Most resumes never even reach a hiring manager; instead, they are stopped dead in their tracks by an applicant tracking system (ATS, full form of Applicant Tracking System).
These computer programs are designed to filter out underqualified candidates, and they often do so by weeding out resumes that don’t include certain keywords or phrases. As a result, it’s essential to optimize your resume for both humans and machines.
Here are 12 tricks to help you get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and into the interview stage:
1. Use keywords and phrases from the job listing in your resume
When writing your resume, it is important to keep in mind the keywords that these systems will be looking for. ATS filters are designed to match resumes with job descriptions, so including the same keywords that are in the job description will help your resume stand out.
2.Format your resume so that it’s easy to read.
In addition to matching keywords, you should also format your resume in a way that is easy for these systems to read. This means using simple, clear language and avoiding any fancy formatting that could make your resume difficult to parse.
3.Avoid fancy formatting that could confuse the ATS system.
While it is important to make sure that your resume format is ATS-friendly, it is also essential to choose a font that will be easily readable by both humans and computers. Avoid fancy fonts because some applicant tracking system (ATS) may automatically change unfamiliar fonts, which can alter the look of your resume.
To avoid any potential formatting issues, it is best to use a widely-recognized font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. By using a screen-friendly font, you can help ensure that your resume will be both readable and aesthetically pleasing.
4. Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job posting.
When writing a resume, it is important to focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. This means highlighting the elements of your background that are most likely to interest the employer. For example, if you are applying for a job in sales, you will want to emphasize your experience in customer service and your ability to close deals. If you are applying for a job in marketing, you will want to focus on your ability to create and execute marketing campaigns.
5.Include numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements.
Many people believe that resume writing is all about listing their education and work experience. However, simply including this information is not enough to make your resume stand out. In order to grab the attention of potential employers, you need to include numbers and metrics that quantify your achievements.
For example, instead of simply listing your job duties, include information about how you increased sales or reduced costs. This will give employers a better understanding of your skills and abilities, and it will help you stand out from the competition. So, when writing your resume, be sure to include numbers and metrics that showcase your accomplishments.
6.Use action verbs to describe your experience and accomplishments.
using action verbs can help to inject life into your resume and make it more engaging. For example, instead of simply listing your responsibilities at your previous job, you can use verbs such as “managed,” “supervised,” and “directed” to give a more accurate picture of your role.
Furthermore, action verbs can also be used to describe your accomplishments. For instance, rather than simply stating that you increased sales by X percent, you could say that you ” boosted sales by X percent.” By using action-packed language, you can make your resume more dynamic and give potential employers a better sense of who you are as a professional.
7. Use industry keywords throughout your resume.
8. Avoid overused resume buzzwords.
9.Tailor your resume to each job you apply for.
10. Add a resume cover letter.
11. Proofread your resume for spelling and grammar mistakes before you hit “send.”
12.Save your resume in a PDF format to preserve.
By following these tips, you can be confident that your resume will make it past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filters and into the hands of human recruiters. With a little time and effort, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and getting the job you want. Good luck!
Image credit – Pixabay
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