Wondering how to find a new job, but getting frustrated because you’ve applied over and over with no response? Your resume might not be making it past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools that screen candidates. Many companies now rely on these programs to streamline hiring—but they can push even qualified applicants to the bottom of the pile. That’s why we asked Sydney Myers, resume application expert at Jobscan.co, to share her insider tips for getting past these digital gatekeepers, making your resume shine.
Make it the perfect match
Tailor your resume for each job to include the specific skills and experience listed in a company’s ad, urges Myers. If, for example, a posting calls for a “minimum five years of customer service,” which you have—but didn’t list on your original resume—go back and add that.
Recruiters use ATS to search resumes for key criteria like skills, titles or years of experience. At the same time, AI tools rank applicants based on how closely they align with the posting. “If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords or match the job description closely, it may not show up in the recruiter’s search results, even though it’s technically in the system.”
While it takes a little extra effort to tweak your resume for each submission, the payoff is huge: People who customize their resumes are more than twice as likely to land interviews or get job offers than those who submit a generic cookie-cutter version, shows a recent Huntr.co study.
Choose a ‘boring’ design
When creating your resume, try to stick with a plain, simple format. While decorative fonts and pictures may seem like they add sparkle, they can confuse applicant tracking software. “At Jobscan, we’ve tested several popular ATS and found that not all of them understand documents with non-standard formatting features like graphics, tables, visual elements, charts or unique text elements,” says Myers.
If the system can’t read what’s on your resume correctly, it may never reach the recruiter. A clean layout—think 12-point Helvetica with no images—gives your resume the best shot at getting hiring managers to see it.
Use a free ATS checker
You don’t have to wonder if your resume will make it past ATS and AI filters—you can test it at no charge. “Just upload your resume to Jobscan.co, then paste in the description of a job you’re applying for,” says Myers. “The system’s proprietary algorithm determines how well your resume matches the requirements.”
After a quick analysis, you’ll get a score that tells you if it’s ready to submit. If there’s room for improvement, the program suggests easy changes—like adding key responsibilities listed in the posting—so you can strengthen your resume before sending it in.
Try the ‘old school’ method
One surefire way to bypass ATS and AI filters is by printing your resume, slipping it into a stamped envelope, then popping it in the mail at your local post office. “Mailing it isn’t going to hurt your chances, and for smaller or local companies, it can actually help,” Myers says.
That’s because job hunting is all about increasing your chances of companies noticing you, and you’ll be one of the few (if any!) who submit the old-fashioned way. “If you know the hiring manager’s name and can address it directly to them, it’s another way to stand out,” she adds. You can usually find this information on the company’s website or LinkedIn page.
After sending your resume by snail mail, be sure to apply online as well. While the paper copy shows your enthusiasm for the position and boosts your odds of catching a recruiter’s eye, the digital submission gets you into the company’s system, so they can track your application and move it through their hiring process.
Source – https://www.womansworld.com/life/how-to-find-a-new-job