info@pro-advert.pl, Autor w serwisie Optiveum

Too generic, too polished, obviously generated by AI. And while AI is a great tool, relying on it for your entire CV usually backfires especially in IT roles where dozens or even hundreds of candidates may share the same tech stack.

At Optiveum, we review thousands of profiles every year. Here’s the simple truth: Candidates who take time to tailor their CV get noticed. Whereas, the candidates who send the same template everywhere don’t.

Below is practical advice to help you build a strong, authentic CV that actually increases your chances of getting hired.

Don’t send a “one-size-fits-all” CV – tailor it to the job

ATS systems (Applicant Tracking Systems) scan your CV before it reaches a human recruiter. If your document is too generic or doesn’t match the job description, it will rank lower. But here’s an important point many candidates get wrong: Ultimately, real people read your CV especially if you work with technologies like .NET or Java where the competition is very high.

What to add/change in your CV to make it tailored to the IT job you’re applying for?

Adjust your professional summary to match the role
Highlight experience and technologies that are specifically mentioned in the job description

If the role requires Python for data analytics, make your Python projects and data skills visible immediately. Use keywords that appear in the job ad (the ATS picks them up, and so will the recruiter). Speak the employer’s language and not a generic one.

Add real substance under each job: not just titles

One of the biggest problems with AI-written CVs is the lack of detail. They often list job titles without explaining what the candidate did.

If you write: Fullstack Developer, Company X, 2021–2023 That tells us almost nothing. Instead, always add 3–5 bullet points, for example:

Built a microservice architecture using .NET 6 and React
Improved page performance by 30%
Designed and maintained CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps
Mentored two junior developers

You don’t have to reveal confidential details — just describe your contribution, your scope of work, and any impact you made. This is what makes your CV unique and human.

Should you add a photo?

Short answer: it’s your choice and it’s rarely necessary.

No company can require you to include a photo, and in software development roles it has no impact on your technical evaluation. If you like, add it. If not — skip it. It will not affect your chances.

What you should include: LinkedIn & GitHub

In modern IT recruitment, this is almost a standard: LinkedIn profile link and GitHub, GitLab or portfolio links. This is because they give recruiters and hiring managers a quick way to verify your activity, see your code samples, understand the technologies you use, and confirm your experience. A strong LinkedIn + GitHub combo already helps you stand out against candidates who submit only a static PDF.

Invest time in your CV and see that it’s worth it

Some people think that the CV is a formality. It isn’t. In a competitive market, especially for widely used technologies, your CV is often the deciding factor between getting a call back or being filtered out among dozens of generic profiles.

If you’re not sure whether your CV represents you well, or you want feedback from a real person, not a bot, our team at Optiveum is always happy to advise.

Summary: AI-powered resumes? Not a good idea

Finally, AI-generated CVs are easy to spot and they rarely help you. Instead, take the time to: customize your CV, add real descriptions of your responsibilities, match your story to the role, and share your online technical footprint. This investment pays off. Your CV becomes stronger, more authentic, and more appealing both to ATS systems and to the people who ultimately make the hiring decisions.

If you want support in improving your CV or preparing for interviews, just reach out to us — we’re here to help.