You v. Skynet - Modern Day Resume Battle

Judging others, a time-honored tradition likely dating back to the days of cavemen complaining about their neighbor who spent all day painting instead of hunting wooly mammoths, provides a certain catharsis. These venting sessions, though often hyperbolic, offer a sense of shared understanding and a collective sigh of relief.

However, the perspective shifts dramatically when we become the subject of such scrutiny. In the professional world, this shift manifests in the job interview process. Your resume or CV becomes your primary advocate, a single document tasked with showcasing your skills and experience to potential employers. In today's competitive market, a well-crafted resume is no longer just a formality; it's a crucial tool, the modern spear, for securing your future.

In the olden days, aka five years ago, resumes typically landed directly on a recruiter's desk. Today, in this highly competitive job market, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Online applications and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, CareerBuilder, and LinkedIn have become the gatekeepers.

To succeed, your resume must not only impress a human reader but also navigate these sophisticated AI-powered filters. This requires a strategic approach that goes beyond traditional resume formatting. For a free resume example that demonstrates these principles, please visit the files section of our site located here! here!

Online Filters

The purpose of online applications are for the company to more easily filter out those that do not fit the bill. Each system is slightly different, but a few key metrics are common across each.

1. Job Description Analysis:

   • Keyword Optimization:

     • Thorough Keyword Extraction: Carefully analyze the job description for key terms, skills, and required software.

     • Resume Keyword Integration: Seamlessly incorporate these keywords throughout your resume in a natural and relevant manner. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can be counterproductive.

     • Target Top 5 Jobs: Prioritize keyword optimization for your top 5 target jobs to maximize your time and effort.

2. Essential Requirements:

   • Explicitly State Requirements: Clearly and concisely state all required qualifications, such as "Bachelor's Degree in [XYZ]," "Previous Sales Experience," etc.

   • Accurate and Honest Representation: Be truthful in your resume. Minor title adjustments are acceptable to accurately reflect the scope of your responsibilities, but avoid misrepresenting your experience.

3. Qualifications and Skills:

   • Highlight Key Skills: Emphasize relevant skills, including technical proficiencies (Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, industry-specific software), soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving), and any other relevant qualifications.

   • Provide Specifics: When listing software skills, specify the programs you are proficient in (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Word within Microsoft Office).

4. Quantify Accomplishments:

   • Use Metrics: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers and metrics.

     • Example: Instead of "Increased sales," state "Increased sales by 15% within 6 months."

     • Focus on Impact: Highlight the positive impact of your contributions.

5. Title Refinement:

   • Professional and Accurate: Choose titles that accurately reflect your responsibilities and experience while maintaining professionalism.

     • Example: Instead of "Janitor," use "Custodian" or "Maintenance Technician."

6. Additional Considerations:

   • Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application to align with the specific requirements and keywords of each position.

   • Proofread Meticulously: Ensure your resume is free of any grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues.

   • Seek Feedback: Have someone review your resume for clarity, conciseness, and effectiveness.

By following these guidelines and carefully analyzing each job description, you can significantly increase your chances of passing through ATS and getting your resume in front of a human recruiter.

Recruiter Filters

After passing the online filters, your resume will come in front of a recruiter. This recruiter may look at dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of resumes for the same position. Standing out with these sorts of odds is difficult, but the best take away is to A) Apply to as many jobs as possible, within reason B) Follow the below tips that give your resume that extra chance:

1. Follow Instructions:

   • Read Carefully: Always read the job description and application instructions thoroughly.

   • Submit Required Documents: If a cover letter is requested, always submit one.

   • Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application to match the specific requirements and keywords of the position.

2. Create Multiple Versions:

   • Two Approaches: Prepare both a traditional and a more creative version of your resume.

   • Consider the Role: Choose the format that best aligns with the company culture and the specific requirements of the job.

   • Design-Heavy vs. Content-Heavy: For creative roles, a visually appealing design may be more impactful. For more technical roles, a clean and concise format with a strong emphasis on skills and experience may be more suitable.

3. Quantify Your Accomplishments:

   • Use Metrics: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to quantify your achievements.

     • Example: Instead of "Increased sales," state "Increased sales by 15% within 6 months."

     • Focus on Impact: Highlight the positive impact of your contributions.

4. Strong Verb Usage:

   • Active Verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs to emphasize your contributions and responsibilities.

     • Examples: "Managed," "Led," "Developed," "Implemented," "Improved," "Analyzed," "Collaborated."

5. Honesty and Integrity:

   • Be Truthful: Always be honest and accurate in your resume.

   • Minor Adjustments: Minor title adjustments are acceptable to accurately reflect the scope of your responsibilities.

   • Avoid Misrepresentation: Never misrepresent your skills, experience, or qualifications.

6. GPA Considerations:

   • Omit if Low: If your GPA is significantly lower than average and you believe it may negatively impact your application, consider omitting it.

   • Focus on Strengths: If you choose to omit your GPA, emphasize your work experience, skills, and accomplishments to showcase your strengths.

7. Highlight Unique Interests:

   • Showcase Personality: Use the "Interests" section to showcase your personality and individuality.

   • Unique and Engaging: Choose interests that are unique and engaging, such as hobbies, volunteer work, or personal projects.

   • Conversation Starters: Select interests that can serve as conversation starters during an interview.

By following these tips and tailoring your resume to each specific job application, you can significantly increase your chances of making a strong first impression and landing an interview.

There are many more small tips, so feel free to message us or reach out if you have any further questions. Overall, finding a job is a difficult and stressful process, but if you develop a strong resume that is just one less item to worry about. Apply to as many jobs as you can and even those that may seem like a stretch. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get that Executive Regional Manager position. Weirder things have happened.