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#ResumeWriting : 8 Tips To Optimize Your Resume For Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Updated your Resume But Haven’t Received any Interviews? MUst REad!

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Have you been working hard to update your resume but haven’t received any interviews? More employers are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Yours could quickly be sorted away if the right keywords or format are not there.

As International Update Your Resume Month is celebrated in September, it’s time to re-think your resume with AI in mind. As companies are relying on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring processes, these systems scan resumes for keywords and rank them based on relevance to the job description, meaning your resume needs to be optimized to pass through these filters and land in front of a hiring manager.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning algorithms to enhance their functionality. These technologies help ATS analyze and rank resumes more efficiently by:

  1. Keyword Matching: AI helps ATS identify relevant keywords and phrases in resumes that match job descriptions, making it easier to filter out unqualified candidates.
  2. Resume Parsing: AI-powered ATS can parse and structure data from resumes, such as work experience, education, and skills, allowing for more accurate candidate screening.
  3. Ranking and Scoring: AI algorithms can rank and score resumes based on how well they match the job criteria, helping recruiters quickly identify top candidates.
  4. Bias Reduction: Some AI-driven ATS aim to reduce unconscious bias by focusing on skills and qualifications rather than names, gender, or other personal information.
  5. Automated Communication: AI can also automate communication with candidates, such as sending acknowledgment emails or scheduling interviews.

Before starting to update your resume, make sure you define precisely the role or title you want to apply for. Once you are clear on the role you want, optimize your resume for ATS to increase your chances of getting more interviews.

1. Use Relevant Keywords

One of the most important aspects of optimizing your resume for ATS is incorporating the right keywords that match the job description and the skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is looking for. Carefully read the job posting and highlight the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned. These are the keywords you should include in your resume.

 

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Article continued …

2. Use a Simple and Clean Format

ATS can have difficulty reading complex resume formats. Use clear section headings like “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” Avoid creative section titles that might confuse the ATS. Use a standard font, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid using script or decorative fonts, images or tables.

Use bullet points and quantify your achievements by including numbers demonstrating your impact, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “managed a team of 15.”

3. Do Not Include A Picture On Your Resume

Including a picture on your resume is generally not recommended, especially in the U.S., Canada, and other countries where anti-discrimination laws are strict. Adding a photo can inadvertently introduce bias into the hiring process.

4. Choose the Right File Type

The file type you choose can affect how the ATS reads your resume. Use Word Documents or PDFs. Some ATS may have trouble reading text in headers and footers, so keep important information out of these areas.

5. Taylor your resume for every job application

Customize your resume for each job application to match the specific requirements and keywords of the job posting. according to FlexJobs’ Career Experts, “Resumes have evolved over the years, moving away from a generalized document to a single tailored document for each individual job application.”

This may sound time-consuming, but focus on customizing particularly the title and the summary section or BIO to match every job application.

6. Include a Core Competencies Section

When creating your resume, including a core skills section can improve the chances of your resume being recognized by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). In this section, list your most relevant skills, ideally aligning them with the keywords from the job description. If you aim for a one-page resume, consider dividing it into two halves: use the left half for skills and personal information and the right half for experience, education, and awards.

7. Check Your Resume with ATS Tools

Before submitting your resume, you can use online tools to check how it will perform in an ATS.

8. Focus on Relevancy

Finally, trim unnecessary details or irrelevant past experience. Remove outdated or irrelevant information that doesn’t align with the job you’re applying for. Your resume should highlight your most recent and pertinent experiences.

Optimizing your resume for ATS is a critical step in the job application process. By using relevant keywords, maintaining a clean format, choosing the right file type, and balancing ATS optimization with readability for human eyes, you can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed and landing more interviews.

Start implementing these strategies today to make your resume stand out in a crowded job market.

 

Forbes.com | August 29, 2024 | Luciana Paulise

#BestofFSCBlog : 5 Resume Hacks To Pass ATS. Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software Scans Resumes to Weed Out Applicants. A MUST REad!

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Applicant tracking system (ATS) software scans resumes and cover letters to weed out applicants based on factors set by the employer. This can include keywords, design and layout, length, and salary requirements. If your resume doesn’t make the cut, you won’t be asked for an interview.

Other companies direct applicants to apply online using one-word or drop-down responses and auto-fill resume features. One wrong response and, presto, you’re out!

This process can be incredibly frustrating to job seekers. Especially for those that are qualified for the position. With 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to vet credentials, it isn’t going anywhere soon. But there are some things you can do to increase your odds of passing ATS.

1. Focus on keywords. Read the job description thoroughly and circle keywords. Present keywords and phrases throughout your resume — but be honest! Here are tips on how to use ATS keywords on your resume.

  • Always include the company’s name and the exact position title on your resume.
  • Include a few role-specific keywords in the education and hard skills portion of your resume. Copy and paste keywords, not sentences from the job description. Include action verbs and specific skills from the job posting.
  • Do an internet search for relevant industry keywords to include. Compare the job posting to similar job announcements to pull keywords.
  • Don’t stuff your resume with keywords. Remember, at some point a real human being is going to read your resume.
  • Never lie about your abilities. If you cannot back it up, don’t write it down.

