The emerging job market is changing job search trends. The candidates are giving their best to be noticed by the employers. On the other hand, employers are flooded with applications, and your resume needs to capture their attention immediately while ensuring it passes the initial screening phase. If you are trying to figure out how to get the desired job by creating the proper resume, then this blog is for you!
This blog will guide you on how to make your resume stand out in the competitive world, make it Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) friendly and human reader-friendly, and help you design a resume that highlights your unique value and achievements.
Understanding Resume Optimisation for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
In many industries, the first hurdle your resume must pass is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It’s not just about impressing a hiring manager but also about ensuring your resume gets through these automated systems. Understanding and optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial to increasing your chances of interview or hiring, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate the modern job market.
What is ATS and Why Does It Matter for Your Resume?
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs most employers use to manage the influx of resumes they receive. ATS automates the hiring process by filtering out resumes that don’t match the required qualifications based on specific keywords and formats.
Why is this important? Because if your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may never be seen by human eyes. Employers can miss even highly qualified candidates if their resumes don’t meet the ATS criteria.
In short, understanding how ATS works is essential for getting your resume noticed. If it is not optimized, no matter how impressive your qualifications are, it may end up in the ‘no’ pile, significantly reducing your chances of landing an interview.
How to Optimize Your Resume for ATS Scanning?
Optimizing for ATS involves more than just formatting your resume neatly. Here’s what you need to focus on:
- Use Keywords Strategically: The ATS scans your resume for matching keywords that fit the job description. Use the exact terms mentioned in the job listing. For example, if a job posting says “project management experience,” ensure you have that phrase in your resume rather than a synonym like “project oversight.”
- Avoid Fancy Formatting: ATS does not function well with graphics, tables, and intricate design elements. Stick to a simple layout with simple sections for experience, skills, and education. Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid images or graphics that could confuse the system.
- Submit the Right File Format: Most ATS prefer resumes in .doc or .pdf formats, but checking the job posting for specific instructions is always a good idea. Sometimes, submitting a .pdf can distort the content if the ATS system isn’t compatible with that format.
- Focus on Clear Section Headings: Use conventional headings such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Unusual headings confuse ATS and lead to important sections of your resume being skipped.
By optimizing your resume for ATS, you significantly increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.
Designing a Resume that Showcases Your Unique Value
Beyond ATS optimization, your resume must also appeal to the human recruiters who ultimately take the final hiring call. Crafting a visually compelling and content-rich resume can catch the eye of employers in the competitive job world.
The Importance of Customizing Your Resume for Each Job
In the past, candidates used to create generic resumes for all job applications. Today, it’s essential to tailor your resume to the specific role you’re applying for. From beginner to senior level and manager to assistant manager, every job role is different, and the resume should be similar to that job role.
Tailoring your resume allows you to:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Customize the resume by focusing on your experiences and skills to match the job description. This demonstrates that you’ve considered the employer’s needs.
- Target-Specific Keywords: Include the key terms from the job posting in your resume to increase your chances of being hired by ATS and human recruiters.
- Showcase Your Fit for the Role: Customizing your resume for each application lets you directly address how your background makes you the best candidate for the position.
This level of personalization shows that you’re serious about the opportunity and sets you apart from candidates using a generic resume.
Using Power Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements
When describing your work experience, focus on actionable and quantifiable achievements. This is more engaging and impactful than simply listing duties. Power verbs such as “developed,” “managed,” “initiated,” and “improved” showcase your active role in past positions. Combining these with quantifiable results is even better. For example:
- Instead of: “Managed a team of employees.”
- Use: “Managed a team of 12 employees, increasing department productivity by 15% within six months.”
Numbers and metrics provide context and give recruiters a clear understanding of the value you brought to your previous roles. It’s much easier for them to envision your potential contributions to their organization.
FAQs
How can I make my resume stand out to employers?
To stand out, focus on customizing your resume for each job, using powerful action verbs, quantifying your achievements, and ensuring that your resume is ATS-friendly.
What are ATS keywords, and how do I use them?
ATS keywords are specific terms found in the job description that the system uses to filter candidates. Use exact phrases from the job listing, especially in sections like “Skills” and “Experience,” to improve your chances of passing ATS screenings.
Should I use a resume template?
Templates can be helpful, but ensure the one you choose is simple and ATS-compatible. Avoid heavy use of design elements that might confuse ATS systems.
How can I highlight my experience if I’m changing careers?
Focus on transferable skills. Highlight achievements and experiences that apply across industries and show how these can benefit the new role you’re applying for. Tailoring your resume for the job at hand is particularly important when switching careers.
Is it necessary to customize my resume for each job application?
Yes! Customizing your resume for each application shows the employer that you’re serious and increases your chances of being seen by ATS and recruiters.
Can I use design elements in my resume without affecting ATS compatibility?
Yes, of course! But we suggest you use it less. Your words and sentences should be simple and understandable to human readers and the ATS tool. Here is the list of things you should avoid:
- Unusual fonts
- Tables
- Graphics
Conclusion
If you want to increase your chances of selection for a job role, you need to transform your resume and make it more ATS-friendly and reader-friendly. From qualifications to skills, every section in the resume should match the job description. We are pretty sure that once you understand how ATS works, you will start focusing more on the right keywords and less on the design, unusual fonts, and graphics.
