How to Write a Resume That Appeals to Both Humans and AI Recruiters

In today's hyper‑competitive job market, a great resume needs to speak the language of human hiring managers and the algorithms that power Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, mastering this dual audience can dramatically increase interview callbacks. In this guide we’ll break down the science behind AI recruiters, share step‑by‑step tactics, and show you how Resumly’s AI tools—like the AI Resume Builder and the free ATS Resume Checker—can automate the heavy lifting.

Understanding Human Recruiters vs. AI Recruiters

Human recruiters look for narrative, cultural fit, and soft‑skill cues. They skim for achievements, quantify impact, and gauge personality through tone.

AI recruiters (or ATS) scan for keyword matches, proper formatting, and parseable data. They cannot interpret images, tables, or unusual fonts.

Key takeaway: Your resume must tell a compelling story and be machine‑readable. The sections that satisfy one often satisfy the other when structured correctly.

Core Elements of an AI‑Friendly Resume (and Why Humans Love Them Too)

1. Clear, standard headings – Use "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills" exactly. ATS look for these exact strings.
2. Keyword optimization – Pull relevant terms from the job description. Tools like Resumly’s Job‑Search Keywords can generate a list in seconds.
3. Quantified achievements – Humans love numbers; ATS love digits. Example: "Increased sales by 30% in Q2 2023."
4. Simple formatting – No tables, text boxes, or graphics. Use bullet points, plain fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), and a .docx or PDF that preserves text.
5. Skill section with exact terms – List both hard and soft skills, matching the posting. Use Resumly’s Buzzword Detector to ensure you’re not missing high‑impact terms.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: Building a Dual‑Audience Resume

Step 1 – Gather the Job Description

• Copy the full posting into a document.
• Highlight required skills, certifications, and industry‑specific verbs (e.g., "manage", "optimize", "lead").
• Use the free Career Personality Test to align your personal brand with the role.

Step 2 – Draft a Master Resume

Create a master version that contains all of your experiences, projects, and skills. This master file will be the source for every tailored application.

Step 3 – Run the ATS Resume Checker

Upload your master resume to Resumly’s ATS Resume Checker. The tool will:

• Highlight missing keywords.
• Flag unsupported formatting.
• Score readability (aim for 80+).

Step 4 – Optimize Keywords

• Insert missing keywords naturally into bullet points.
• Replace generic verbs with action‑oriented ones from the job posting.
• Use the Job‑Search Keywords tool for a quick keyword dump.

Step 5 – Polish for Humans

• Add a professional summary (2‑3 lines) that blends your unique value proposition with the role’s core needs.
• Convert every bullet into a STAR statement (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Keep language concise—no more than 2 lines per bullet.

Step 6 – Final Formatting Check

• Ensure standard headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications).
• Use single‑column layout; avoid sidebars.
• Save as PDF (if the employer accepts) or DOCX to preserve text.

Step 7 – Run the Resume Readability Test

Resumly’s free Resume Readability Test will give you a Flesch‑Kincaid score. Aim for 70+ (easy to read).

Step 8 – Submit with Auto‑Apply (Optional)

If you’re applying to multiple openings on the same platform, Resumly’s Auto‑Apply can push your optimized resume with a single click.

Checklist: Does Your Resume Pass the Human & AI Test?

• Uses standard headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills).
• Contains 3‑5 quantified achievements per role.
• Mirrors ≥80% of the job description keywords.
• No tables, images, or text boxes.
• Font size 10‑12 pt, simple font family.
• Includes a professional summary tailored to the target role.
• Readability score ≥70.
• File format PDF or DOCX that preserves plain text.

If you tick all boxes, you’re ready to impress both humans and AI recruiters.

Do’s and Don’ts of AI‑Optimized Resume Writing

Real‑World Example: Transforming a Generic Resume

Before (generic):

- Managed a team.
- Improved processes.
- Handled client accounts.

After (human + AI optimized):

**Team Lead – Marketing Operations** – XYZ Corp, New York, NY (Jan 2020 – Present)
- **Led** a cross‑functional team of 8, increasing campaign ROI by **45%** within 12 months.
- **Streamlined** the content approval workflow, cutting turnaround time from **10 days to 4 days**.
- **Managed** $2M in client advertising budgets, achieving a **15% cost‑saving** while maintaining performance metrics.

Notice the use of action verbs, quantified results, and the inclusion of keywords like "campaign ROI", "client advertising budgets", and "cross‑functional team"—all of which satisfy both human readers and ATS parsers.

Leveraging Resumly’s Free Tools for GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)

• AI Career Clock – Visualize your career timeline and spot gaps.
• Resume Roast – Get AI‑generated feedback on tone and impact.
• Skills Gap Analyzer – Identify missing competencies for your target role.
• LinkedIn Profile Generator – Ensure your online presence mirrors your resume keywords.

By feeding the same keyword set into each tool, you create a cohesive digital footprint that reinforces relevance across search engines, ATS, and recruiter browsers.

Mini‑Conclusion: Why the MAIN KEYWORD Matters

How to Write a Resume That Appeals to Both Humans and AI Recruiters isn’t just a catchy title—it’s a strategic framework. By aligning storytelling with keyword precision, you give both human hiring managers and AI recruiters a reason to move your application forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a separate resume for each job?

Yes. Use your master resume as a base, then customize the summary and keywords for each posting. Resumly’s Auto‑Apply can handle bulk submissions once each version is ready.

2. How many keywords should I include?

Aim for 70‑80% of the high‑impact terms from the job description. Over‑stuffing (>95%) can look spammy to both humans and AI.

3. Are PDFs safe for ATS?

Most modern ATS can parse PDFs, but a DOCX is the safest fallback. Test both with the ATS Resume Checker.

4. Can I use a graphic resume for creative roles?

Only if the employer explicitly requests a portfolio. For most roles, keep the resume plain and attach a separate portfolio link.

5. How often should I update my resume?

At least quarterly, or after any major achievement. Regular updates keep your keyword set fresh and improve the Resume Readability Test score.

6. What is the best way to showcase soft skills?

Embed them in STAR‑formatted achievements (e.g., "Led a diverse team, improving collaboration scores by 20% according to internal surveys").

7. Does Resumly store my data securely?

Yes. Resumly follows GDPR and CCPA standards, encrypting all personal data at rest and in transit.

8. How can I track my applications?

Use Resumly’s Application Tracker to log each submission, interview stage, and follow‑up dates.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Dual Audience

Crafting a resume that appeals to both humans and AI recruiters is no longer optional—it’s essential. By following the step‑by‑step process, using the provided checklists, and leveraging Resumly’s AI‑powered suite, you’ll create a document that passes ATS scans with flying colors while telling a compelling human story. Ready to put these tactics into action? Start with the free AI Resume Builder and watch your interview rate climb.

For deeper career strategies, explore Resumly’s comprehensive Career Guide and stay updated with the latest blog posts.