AI CV Tools: What Works in UK Recruitment Right Now

AI CV Tools: What Works in UK Recruitment Right Now

After 22 years in charity sector recruitment, I've watched CV trends come and go. What's happening with AI-generated applications isn't a trend—it's fundamentally changing candidate screening.

Here's what actually works, what kills applications, and why skills-based CVs matter now.

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The AI Tools Worth Using

I've tested these with real candidates placing into UK charities and housing associations:

Rezi – Best for ATS optimisation. The keyword targeting works, and it generates content that doesn't sound like a robot wrote it. Forbes rated it best for 2025, and from what I'm seeing with shortlisted candidates, they're right.

Teal – Strongest free option. Unlimited CVs, proper keyword matching, plus job tracking. Actually free—no hidden paywall when you try to download.

Kickresume – Uses GPT-4.1 specifically trained on successful CVs and recruiter feedback. The quality difference from generic ChatGPT is noticeable.

Enhancv – Good balance of design and ATS compatibility. The AI job-tailoring that automatically adjusts your CV to match job descriptions actually works.

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Why This Matters

Recruiters spend 6-7 seconds scanning each CV. In that window, we're looking for specific keywords and relevant evidence. 75% of CVs fail ATS systems entirely — they never reach human eyes.

The candidates I'm shortlisting use AI tools because they understand the game has changed.

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Words That Kill Your Application

After reviewing thousands of CVs, these terms make me immediately skeptical:

• Team player / Team-oriented
• Results-driven / Results-oriented
• Detail-oriented / Hardworking
• Dynamic / Innovative (without proof)
• Excellent communication skills
• Passionate / Enthusiastic
• Strategic thinker
• Responsible for / Helped with / Assisted

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Why They Don't Work

They're universal. I see "team player" on 80%+ of applications. When everyone claims it, no one stands out.

They lack proof. Saying you're results-driven means nothing. Showing you increased donor retention by 34% means everything.

ATS systems penalize them. Modern applicant tracking software detects generic language patterns and lowers your ranking.

They waste space. Every buzzword is a missed opportunity to demonstrate actual capability.

Research shows 68% of recruiters automatically discard CVs with more than three cliché buzzwords. These terms signal a candidate who doesn't understand how to communicate value.

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What Works Instead

Use Action + Context + Result:

Instead of: "Team player with strong communication skills"
Write: "Led cross-functional team of 8 trustees to deliver governance review 3 weeks ahead of deadline, improving board efficiency by28%"

Instead of: "Results-driven fundraising professional"
Write: "Increased corporate partnerships by 42% YoY, generating £340K additional income through strategic relationship development with 12 new donors"

Specific numbers, defined timeframes, clear outcomes. This is what hiring managers need.