2. Stay away from PDFs. Often ATS misses pdfs, so use a Word document instead.

3. Ditch your headshot. Unless the posting specifically asks for a headshot, it is not necessary. Instead make sure your LinkedIn and social sites include a professional photograph. (And clean up anything on your social sites you wouldn’t want your employer to see … 67% of employers screen candidates using social.)

4. Avoid overused jargon or buzzwords. Never use clichés or overused phrases such as “self-starter” or “attention to detail.” Use a show, don’t tell approach on your resume and cover letter. Instead of “I am a self-starter,” write “I initiated a company-wide volunteer program that resulted in 1500 prepared lunches for school age children in impoverished areas.”

5. Avoid fancy graphic designs. Be basic. Use bullets to get your points across. Be succinct. Make sure that the information on your resume is easy to find and easy to read. In positions where design matters, you’ll be asked to present a portfolio where you can showcase your style.

Eventually, your resume will be read by a person. So, you want to be sure that it is easy to navigate, readable, professional, and includes information pertinent to human eyes … not just ATS. Here are some tips:

1. Highlight relevant experience. Make it easy for recruiters to pick out relevant experience over longevity of experience.

2. Use bullet points and short sentences. Hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of six seconds reading your resume.

3. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile. While you’re at it, update your LinkedIn profile especially concerning dates! (Pro tip: update your LinkedIn profile URL so that it is your name: example https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourname/).

4. Include a link to your portfolio, personal website, or social media sites. Make sure to include or include links to relevant and requested information. Not every position will require a portfolio, but if yours does, you better include a link.

 

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Just as there are things to include, there are aspects of a resume to ditch. Here are some tips to tighten up your resume:

1. Omit your GPA. Unless you recently graduated magna cum laude, there is no need to include your GPA. Work experience is more relevant.

2. Don’t include every job you’ve ever had. Part-time jobs, non-relevant jobs, and side hustles should not be included unless they specifically demonstrate why you’re qualified for the position.

3. Avoid discriminating against yourself. Unfortunately, age discrimination is real and it is really easy to slip information about your age onto your resume. Here are some tips to age-proof your resume:

  • Avoid using AOL and Hotmail email domains. Register for a new email on Gmail that is succinct such as your first and last name.
  • Remove graduation dates from your education section. De-emphasize irrelevant degrees. Instead, highlight relevant training and experience.
  • Avoid including jobs that are older than 15 years.

Job hunting is a laborious process, but you can increase your odds of an interview by following a few common sense tips. Also, be sure to use spell and grammar checks. Independently check for types (pro tip: read your resume backward so your eye catches typos more easily).  You can’t trick an ATS, but you can increase your odds of getting your resume in front of HR or a recruiter.

 

Forbes.com | December 12, 2022 | Ashley Stahl

#JobSearch : Tips to Get Your Resume into Human Hands. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can Eliminate your Resume Before Eyes Ever See it!!

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With the use of automation in today’s hiring processes, getting your executive resume into human hands through online portals can be virtually impossible. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can eliminate your resume before eyes ever see it!! Even though it is “easier” to submit your resume online, and takes much less effort, you may not get the outcome you want. The technology is in place to scan for certain keywords and keyword phrases in order to move through the hundreds of resumes submitted for a single position. Formatting plays a key part in ensuring the words are read and not bypassed.

To give yourself a fighting chance of getting your resume into human hands, here are some tips to consider:

Optimize Your Keywords

You probably know that keywords are essential in an effective resume. But which keywords should be used and how? Start with the job description. What words are you seeing multiple times? If you have these skills, use them in your resume. What about individuals who already perform this job? Use LinkedIn to read their profiles. What keywords do they possess? Once you have the list, incorporate these words into your resume, showing how you have used these skills in the past, and can use them to benefit the company in the future. This is the best chance you have at getting your executive resume through the automated keyword filter.

 

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Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Seek Out Connections

Don’t rely only on technology. Sometimes we forget to utilize the connections that we have made. You can bypass technology completely and start speaking with your network. Begin talking with people in your industry about your desire for a change. You can do this through LinkedIn, email, or events. When you make connections with people in your industry, you may not even have to send in a resume online. You still have to focus on writing an effective resume, so don’t think your connection will guarantee you an interview. It’s just one of the best ways to get around the initial resume submission stage.

Be Short and Concise

No one wants to read a long resume. You have an average of six seconds to impress a recruiter or HR manager. The first thing an executive resume writer should do is look how to tighten up sentences and sections. Try to keep your resume to two pages or less, but the shorter the better.

Choose Your Approach Carefully

Whether you choose to submit your resume online or in person, following up with the company is important to know where you stand. Sometimes your resume is filtered out right away because of keywords, but sometimes it could have been lost in the shuffle. Without checking in periodically, you may never know. Just be careful not to follow-up too much to the point where you look desperate.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn

 

FSC Career Blog – June 22, 2021