Writing a resume is hard enough. But in today\u2019s world you have to write it for human beings and for the Applicant Tracking Systems that screen them first. Where do you even begin?<\/p>\r\n
While it\u2019s tempting to just ignore the ATS and focus on hiring managers, this isn\u2019t a smart approach. In fact, 75% of resumes submitted to companies get blocked by automated systems. Even worse? More than 95% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to streamline the recruiting process. The bottom line is that if you want to get an interview<\/a>, you need to factor in the ATS.<\/p>\r\n This is your ticket to optimizing your resume for both ATS software and hiring managers. Read through it again and make a list of key skills, qualifications, keywords and phrases that are important. Then link your background to these areas on your resume.<\/p>\r\n You can even mirror some of the wording from the job description on your resume to get the best results. However, don\u2019t copy large blocks of text; only certain phrases that can help your resume stand out to the ATS.<\/p>\r\n Beyond what\u2019s in the job description, think about other keywords that are important to include. These can be anything related to your industry, such as common lingo, certifications, responsibilities, licenses, or procedures. Again, adding this kind of relevant wording on your resume will further optimize it for the ATS.<\/p>\r\n Sometimes, it\u2019s hard to know which word the ATS is actually screening for. For instance, if you\u2019re applying for a marketing position, you might want to include your experience related to \u201cSEO\u201d and \u201cSearch Engine Optimization.\u201d By using variations of important keywords, you can ensure all your bases are covered.<\/p>\r\n There can be too much of a good thing when it comes to keywords. Use them sparingly \u2013\u00a0a couple of times throughout your resume in different areas. Don\u2019t overuse them again and again, which will make your resume sound awkward. You likely won\u2019t even be able to get through the ATS since the newest technology is designed to spot keyword stuffing.<\/p>\r\n When you\u2019re writing your resume, use bullet points<\/a> throughout it, not long paragraphs of copy. This will make it easier for the ATS to scan your resume, as well as the hiring manager once they are reviewing it.<\/p>\r\n If you usually put your contact information or any other text in the header or footer of the word document, you might wind up confusing the ATS. As a result, your resume could get screened out. Skip using this area at all to avoid the risk.<\/p>\r\n Unless you are in a creative industry, like graphic design, avoid embedding graphics<\/a>, logos or any other type of visuals on your resume. This will jam up the ATS software\u2019s algorithm and it won\u2019t be able to scan your resume, as a result. In general, keep your resume as simple and clean-looking as possible. This will up the odds of it making it through the system.<\/p>\r\n You\u2019re best off with a sans serif font, such as Verdana or Tahoma, instead of the often-used Times New Roman. In fact, some screening software will reject the serif fonts, as well as script fonts completely. Also, keep your font to a readable size, never smaller than 11 points.<\/p>\r\n In the past, these have been the file format<\/a> that most resumes have been formatted in. However, when it comes to an ATS\u00a0\u2013 especially older ones \u2013 it reads text format more consistently. A PDF or Word Document, on the other hand, can cause parsing errors and problems, which can cause your resume to get screened out. It\u2019s not worth risking it and instead best to stick with a text format.<\/p>\r\n It used to be that a one-page resume was the gold standard. Today, though, a two-page resume is fine as long as you have the experience to back it up. In fact, a longer resume can even give you an advantage over other candidates with shorter resumes. It allows you more opportunities to sprinkle in keywords for the ATS software and helps you make a stronger case to hiring managers as to why they should hire you.<\/p>\r\n The takeaway here is that when you\u2019re writing your resume, you need to take the steps above and account for the ATS. If you\u2019re having trouble doing that, turn to a professional resume writing service<\/a> like ResumeSpice.<\/p>\r\n We know how to create a resume that makes it through the ATS and impresses hiring managers. You\u2019ll have a better chance at getting an interview, as a result. Simply call 832.930.7378<\/a> or contact us<\/a> online to get started.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Writing a resume is hard enough. But in today\u2019s world you have to write it for human beings and for the Applicant Tracking Systems that screen them first. Where do you even begin? While it\u2019s tempting to just ignore the ATS and focus on hiring managers, this isn\u2019t a smart approach. In fact, 75% of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1900,"featured_media":51454,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[755],"tags":[756,25,167,757],"class_list":["post-31765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-candidates","tag-ats-optimized-resume","tag-best-resume-tips","tag-resume-writing-service","tag-writing-resume-for-ats"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tHere are some tips for getting your resume through the ATS and into the hands of a human:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Review the job description.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Research other keywords.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Use variations of keywords.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Don\u2019t stuff keywords into your resume.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Use bullet points, not paragraphs.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Don\u2019t put any content into the headers or footers.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Avoid graphics and keep it simple.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Use a professional font.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Skip PDFS and Word Docs.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Don\u2019t worry about length.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Get professional help optimizing your resume.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n