Top 10 ways to make your resume AI-friendly in 2025 (South Africa edition)

As a recruitment agency, we know that in today’s tech-driven job market, standing out from the crowd isn’t just about what you’ve done but more about how well your CV speaks the language of technology. With 2025 shaping up to be even more competitive for South African jobseekers, the way your resume interacts with Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be the key to landing your next opportunity. More employers are now relying on AI-based tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter through countless applications, making it more important than ever to ensure your resume is AI-friendly. In this guide, we’ll show you the top 10 ways to make your resume AI-friendly and how to optimize your CV for these digital gatekeepers, improve your chances of getting shortlisted, and ultimately, help you secure interviews with South Africa’s top employers.

Why you need an AI-friendly resume in South Africa

Finding a job in South Africa can be tough. Many people are applying for the same positions, and companies are receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of CVs for just one job opening. To help manage this flood of applications, more and more South African employers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). We have listed 

These tools automatically scan and sort resumes before a human ever sees them. That means if your resume isn’t formatted the right way or doesn’t include the right information, it might be rejected by a computer, even if you’re the perfect person for the job.

Having an AI-friendly resume helps your application get past the first hurdle and into the hands of a real recruiter. It shows that you’re not just qualified, but also tech-savvy and up to date with how the job market works in 2025.

With our top 10 ways to make your resume AI-friendly, your resume is easier for AI tools to read and understand, you improve your chances of getting noticed, being shortlisted and landing that important interview.

Below, we have listed the top 10 ways to make your resume AI-friendly.

Tips for optimizing your resume for automated screening tools

1. Stick to a simple, easy-to-read layout

Use a plain resume layout without fancy graphics, photos, logos or columns. ATS software reads text, not design. Choose a basic font like Arial or Times New Roman, and make sure your spacing, bullet points and headings are neat and consistent. A clean layout ensures your information is read correctly by the system.

2. Use the right keywords from the job post

Look carefully at the job advertisement and note down important words related to the job, such as skills (e.g., “team management,” “data analysis”) and qualifications. Add these words into your resume where they naturally fit, especially in the skills and experience sections. This helps the system match your resume with the job.

3. Use clear, standard headings

Break your resume into simple sections like:

• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications (if applicable)

Avoid using creative or confusing headings like “My Journey” or “What I Know” as the system might not understand them and skip over important information.

4. Highlight specific, Job-related skills

Create a section just for your skills. Include both:

• Hard skills (e.g., coding, bookkeeping, graphic design)
• Soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving)

If you’re applying for a tech job, include skills like “JavaScript” or “SEO.” If it’s for a call centre position, mention “customer service” or “CRM systems.” Be specific so the system knows what you can do.

5. Adjust your resume for each job you apply for

Never send the exact same resume to every job. Take a few minutes to change your skills and experience to match each job ad. If the ad asks for someone with “project management” experience, make sure you show that clearly on your resume. This improves your chances of being shortlisted.

6. Don’t use headers or footers for important info

Avoid placing your name, phone number, or email address in the header or footer of the document. Some systems can’t read those areas properly. Keep all your contact information in the top section of the resume body.

7. Choose a file type that works

Save your resume as a .docx (Word) or PDF file. These formats are generally accepted by ATS software. Before sending, check that the formatting still looks good and that all the text can be copied and read without errors.

8. Get help from AI tools

You can use online AI resume builders or checkers to create a strong resume. These tools can:

• Suggest better wording
• Highlight missing details
• Give you a score or suggestions

Try tools like Resume-Now or Enhancv to polish your resume before applying. They’re especially helpful if you’re not sure where to start.

9. Show your success with real numbers

Instead of saying “I helped with marketing,” say, “I increased website traffic by 30% in 3 months.” Numbers grab attention and prove your impact. Always try to include stats or results from your past jobs to show what you’ve achieved.

10. Keep it short and focused

Don’t try to squeeze everything into your resume. Stick to one or two pages. Focus on recent, relevant experience and remove anything outdated or unrelated to the job you’re applying for. Less is more, especially for systems that scan quickly for key information.

Give your resume the edge it deserves

In 2025, crafting an AI-friendly resume is not just a smart move but a necessity for South African jobseekers aiming to thrive in a digitally-driven hiring world. From using the right keywords and clean formatting to showcasing your skills with data and tailoring your CV for every job application, each step you take makes a real difference. An optimized resume helps you break through the barriers of automated systems and puts your qualifications directly in front of decision-makers.

If you’re ready to level up your job search and want expert support along the way, MASA is here to help. Whether you’re seeking temporary work, permanent placements, or guidance, we understand the South African market and know how to connect you with the right opportunities.