In today's job market, almost all the job applications are sent either by mail directly to the company or on the job portals like (Drjobs.ae), so your application will be reviewed by a robot before it goes to human hands.
In other words, before your resume reaches the recruiter, it must pass the filtering algorithm of the "Applicant Tracking System (ATS)," so before perfecting your resume and cover letter to impress the recruiter you should first know how to create a resume that will influence the "robot" recruiter.
There is a study that Hiring managers spend only 6 seconds reviewing each resume they receive (if they receive it at all because the robot may discard it before it goes to his hand)?
Why does this happen? Because almost 90% of companies are using software called ATS or Applicant Tracking System to weed out the applications that they can't read or didn't match a certain standard to be read by a human.
How to Convince the Robot Recruiter (ATS) That Reads Your Resume?
What is an " Applicant Tracking System" (ATS)?
According to Wikipedia, " it is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment and hiring needs." So, hiring managers can add their specific keywords, skills, years of experience, previous employers to ensure that the candidate meets the organization's requirements. The ATS filters all the information in the resume and rejects 75% of job applicants before the recruiters even look at them, according to Preptel (one type of ATS company).So, how can you delight the robot recruiter system scanning your job application?
While tailoring your CV, keep the ATS in mind. Be honest in mentioning your skills, experience, and credentials, but represent them in a way that will impress the robotic system. Here are some tips:
- Keywords are keys
- Don't try to trick the robot
- Abbreviate and Explain
- Simplicity is always perfect
On the other hand, you can use Bold, Italics, underline, colors, and bullets (use the standard circle or square-shaped ones).
- Send the right file type
- " Mirror" the job listing professionally
Make sure that your resume covers as much as aspects from the job description. For example, if the job description includes skills like budgeting and management, mention all these skills. But always remember that Honest is mandatory. Please don't add anything that you don't have experience in it. Moreover, if you have other skills that you see will boost your chance of getting the job. Don't hesitate to mention it.
- Headers and footers are not for important info and Titles are not important
Besides, if you have a title like Ph.D., CEM, PE, don't use it beside your name because the ATS will read it as your last name.
- The ATS name increases your chance.
- Human touch still matters
Quick Tips:
You have to make sure that:
- All your email address, portfolio link, Linkedin URL, and other links are not live because the ATS will read these live links as a potential virus.
- You put your job title, company name, and location in one line, followed by dates on the second line.
- Name the file with your name and job title you are applying for. Don't just name it " Resume."
Never forget! Although the recruiters use the ATS as a tool to hire the top candidates while saving time and money, it can also be your golden ticket to get the job you always dream of having.
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