Creating a resume has evolved a lot over the last several years. The speed of change in the job search process is being driven by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), AI and targeted algorithms. Many companies are now relying on ATS to screen candidate submissions. This means that less resumes are actually getting reviewed by an actual Human Resource professional. Here are three resume recommendations to help you get through the Application Tracking systems:
1. Customize your resume.
Personalizing your resume to the job post is going to be key to jobseeker success in 2023. Review the job description for action words that are utilized multiple times. It’s also important to review the preferred skill section of the job posting. Be sure to embed your skill sets that line up with those openings within your resume. Start by making a list of the skills and requirements listed in the job ad and note which of those skills you possess. Add those to your resume using the exact same language as the job description. Doing this will help your resume get past an applicant tracking system and into the hands of a human recruiter.
2. Quantify results.
More employers are looking for the candidates to include specific data points within the resume. Recruiters want to know more about you than simply a boring list of skills. Bring your accomplishments to life by adding data points to your resume. Consider adding information about a stellar sales record, improved customer satisfaction survey results, or growing web traffic. Metrics can be identified in almost any role. Recruiters appreciate examples that show the impact your work has had in past roles because it gives them an idea of what you’d bring to the table.
3. Skip the fancy design elements.
Keep it simple. The name of the game is to keep your resume focused on your professional experiences and accomplishments. Be sure to avoid pictures or other superfluous graphics in your resume. With so many companies using applicant tracking systems (ATS), jobseekers need to use a resume format that is readable by ATS.
To start, review the design of your resume and remove any elements that might be confusing to the software. Busy borders, images, and other artwork can inadvertently get your resume thrown in the “no” pile. Using unusual section headers instead of the typical “skills,” “work history,” and “education” headers can also confuse an (ATS).
Getting through the automated nature of today’s job search is an important part of landing a job. The tips listed above will help ensure that your resume gets reviewed by a live human being.
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