Questions

• I’ve applied for lots of jobs recently and haven’t got any interest. A friend mentioned that it might be because of AI doing the initial vetting of my CV. How do I optimise it to get past this first barrier?

  Recruitment expert Michael Edelstein says:

  Regarding AI, recruitment agencies and large organisations use applicant tracking systems and your CV will only make it to the list for review by a human if the system says your CV matches their hiring criteria. So, you need to carefully read the job ad and try and incorporate the keywords used into your CV (especially if the ad mentions a particular type of software, industry experience or type of work experience required). The more matches the tracking system comes up with, the higher you’ll land at the top of the ‘digital’ CV pile!

  Key points:

  > Use keywords from the job description in your CV

  > Use the title of the job in your CV, especially as a header or in your professional summary (eg management accountant)

  > Check your spelling

  > Don’t use unnecessary tables, graphs or any other strange formatting or text styles – keep it simple, so the AI can read it

  > Ideally, submit a Word document; the second-best choice would be a PDF.

  Standing out happens offline; the points above are just the basics to get a look-in. Putting in a phone call to a human being and having an engaging conversation that demonstrates your interest in the role, knowledge of the company and your great communication skills and enquiring mind will overcome any AI system!

• A teammate recently asked for – and got – a standing desk. A few of us would also like that option. Does it have to be based on health needs or is it at management’s discretion?

  HR expert Sharon Macdonald says:

  Did you know the standing desk was popular centuries ago, with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Jefferson? However, with the rise of sedentary professions and the industrial revolution, they fell out of favour. Then in around 2014 they became a thing again, as research into the health issues associated with prolonged sitting and benefits of standing while working became more widely known.

  All requests for non-essential equipment that require investment by your employer are generally at your manager’s discretion, especially in the current economic environment. There may have been reasons why your colleague’s request was granted, such as a recommendation from a medical provider. However, many companies will be open to exploring options that not only improve their employees’ physical and mental wellbeing, but also increase productivity.

  Email your manager and explain the benefits of providing standing desks, including reduced back pain, improved posture and increased productivity. Perhaps ask for one or two desks that could be rotated on a trial basis over a few weeks, so that each team member can critically assess whether it is right for them. There are certainly many standing desks, saddle chairs and all means of ergonomic aids collecting dust in offices around the world!

  Providing options and quotes as part of your request, and investigating whether any suppliers – including second-hand sellers – would rent or lend desks on a trial basis, would be a good option to put forward too.