5 Tips to Beat the Resume Bots - CareerAlley

5 Tips to Beat the Resume Bots - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Melanie Haniph at TopResume, the largest resume-writing service in the world, shares advice on how to update your resume to beat the bots. An applicant tracking system (ATS) does more than store resumes and help recruiters track a candidate throughout the hiring process. It also leverages a network of bots to scan, analyze, and rank incoming job applications so that a recruiter or hiring manager doesnt have to read every single incoming application. In an environment where the average job opening receives hundreds of applications, the ATS saves time by flagging or eliminating the candidates that appear to be the least fit for the job. TopResume, the largest resume-writing service in the world, analyzed 1,000 resumes from professionals in various industries and with at least eight years of experience to learn what resume mistakes will cause an ATS to eliminate a candidate from the pool of applications. Here are five tips to help you create a resume that will get past the ATS and into the hands of a potential employer. source Select the right file type If the ATS cant read your resume file type, its the end of the road for your application. While most people assume PDF is the best file type for submitting your resume, some applicant tracking systems cant read this file type. Only use a PDF version of your resume if the application portal specifies this as an acceptable resume file types. Otherwise, your safest bet is to use a Word document (.doc or .docx). Building a quality resume often takes people quite a long time. From early on into your time in school, you will be working towards creating a record to be proud of, through your school, work, and other parts of life. Tweet This Use a simple, standard format Most applicant tracking systems prefer resumes that use a simple layout where the work history information is presented in reverse-chronological order. Keep graphics, images, and charts off the resume entirely, even if youre applying for a creative design position, because most resume bots can only read text not images. In addition, stick to standard bullet points the more intricate your resume design is, the less likely an ATS will accurately read and parse your information. source Add relevant keywords An applicant tracking system is sometimes programmed to pick up keywords in resumes that relate directly to the position to which youve applied. To ensure your resume does not get flagged as a bad match to the desired skills and experience for the position, include relevant keywords at a frequency that will get noticed by the resume bots. For example, if youre applying for a sales position, you might use keywords such as, consultative selling, persuasion, or sales presentations. Find keywords for your resume by reviewing job postings, identifying the terms that are relevant to your skills and experience using a word-cloud generator like Wordle, and adding these terms to an Areas of Expertise section or your work history. Simply put, all entry-level professionals should have a one-page resume. For example, when youve just graduated college, there probably wont be much to put on your resume. Even if your coursework and relevant experience is extensive, you still only want a one-page resume because recruiters will see two pages or more as a fluffed resume, increasing your chances of being passed over. The same goes for all entry-level job seekers. TopResume Avoid headers and footers Believe it or not, a seemingly innocuous-looking resume header or footer could prevent your resume from passing beyond the ATS screening filters. In fact, 25 percent of the resumes analyzed by TopResume had at least a portion of their contact information considered unidentifiable by the ATS. Avoid having your contact details misread by the resume bots by placing important contact details like your name, phone number, and email address outside the header or footer of your resume. Double-check your resume One of the best ways to ensure your resume is compatible with an applicant tracking system is to test it. Once youve simplified your resumes formatting, added relevant keywords, and saved it in a generally-accepted file type, copy and paste the content of your resume into a plain-text document and review. If the plain-text version is missing information or the content has been rearranged or disorganized, assume that your resume will need further edits to pass muster with the ATS software. Resume Book Recommendation links Price: CareerAlley's resume book recommendation list. Great Resume Resources We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. It can be worrisome to think that missing keywords or resume formatting can prevent you from landing your dream job, but thats the reality of todays electronic job-application process. Recruiters and hiring managers want to find and hire the best talent, but most dont have the time or resources to sift through hundreds of resumes. Applicant tracking systems often help to bridge the gap and identify the best candidate for the job. So, the next time you click Apply, make sure your resume is designed to beat the ATS bots and help you land the job you deserve. TopResume Free Resume Review Price: TopResume writes and analyzes more resumes and LinkedIn profiles than any other service in the world. Let our resume experts provide you with objective feedback and personalized recommendations to improve your resume and land the right job sooner. Get a free, confidential resume review from TopResume Get Your Killer Resume We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. TopResume offers a range of services including expertly written and keyword-optimized resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Request a free resume review today to receive feedback on your resumes content and ATS compatibility. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to make a resume and cover letter that gets you hired. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search