AI can be used to improve your CV, but these guidelines will give you the edge

Here are some expert tips on using AI to create a secure and effective CV, emphasising data privacy, AI evaluation, and maintaining a personal touch in job applications. Picture: BEN STANSALL / AFP

It may come as a surprise, but every second respondent from South Africa uses AI‑powered tools for work-related tasks, while a third uses the technology to improve their resumes. This is according to Kaspersky’s latest survey in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa regions.

Despite AI’s popularity and convenience for solving multiple tasks, its role in the employment process sparks debate.

Some argue that AI offers tremendous advantages by tailoring applications to each vacancy and incorporating the right keywords to pass automated screening systems. Others warn that relying on AI can lead to generic phrasing and a loss of personal touch.

To help job seekers turn AI into their ally, Kaspersky provides practical guidance on how to enhance your CV with AI while maintaining security and authenticity.

 Before submitting your resumes to a chatbot, be sure to remove all confidential details: name, phone number, home address, email, company names, and any document scans. Every language model you interact with is trained on the data you provide, which means there is always a risk that the AI could inadvertently expose your information to other users.

Therefore, before using any chatbot, check the settings and disable the option that allows the AI to learn from your queries. Also, verify that the service provides a comprehensive privacy policy. And remember the golden rule: never submit anything to the chatbot that you don't want to accidentally stumble upon on the Internet. 

 Most large and mid‑size companies already use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) – HR software that collects and sorts candidate applications. Modern ATS and other HR platforms increasingly embed AI tools that automatically track and filter every submitted CV.

However, even if your CV clears the initial AI screening, an HR professional will later review it, and an AI‑generated style may diminish their impression. So, you may tailor your resume for AI-recruiters, but it’s highly recommended to still focus on human readers while preparing it.

Start by drafting your resume yourself, highlighting the points you consider most important. Then consult the AI. In this context, the AI should act as an editor, refining your wording, improving structure, and emphasising the experience that’s relevant to the specific role. Otherwise, you risk ending up with clichéd phrases and a misrepresentation of your skills and experience.

  Kaspersky experts share some extra tips to make job searching processes more secure: 

The survey was conducted at the request of Kaspersky in 2026. The study sample included 1,000 interviews in South Africa.