Artificial intelligence is transforming how organisations source consultants, but it is not just machines making the decisions. At B2E Consulting, human judgment remains central, whilst combining our experience with the efficiencies that AI and Boolean searches bring. Our team draws on over 200 years of top-tier consulting experience, manually reviewing each consultant while using AI to help streamline the process.

Although many traditional principles still apply, understanding how AI tools work can give consultants an edge.

What is Going On?

AI is globally changing the way recruiters’ source, process and engage with candidates. It uses algorithms and data analysis to automate the more repetitive parts of sourcing, from finding candidates and screening CVs to matching people with the right roles and even helping with onboarding.

Recruiters are dealing with bigger volumes of applications than ever before. AI takes on the time-consuming bits, spotting the best talent more efficiently, allowing more time for the human element (building relationships, interviewing, understanding personality fit for roles).

Here are the benefits:

• CV screening: AI filters out those that do not fit, either keeping or just highlighting the top matches.
• Better candidate matching: Advanced algorithms help match available people to roles based on skills, experience and potential fit.
• Faster: By automating the slow bits, can focus on the best matches more efficiently
• Makes Hiring Farer: AI’s analytical power offers the chance to make hiring fairer and more transparent. By focusing on objective data rather than gut feel, AI can help mitigate unconscious bias—if designed and trained correctly.

Furthermore, there are additional tools such as AI scans for LI, job boards and databases; chatbots to engage with candidates and data driven insights.

It also allows consultancies to anticipate client demand, identify emerging skill gaps, and proactively build their talent pipeline.

So what can consultants do to get noticed?

Make Your CV Easy to Understand

Formatting is important for both AI and humans. A well-structured CV ensures your experience can be quickly interpreted by recruitment specialists AND accurately captured by AI.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) traditionally rely on Boolean searches and are increasingly enhanced with AI to parse and filter CVs based on keywords. At B2E, our AI also relies on contextual information in a CV to structure and populate data against the record. This means the accuracy and reliability of data capture depends on the quality of your CV, how it is laid out and the information it contains.

• Use a clear, professional layout (e.g. Summary, skills, experience and education/certifications. This is best in chronological order, with your most recent experience first).
• Choose a standard font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman and use it consistently throughout in black text.
• Avoid pictures, graphics, text boxes, unusual symbols and multiple columns. These can confuse AI or distract readers.
• Use simple bullet points to present responsibilities and achievements clearly.
• Check the recommended formats for your file. .docx, .pdf (providing it is selectable searchable text) and .txt are best.

Ensure your CV is relevant to the role

The same criteria apply for most roles, regardless of whether AI or humans are reviewing your CV.

• Make sure your experience clearly demonstrates your match for the role. If the role asks for SAP S/4 HANA, highlight where you have used it, not just list it under skills.
• Ensure you have read the full role advert. Take the time to review the full role description, understanding what the role entails will help you tailor your CV more effectively.
• Use keywords wisely: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will look for experience, skills and qualifications that meet the job description.
• For AI to interpret your CV correctly, it depends not only on the information provided but also on the context in which your experience and skills are presented. Avoid overloading your CV with repeated buzzwords, and no context.

Additionally, Recruiters use a blend of manual review, Boolean and AI-powered tools to search LinkedIn and other platforms.

• Ensure your online presence aligns with your CV. Keep profiles up to date with clear job titles and relevant skills. Consistency helps to confirm your experience quickly and be sure to review and spellcheck.

Remember the Human Element

Even when AI is the first step to help with highlighting CVs, recruiters and hiring managers will eventually read your CV. In fact, B2E review all CVs manually.

Keep your CV professional, well-structured, and easy to read. Focus on tangible results rather than just listing duties. Wherever possible, translate your achievements into measurable outcomes.

At B2E, we know what a Business Analyst job description looks like, what we really want to see is what you actually did and the impact you made. Specific examples of your work help both AI systems and human reviewers understand your value.

For example:

• Delivered process improvements that reduced project delivery time by 20%
• Led requirements gathering sessions, resulting in accurate specifications for a £5M system implementation
• Developed dashboards and reports that improved stakeholder decision-making and reduced reporting errors by 30%

Including concrete, measurable accomplishments ensures your CV stands out and communicates your real-world contributions effectively.

Summary

AI is not replacing recruitment or consulting, but it is reshaping how we operate. While technology brings speed, accuracy, and deeper insights, the essentials of the profession remain human: understanding people, recognising potential, and interpreting fit for the role. At B2E Consulting, AI helps highlight candidates with specific skills, but human judgement is still crucial for assessing qualities technology cannot measure.

The most successful firms will treat AI as a partner, not a substitute; combining smart tools, Boolean searches, and human expertise to create a process that’s faster, fairer, and more effective. For candidates, a well-tailored CV, clear structure, and confident articulation of skills remain key to standing out, whether the first review is made by an algorithm or a person.

About the author, Anna Davison.

Anna worked as an Industrial Design Engineer before moving to consultancy. She spent 8 years at Accenture working in the Resources practice with a detailed knowledge of the UK Utiliies Industry. She has experience of working across the full development lifecycle on multiple projects, undertaking roles in design, build, test, data migration and post production support.

Anna joined B2E in 2016 and is mostly focused on Technical roles.