It may sound surreal, but it is a fact that many human resources departments and recruiters use special screening software for the first-line filtering of resumes. Software of this kind saves time when there are a large number of applications to consider by ranking the best match with an AI algorithm. Depending on the position requirements, the software will look for specific keywords and other set parameters like years of experience, sector, qualification, etc. in your resume and rank them low if these are not found. If your resume does not make it through the BOT labyrinth, it will never make it to the hiring official.
So, is there anything you can do to make your resume pass AI screening? Though I’ve said it before, I’ll repeat it again
👀Keep your writing brief and concise, so that ATS can understand what you’re saying.
👀Try to use the same terminology on your resume as the language of the vacancy posting, as some of it may be keywords.
👀Avoid heavy graphic elements, tables, logos, charts, etc. on your resume template, as software may have trouble reading the text.
👀Don’t place important details, like your contact information, in the header or footer of your resume document.
👀Don’t embed charts, images, unusual fonts, logos, columns, or other complex design elements. ATS will look for matching words and headings, and most are not able to convert to readable formats.
👀Do incorporate keywords from the job description that are essential to the role and with proper context.
👀Review what language, what licensing, what education, what software, and what skills are required and include those words.
👀Do use standard section headings and full titles: Contact Information, Education, Key Skills, and Work Experience.
👀Do proofreading. Misspelled words will not register as a match.
👀Do save your resume as a plain text file (.doc) and do not apply with a scanned document or online templates that are downloaded as an image converted to PDF.
👀 If it has garbled characters, or has sections that appear disorganized or rearranged, then it will not pass ATS screening.
The end goal is to have your resume reviewed by a human. An ATS-friendly resume is not that different from what a person is scanning. This means it contains relevant data and metrics, is keyword optimized, error-free, well-formatted for content and space, and tailored to the job
While most people believe the perfect resume is the one they sent and got hired, in reality, everyone should have a detailed and attractive resume that can get them hired in the specific role and company that they desire.
Follow me for more such career insights
✍️ Connect with me to get a professionally built Resume and Cover Letter & get your LinkedIn Profile Optimised.
#resumewriting #resumetips #careerfaktor #jobseekers #careercoach #jobsearchstrategy #resume #coverletter #linkedinprofile #atsresume #resumewriter #resumewriterinindia