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 it doesn’t have the right keywords or format.
This article was originally posted @Forbes by Lucy Paulise.
As International Update Your Resume Month is celebrated in September, it’s time to rethink your resume with AI in mind. 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 functionality. These technologies help ATS analyze and rank resumes more efficiently by:
- Keyword Matching: AI helps ATS identify relevant keywords and phrases in resumes that match job descriptions, making it easier to filter out unqualified candidates.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 keywords matching the job description and the skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer seeks. Carefully read the job posting and highlight the essential skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned. These are the keywords you should include in your resume.
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 with strict anti-discrimination laws. 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. Customize your resume for every job application
Customize your resume for each job application to match the specific requirements and keywords of the job posting. FlexJobs’ Career Expert states, “Resumes have evolved over the years, moving away from a generalized document to a single tailored document for each job application.”
This may sound time-consuming but focus on customizing 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. Join my Advancing Your Career group coaching to improve your resume and land the job of your dreams.
