Resumes optimized for ATS have an increased chance of getting selected for an interview by over 75% compared to non-optimized resumes.
Navigating how to create or update a resume is an information overload. Many opinions are floating in space, AI generation that may do it for us somewhat accurately, and templates that we don't know will work or if they just look cute. We need to be equipped and ready for battle when hitting the upload and submit button on our next job application.
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What the heck is ATS?
Businesses use ATS software or an applicant tracking system to scan resumes. When they receive hundreds of applicants in hours, they need something to aid their candidate search. ATSs can collect, sort, and rank resumes, store candidate information, and track application status. All of this may be helpful for the hiring side, but it may be a different story for all of us sending in resumes and hoping to get an interview.
Professional History Fundamentals
We will be going through one specific point of a resume: writing your professional experience or work history to make the overwhelming topic of resumes more digestible. This section may be one of a resume's most critical parts, especially if you don't have a formal education backing you up. If you don't have a formal college education to list on your resume or only have certificates. Put your work history above your education, but don't dismiss education because employers will be looking for it, and so will their scanning software. We will cover the education section in another article.
Organize your professional experience section chronologically, beginning with your latest position. Include the company name, duration of employment, job title, and a concise summary of significant accomplishments. Mention any critical skills enhanced or lessons learned during these roles.
Detail Your Professional Timeline Using Keywords
Keywords are like the SEO of a resume. Human or machine readers will parse your resume to see what you have done and whether you fit the role. With how competitive the tech job market is, it makes sense to do whatever we can to land an interview.
Follow these guidelines to refine your professional history:
- Quantify your contributions using specific figures to articulate your impact, helping potential employers gauge your direct value.
- Example: "Introduced a new supply request procedure that cut fulfillment times by 10%."
- Incorporate relevant keywords from the job posting. This approach aligns your experience with the prospective employer's needs.
- Example: "Exceeded the annual sales target by 250%, securing the Sales MVP award for two consecutive quarters."
- Keep it concise. Capture the attention of recruiters quickly by eliminating unnecessary words and focusing solely on significant achievements.
- Start descriptions with dynamic verbs to make a more potent impression.
- Examples: "Created," "Enhanced," "Led," and "Organized."
- Apply this format to all applicable experiences, including internships and volunteer work, to maintain a consistent and professional resume narrative.
Your Job Hunting Strategy
A resume is a significant piece of the puzzle of job hunting. If you aren't landing any first interviews, then you should be working on your resume. There is a disconnect between showing your resume and the hiring team. On the other hand, if you're landing initial interviews, don't waste your time worrying about your resume. It's getting traction, and you should be working on the next piece in the chain, such as your interview skills.
If you're in a career that utilizes a portfolio, remember to update it consistently when you return to the job market or enter it for the first time. It is also an integral piece of your job-hunting strategy. The critical part of a portfolio is to have something up; then, you can update and improve it as you go. Think of your resume as a formal written statement of your background and your portfolio as a portal into who you are and how you think.
Summary
Resumes are dry and grotesque creatures, but unfortunately, they are needed in our career hunt. Always research the best practices and stay informed in your current industry because some will be different. Since we focused on professional history, here are a few key pieces that you need to remember:
- Order work history chronologically: The most recent work should be at the top. You can add a reason for a work gap in your bullet points. Contract work is increasing, so it's common to see this now.
- Use keywords that match the job description: It's estimated that over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to help streamline their recruitment processes. Small to large companies are becoming more common users of ATS software in some form.
- Quantify achievements: Using metrics is essential, and when you can show the impact, it will directly show the employer your capabilities.
- Word choice: Since the resumes are being quickly scanned, do not overcomplicate because you need to include everything. If you read the job description, you should know what's most important to include. Ensure you start with an action verb to keep your statements potent and punchy.
- The CAR method: You can use the "CAR" method to describe your accomplishments: Challenge, Action, Result.
Stick with me, and stay tuned for more resume "fun" in this resume series.
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