Episode 5: Applicants Ghosted by AI
Bryght Podcast – Episode 5 Title: Applicants Ghosted by AI: Why Great Candidates Are Getting Overlooked in the Age of AI—and What to Do About It Why are so many qualified, high-potential professionals being ignored by recruiters?
In this episode, Wilhelmina Stöcker explores how AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) are reshaping the hiring landscape—and why your résumé may never even reach a human. Learn: How automated screening filters out great talent 5 ways to optimize your résumé and LinkedIn profile How to stand out beyond the bots What hiring teams aren’t telling you—and how to use it to your advantage Visit bryghtel.com to access free resources or book a personalized job strategy session. This episode is your guide to becoming visible—and land an interview.
Transcript:
Episode 5: Applying for jobs and being Ghosted by AI Filters: Why Great Candidates Are Getting Overlooked in the Age of AI—and What to Do About It”
[INTRO MUSIC]
Welcome to the Bryght Podcast, where we talk all things empowerment, leadership, and creating a life and career that aligns with your purpose. I’m your host, Wilhelmina Stöcker, and today’s episode is one many of you have been waiting for.
It’s called:
“Filtered Out: Why Great Candidates Are Getting Overlooked in the Age of AI—and What to Do About It.”
If you’ve ever applied for dozens of jobs, maybe even hundreds, and still haven’t received a single interview invite—you are not alone. And you’re not underqualified. You might just be invisible.
Let’s talk about why that is, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
The Frustration Many Professionals Are Facing
Have you ever thought:
"I'm talented, I'm hardworking, I'm educated. Why am I not getting any responses?"
You might even be a perfect fit for the company’s culture, their mission, their goals… and yet: silence.
This is more common than you think—and it’s not about your abilities.
It’s about the system.
The Rise of AI in Recruitment
In today’s digital hiring world, companies receive hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applications for a single role.
To manage the flood, they turn to AI: Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, and résumé screening tools that do the first round of filtering—automatically.
These tools scan résumés for keywords and rank applicants based on how well they match the job description.
Sounds efficient, right?
Well… yes and no.
While AI can save time and reduce certain human biases, it also creates a huge gap—because it only understands what it’s been trained to recognize.
And if your résumé doesn’t match what the machine expects to see, it might never reach human eyes.
Talent Isn’t Enough
This is where it gets real.
You can be the most capable, experienced, and passionate candidate out there—and still get filtered out.
Why?
Because your résumé isn’t optimized for the machine.
Maybe you used a creative format. Maybe you highlighted your impact in a way that didn’t include the exact keywords.
Maybe you didn’t want to “keyword-stuff” or you were just being authentic.
But in the world of AI recruiting, being authentic isn’t enough.
Being optimized is what counts.
Hidden Bias in AI
And here’s the other layer many people don’t realize:
AI systems are trained on historical data. And that means they can unintentionally replicate past hiring biases.
So if a company has historically hired people from one background, one school, or one way of speaking, the AI will often favor résumés that look and sound like past hires.
What does that mean for you?
It means even qualified, exceptional candidates—especially those who bring something different to the table—may get passed over.
Not because of a conscious decision… but because of an unconscious pattern.
How to Bridge the AI Gap
So, what can you do about it?
If you're navigating the job market—especially if you're re-entering, switching industries, or targeting leadership roles—here are five things you can start doing right now:
- Use the right keywords.
Study the job description. Use their language—without lying, of course. Mirror it in your résumé and cover letter. - Keep the formatting clean.
Avoid fancy designs, graphics, or unusual fonts. They confuse ATS systems. Keep it simple, clear, and consistent. - Customize your résumé for every role.
Generic résumés don’t work anymore. Tailor each one to the job you’re applying for. - Optimize your LinkedIn.
Recruiters use LinkedIn like a search engine. Use relevant industry keywords, update your headline, and be active. - Use AI tools to your advantage.
There are free and paid tools out there that scan your résumé and tell you how it will perform in an ATS. Don’t be afraid to use them.
What Else Helps You Stand Out
Now let’s move beyond the résumé.
- Strategic Networking.
Even in an AI-driven world, human referrals still matter—a lot.
Reach out to former colleagues. Connect with people in the industry. Ask for referrals or introductions. - LinkedIn Optimization.
Make sure your headline clearly says what you do and what you’re looking for. Your summary should tell your story—briefly and powerfully. - Personal Branding.
Your résumé, cover letter, and online presence should all tell a consistent story about who you are and what you bring. Share your voice. Write posts. Comment on industry updates. Let people know you’re engaged. - Thoughtful Cover Letters.
Yes—some companies still read them. Especially when they’re tailored, clear, and connect your values with theirs. Use the cover letter to explain career pivots, gaps, or transitions in your journey. - Online Portfolios.
If you’re a creative, a consultant, or a tech expert—show, don’t just tell. Having a digital portfolio or website can really set you apart.
The Future Belongs to the AI-Literate & Proactive
Here’s the truth:
In today’s job market, the biggest risk isn’t being underqualified.
It’s being invisible.
Learning to navigate AI tools and recruiter expectations is not just helpful—it’s essential.
But it doesn’t stop with machines. You still need to connect with humans.
You need to build relationships, tell your story, and make sure people see you for the value you truly bring.
Final Thoughts & Invitation
If you’re listening to this and thinking, “This is me—I’m stuck, I’m ready, and I need help getting seen,”
I want you to know: you don’t have to do it alone.
At Bryght, our executive coaches specialize in modern career strategy.
We offer:
- Résumé reviews
- LinkedIn optimization
- Job search strategy sessions tailored for real humans in an AI-driven world.
Visit bryghtel.com or message us directly to schedule a consultation.
Let’s make your brilliance impossible to ignore.
That’s it for today’s episode of the Bryght Podcast.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend—or leave a review to help others find us too.
Until next time—stay visible, stay proactive, and keep shining your light.
