7 Ways to Beat the 'Bots and get your Resume Read!

 

The Applicant Tracking System of ATS is used by most HR managers to streamline their hiring process.  These systems have been nicknamed 'robots or 'bots' and are programmed to compare the job descriptions keywords to the keywords in your resume.  If enough of them match, your resume makes it through to the HR Manager for review.  If they don't, a canned rejection e-mail is on it's way to you after a respectful waiting period. 

And to answer the question you are thinking right now: "No" neither the HR Manager or their appointed minions ever see your resume or your perfectly crafted cover letter. it's the epitome of "nothing personal".  
 
Algoriphobia
This filtering process, which saves the companies money and time,  is creating growing anxiety amongst job seekers. This anxiety has become so prevalent it's been given it’s own name:  Algoriphobia – fear of the algorithm.
 
How to beat the ‘Bots
Unless you already have an especially well developed network to connect you to the influencers for the jobs you truly want,  you will need to create an resume and by extension an application that the algorithm  flags as human eye-ball worthy, which can land you the face-to-face meeting and ultimately get you the job you want, you’ll have to adhere the to following best practices described by the experts:
 
Though cost savings for companies, it can leave job seekers feeling doomed.

1. use language from the Job Description in your resume. It's likely the programmer of the algorithm did also.
2. your Research and Use Industry-Specific Keywords throughout your Resume.
3. include Acronym but also make sure to write them out entirely. So you’re covered either way.
4. Submit a PDF to lock in your formatting.
5. Use Bolding and Underlining to highlight keywords and phrases.  So if it does get to human eyes, it’s will be easy to digest.
6. Stick to Standard Language; The ‘bots won’t pick up on creative or made-up words.
7. Include location information, if you know that position is location dependent.

Bonus Tip:  A longer resume is okay.  The Bots don’t care about the length of a Resume.  
If, you feel you are already doing all these things, still not getting anywhere and are beginning to develop your own case of algoriphobia, get in touch.  As your Career Coach, I can evaluate how effectively you have implemented the above pointers, especially tips 1, 2 and 6 and help guide you to success and past the automated gatekeepers to the job of your dreams.


Deborah Guy, is your coach for the personal side of a professional life. Helping  professionals like you manage your career effectively while creating a work/life balance that enables you to live the life your soul intended with clarity, care and courage!   Learn more and connect at www.DeborahGuy.Com



Deborah is a Professionally Certified and Experienced G5(Get Give) Career Coach
#Career, #Resume, #Interview, #Job, #Transition, #ATS, #HumanResources, #Hiring 

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Franck V.