story John recently completed his vocational education programme in Business Administration. Although he has participated in volunteer activities and completed a work placement, he has never written a professional CV before. When he opened a CV template, he was unsure what to write in the Professional Profile section. He worried that his lack of paid work experience would make him appear unqualified. Instead of asking AI to write his entire CV, John first collected accurate information about himself, including his education, volunteering experience, digital skills and career interests. He then used an AI tool to help transform these facts into a short professional summary. AI Prompt: Using only the information below, draft a professional CV profile of 60–80 words for the role of Administrative Assistant. Use clear, natural and professional language. Do not add skills, experience, achievements or qualifications that I have not provided. Information:
AI Output (Example) Motivated Business Administration graduate with practical experience gained through vocational training, a municipal work placement and community volunteering and organised, reliable and confident using Microsoft Office applications, with strong communication and administrative support skills. Eager to contribute to a professional team while continuing to develop knowledge and experience in office administration. What happened next? John carefully reviewed the AI-generated text. He removed one sentence that sounded too generic and replaced it with wording that better reflected his own personality. He also checked that every statement could be supported by evidence during an interview. The final profile was concise, accurate and authentically represented his experience. |
Reflection
Why did John prepare accurate information before using AI?
Which parts of the AI-generated profile required personal review?
Why is it important that every statement in a CV can be supported with evidence?
Collect your
information before asking AI to write.
AI produces better CV content when you first prepare accurate facts about your education, skills and experience.
4. c. Accessibility and CV formatting
Use clear headings and a logical reading order.
Use a legible font and adequate text size.
Use a simple layout; complex columns, graphics and decorative elements may not be processed reliably by every recruitment system.
Do not communicate important information only through colour.
Use meaningful link text.
Add alternative text to any necessary image.
Use an accessible Word document or properly tagged PDF where possible.
Use a descriptive file name, for example: Maria_Papadopoulou_CV_Administration.docx.
| ♿ ACCESSIBILITY REMINDER |
Accessibility and ATS compatibility are related but different concepts. A CV should be easy to read both for people using assistive technologies and for recruitment software whenever possible. |