When you apply for a job, is your resume reviewed by a human – or a machine?
Honestly, it could be either – or both!
For this reason, you need to make sure that your resume “makes the cut” with both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems.
What, exactly, is an Applicant Tracking System?
An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is a computer program hiring managers and recruiters use to make scanning and sorting resumes more efficient. The hiring process is often complex for large organizations, which frequently have high-volume hiring needs. An ATS helps streamline the screening phase of hiring and alleviates a huge burden for companies that may receive thousands of applications for a single opening.
So when you’re applying for jobs in CT, your resume should be both human- and screening-software-friendly. Today, A.R. Mazzotta provides practical resume tips you can use to get one step closer to the job you deserve:
- Choose the best keywords. Customize your resume for each position to which you apply. Carefully read each job description and identify the top 5 to 10 industry- and position-specific terms related to required experience, job skills or functional expertise.
- Include those keywords throughout your resume. While it may be more convenient to add a list of keywords to the top of your resume, you’ll be more likely to make the cut if keywords appear throughout your document.
- Select a standard resume font. Choose a single font (or two at most) and stick to it throughout the document. Arial, Georgia, Tahoma, Trebuchet and Verdana are common fonts that are generally readable by ATS software.
- Submit your resume in an approved format. In general, .doc, .docx and .txt file formats are your best bets – but be sure to comply with the requirements listed (.pdf, .rtf and .jpg formats are not ATS-friendly).
- Keep formatting simple. To increase readability, skip the fancy templates, special characters, graphics, borders, shading and multiple column formatting.
- Provide both common acronyms and full, spelled-out versions of terms. (e.g., include both CPA and Certified Public Accountant).
- Include the job title within your resume. This may seem obvious, but it’s a simple step that can make the difference between your resume being accepted or rejected.
- Use descriptors before vital contact information. List terms like “phone” and “email” before your contact information, to ensure the ATS can readily identify and categorize it.
- Use ALL CAPS to categorize the sections of your resume. Capitalizing section headers such as SUMMARY, WORK EXPERIENCE and EDUCATION makes it easier for the applicant tracking system to correctly categorize information.
- Check your email after you submit your resume. Many systems acknowledge submissions; but those emails may be directed to your spam folder.
In short, the easier you make it for an ATS to read and process your resume, the more likely you’ll be to pass the test – and get in front of a real human!
Follow this link for more resume advice.
A.R. Mazzotta treats you like a person – not just a resume.
Meet in-person with one of our Staffing Professionals to discuss your career objectives. We’ll talk about what type of job works best for you, the environment you like, your strengths and your salary requirements. We will explain our different divisions – temporary, temp to hire and permanent placement – and answer any questions you may have.
Then, we’ll carefully match your career goals, experience, talents and strengths with the company’s culture and the skill and talent requirements of the job. Our commitment to you is to provide the highest level of personalized service.
Learn how to apply with A.R. Mazzotta or search jobs in Connecticut here.