The vast majority of Fortune 500 companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS software sorts through resumes before a human ever lays eyes on them.
If you’re job hunting, there are a few things you need to know about writing a resume. Once you know how to improve your resume, the odds of getting passed to a real human are higher.
Read on for the best tips on improving your resume.
1. Understanding Keywords
ATS software identifies keywords in your resume. Search through job postings for the type of job you want.
Pay extra attention to the “necessary qualifications” section of the postings. Read the “requirements” section too. Notice the words the job postings have in common.
Those are words that are meaningful to the position. Sprinkle those words throughout your resume but only where appropriate.
And make sure your resume looks great too. How? Try a free resume template site like Adobe Spark Post.
2. Use Relevant Information at the Top
Putting your resume in chronological order isn’t necessary. The most relevant information should be at the top.
It’s okay to use a title like “Relevant Experience” and list the experience that pertains to the job you’re seeking.
Is your education relevant to the job you’re seeking? Put it near the top as well. Put a little wow factor near the top if possible too.
Did you win the “top sales” award in your last position? Put it right in your name at the top of your resume: Your Name – Award-Winning Sales Representative.
3. Use a Summary Instead of an Objective
Objective statements make your resume dated. The hiring manager knows you want the job!
Instead, use a “Career Summary.” Make the summary short. Include major achievements, employment history, and years of experience.
This is a short preview of what’s in the body of the resume.
4. Use Stats Whenever Possible
Percentages and numbers add a level of insight to your resume. Only use stats when relevant and verifiable.
Are you looking for a sales job? Did you already have one? If your sales numbers were great at your last job, go ahead and list them.
Are you a social media manager? Did your last social media campaign drive a high percentage of traffic to the company website? List the stats!
5. Improve Scanability
Recruiters and hiring managers read through hundreds of resumes a day. They can’t take the time to read every word.
Make paragraphs short with no more than four sentences. Use bullet points, but don’t overdo them.
Don’t cram too much on the page. Leave surrounding white space for an uncluttered look.
Now You Know How to Improve Your Resume
Now you know how to improve your resume so there are no more excuses! Use keywords so the ATS software flags your resume as a good match.
Put relevant information on the first third of the page. You only have a few seconds to impress the hiring manager.
Substitute an outdated “Objective” section for a “Career Summary.” And use statistics whenever possible.
Make sure your resume is easy to scan quickly. When you see the perfect job posting, you’re ready!
Was this helpful? Look for more articles like this on the blog.
Leave a Reply