Hey there, young job seeker! Did you know that 99% of Fortune 500 companies now use AI to screen resumes? This means that your resume has to make it past automated scanning and filtering before it even reaches a human's inbox. So, how do you ensure your resume catches the attention of these bots? Here are some tips.
First off, forget about including photos on your resume. While they may look good, AI systems only process text. Make sure all the important elements of your resume are in text format. Next up, keywords are key! Just like search engine optimization (SEO) works to get websites noticed, ATS looks for specific keywords related to the job in resumes. Not having keywords from the job description in your resume will give it low matching scores. Be sure to use words from the ad for the open position in your resume, but don't overdo it by stuffing your resume with too many keywords. When it comes to layout, keep it simple. Multiple columns, graphics, or unusual alignment can confuse these systems. Your resume should have a clean, simple layout with standard margins and clear headings for each section. Avoid using fancy fonts as well, stick to commonly used fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.
Lastly, don't forget to provide context. Don't just list your accomplishments without any context. For example, instead of saying, "Increased sales by 20 percent," say, "Implemented a new marketing strategy that increased sales by 20 percent within one quarter." This gives the AI valuable information to process. Remember, AI isn't the greatest with sarcasm or flowery language. They've been designed to look for specific keywords and precise information. So, be clear and concise about your experience and skills, and don't assume the algorithm scanning your resume will know you've done X, Y, or Z because of a job title. Oh, and make sure to use commonly used file formats like .docx or .pdf.
Sponsored
By following these tips, you'll have a better chance of getting your resume past the bots and into the hands of a human recruiter. Good luck on your job search!