We’ve all been there — you find an amazing job, submit your resume, and eagerly wait to hear back from a hiring manager. But days or even weeks go by without any response, leaving you feeling frustrated and confused. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in today’s job market due to automated resume screening software used by many companies.
How Does Automated Resume Screening Work?
Automated resume screening software uses a process called parsing to extract information from potential candidates’ resumes. The software scans the resume for specific keywords and phrases, such as job titles, education, and experience, and compares them to the job description. Resumes that meet the criteria are then passed on to the human recruiter for manual screening, while those that do not meet the minimum qualifications are automatically rejected.
Using resume screening tools has become increasingly popular among companies due to the hundreds of resumes received for each job opening. Recruiters simply do not have the time or resources to manually review every resume to find suitable candidates. Additionally, it can help eliminate bias in the hiring process, as the software is programmed to only look for specific qualifications and skill sets rather than make subjective decisions based on factors such as name or education.
Sounds stressful? The good news is that there are ways to make sure your resume gets past the resume screening process and into the hands of a real person. This article talks about some simple steps you can take to make sure that your resume is optimized and stands out.
8 Ways To Beat Automated Resume Screening Software
There are several things that you can do to make sure your resume makes it past automated resume screening software. Here are some tips for optimizing your resume:
1. Use job keywords and phrases in the headline and throughout your resume.
Include job description buzzwords and relevant keywords that match your skills and experience. This helps the software identify relevant skills faster, which increases the chances of your resume being passed on.
For example, if the job requirements list “proficient in Microsoft Office,” mention your proficiency with the software in your resume. Similarly, if the job requires specific certifications, such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, include that information in your resume as well. However, it is important to avoid keyword stuffing, as resume screening tools may flag your resume as spam.
2. Keep it concise and organized.
Focus on the most relevant information for the job you are applying to, and make sure your layout is clean and easy to read. Automated resume screening software looks for things that stand out — if your resume is too long or messy, it could be overlooked by the system and end up in the “no” pile.
3. Format correctly.
Use simple formatting, such as bullet points and clear headings. Avoid using too many graphics or images, as they might not be recognized by the software. Some companies will also require you to upload your resume in a specific format, such as a PDF or Word document. Don’t disregard this.
4. Use language that robots understand.
While it’s important to make sure your resume is written in an easy-to-understand language, there are some terms and phrases that robots can interpret that may not be clear to a human. With that said, include any relevant tech lingo or industry jargon so the software can pick up on your skills.
5. Customize for each job.
Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. Include keywords and phrases from the job description, as well as any relevant industry or company information. It’s convenient to have just one resume for all applications, but in the world of resume screening tools, this might not work in your favor.
6. Showcase accomplishments.
Don’t just list out your hard and soft skills — highlight the successes you have achieved in previous positions. This will help the robot screening resumes to pick up on skills and experience faster and make it more likely that your resume will be sent to a human.
7. Use action verbs.
When describing your work experience, use action verbs to showcase your accomplishments. Action verbs are words that describe an action, such as “managed,” “created,” or “improved.” By using these terms, you can demonstrate your impact and value as an employee.
8. Include contact information.
Include all of your contact information — such as phone number, email address, and social media profiles — at the top of your resume. It will be easier for a human to contact you if the bot finally brings your resume into their hands.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your resume is optimized to beat automated screening and get into the inbox of a human recruiter. After that, the ball’s in your court!
BestCompaniesAZ is proud to partner with many employers in Arizona looking for qualified candidates. Some of the top employers in AZ — such as American Express, Axon, Desert Financial Credit Union, Kubra, Voya, Workiva, Willscot Mobile Mini, and Northern Trust — have open positions you might be interested in applying for. These companies are always looking for talented individuals to join their teams, and we can help connect you with the right job opportunities.
Check out other BestCompaniesAZ partners that are hiring today.
