Artificial intelligence has transformed hiring. Many job seekers never even reach a human recruiter because of automated applicant tracking systems (ATS). This shift is leaving qualified candidates overlooked—and frustrated.
Why Job Seekers Struggle with ATS
Applicant tracking systems were designed to simplify recruiting, but they now act as gatekeepers. Research shows that more than 75% of resumes are never seen by humans because of formatting issues or missing keywords (Careerminds, 2023).
An estimated 70% of resumes are filtered out before reaching recruiters, meaning most applicants are rejected before their skills are considered (Staffing by Starboard, 2023). Employers themselves report frustration: 88% believe they miss out on talent because resumes fail ATS screening (Select Software Reviews, 2024).
AI adds another layer. Companies like Google and Salesforce now use AI to prioritize applicants, while job seekers increasingly rely on AI to generate resumes and cover letters. This “bot vs. bot” competition has made the hiring process more complex (Business Insider, 2025; Wall Street Journal, 2025).
The Human Impact of AI in Hiring
Behind these numbers are real people. Job seekers often apply to hundreds of jobs without feedback, leading to discouragement. Some even pursue legal action, suspecting that algorithms unfairly blocked their applications (Wall Street Journal, 2025).
AI is efficient for companies, but its opacity leaves many qualified candidates excluded. For those facing career transitions, this barrier can feel impossible to overcome.
How Andy Thomas Careers Now Helps Clients Break Through
Andy Thomas Careers Now provides career coaching built for today’s hiring landscape. The focus is not on “tricking” AI, but on creating applications that pass ATS filters and still resonate with human recruiters.
Resume Optimization and Formatting
Resumes are crafted to align with job descriptions, using structure and clarity that both ATS and humans can easily read. This eliminates common rejection points like improper formatting.
Highlighting Relevant Qualifications
Coaching sessions help clients tailor their experience to the exact qualifications employers seek. By narrowing focus, candidates reduce the risk of being dismissed by automated systems.
Balancing ATS Strategy with Human Connection
While ATS optimization is important, Andy Thomas Careers Now emphasizes human-centric strategies. Coaching prepares candidates to communicate value to recruiters once they land interviews.
Real Results Without Quick Hacks
Clients have seen measurable improvements in interview rates by applying these methods. The process builds confidence and ensures resumes reach the people making hiring decisions. Without “quick hacks.”
The Future of Career Coaching in an AI World
As AI continues to shape hiring, career coaching is more important than ever. Job seekers need both the technical know-how to pass AI filters and the interpersonal skills to connect with recruiters. Andy Thomas Careers Now provides both, helping candidates turn automated rejection into interview success.
Resume Services
References
Business Insider. (2025, June). Google, Salesforce jobs: how AI evaluates resumes and cover letters. https://www.businessinsider.com/google-salesforce-jobs-how-ai-evaluates-resumes-cover-letters-2025-6
Careerminds. (2023). 75% of resumes are never read. https://careerminds.com/blog/75-percent-of-resumes-are-never-read
Select Software Reviews. (2024). Applicant tracking system statistics. https://www.selectsoftwarereviews.com/blog/applicant-tracking-system-statistics
Staffing by Starboard. (2023). How to make your resume ATS friendly. https://staffingbystarboard.com/blog/how-to-make-your-resume-ats-friendly
Wall Street Journal. (2025, January). AI job application: bot vs. bot hiring. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/ai-job-application-685f29f7
Wall Street Journal. (2025, March). AI resume screening sparks legal case in North Carolina. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/ai-resume-screening-hiring-676a4701
