Does this sound familiar? I’ve applied for so many jobs online. I’ve not heard back from any of them. Now you ask yourself…
- Am I just being rejected by recruiters?
- Did my application get consumed by a black hole?
- Is there a robot standing in my way?
Believe it or not, the answer is “3” There’s a robot standing in your way.
It’s an Applicant Tracking System robot. Here are the 5 Steps to Tailoring Your Resume…
An explosion of Online Applications
Human Resource (HR) managers and recruiters can’t process the massive amount of online applications.
So, recruiters and hiring managers have turned to Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software to get through hundreds of resumes.
When you apply using an online form, you’re applying through an ATS.
Give your resume the best chance possible!
Tailoring your resume can wear you down.A great tool is a master resumethat can be tailored quickly and easily. If you don’t know how to write a master resume, check out Part 1 of 2, “Craft Your Master Military-to-Civilian Resume.” A master resume will contain all your experience and skills.
Use your master resume as a resource to consistently pull from and tailor your resume for each job you apply for. Your resume is a living document you should add to and improve frequently.
Tailoring a resume may seem like a daunting task, but once you get the hang of it, it should only take a few minutes. Outlined below are a few simple steps to take that will make a huge difference in how your resume is reviewed by a potential employer. Remember – a hiring manager will only review your resume for 10-15 seconds before deciding whether they are interested!
The most important thing is to make sure that your resume speaks to each job you’re applying for. Tailoring your résumé is the ticket to the interview!
Here is an infographic version of the 5 Key Steps to Tailoring Your Resume:
1. Change your header to match the job title of the position you are applying for. If you don’t already have a header on your resume, you should. Your header should match the job title exactly, so it is guaranteed to be recognized by an ATS. If the job description say Sr. Manager instead of Senior Manager, use Sr. period. It’s not just important for the robots, a hiring manager will also immediately associate you with the job they are hiring for. So, in this example, the header is “Global Operations Director,” is the title you would want to match to the job description.
2. Focus most of your time on the “Career Highlights” section which is the first paragraph in your resume. Eye-tracking studies have proven that the top 1/3rd of your resume is where hiring managers spend approximately 80% of their time. It should contain examples of your work experience that demonstrate why your experience supports the requirements of the job they’re hiring for.
3. Add keywords directly from the job description. You can utilize tools like Jobscan.co or SkillSyncer to help determine keywords and compare your resume to the job description and provide you a match rate % to see how you rank. They are a great place to start, but the best thing you can do is go through a job application yourself and be sure to highlight any phrases that start with an action word.
4. Remove any bullets or skills that are irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. This reduces distractions and aligns your resume with the position. Your job descriptions should contain examples from your work experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the position you’re applying for. It’s particularly important to tailor your skills section depending on
5. Include any additional relevant training or technical skills listed in the job description IN YOUR SUMMARY. A job description will list specific skills the company either requires or desires. Those requirements are your key to success, so ensure they’re on your resume.
Written by Cassie Hatcher, CEO of Career Confidence, a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Military to Civilian Transition Specialist who translating military leadership experience to ensure your resume is on-target for the civilian workforce.
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Have you experienced issues with getting through an applicant tracking system (ATS)? What did you do to get through or around an ATS?