Standing out amongst thousands of job applicants can seem impossible… But the good news is that we each have a unique combination of characteristics, skills, and experiences that naturally make us one-of-a-kind – it’s simply a matter of showcasing it in those job applications! So how might we do that? When I’m applying, I like to put myself in a recruiter’s shoes to know how my application gets reviewed. With that in mind, here are some insights, suggestions, and resources that have helped shape my perspective.
Getting Past Screening
💡Did you know that over 99% of Fortune 500 companies use AI to filter through applications (Fuller et al., 2021)?
But what does it take for an application to pass through that screening process?
🔑 Here are two things I like to ensure on my end:
- Right Match: AI software is programmed to look for applications that are a right match to the job, which means that it can sometimes disregard even the strongest candidates if their application doesn’t explicitly match the position. I therefore always include key-words from the job posting.
- Software Compatibility: if my application isn’t AI-friendly, the software won’t be able to read it for consideration. From that end, I keep my formatting simple by sticking to standard fonts, and avoiding tables, columns, headers, and footers.
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
🌟Not sure whether your application is AI-friendly? You can search “ATS compatibility check” into google and find websites that allow you to double check – I like to use Jobscan!
Keep It Neat!
So we’ve gotten our application past the system and into human hands, now what?
💡Did you know that recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds looking at a resume (Indeed Editorial Team, 2022)?
In those few seconds, the recruiter is judging our “book” by its “cover” to determine whether it’s worth reading, so visual appeal matters!
🔑 Here’s a checklist I follow to keep my application looking neat:
- Consistent formatting: Using the same font, size, and spacing throughout
- Clear Headings: Making section titles bold or slightly larger for easy navigation
- Bullet Points: Using bullet points for readability and to highlight key information
- White Space: Ensuring there’s enough space between sections to avoid clutter
- Alignment: Making sure everything is aligned neatly (text, margins, bullet ponts)
- No Typos: Double-checking for any visual mistakes or inconsistencies
Photo by Resume Genius on Unsplash
🌟 Templates are always a helpful tool – Sauder’s Resume Toolkit has some great ones!
Match The Resume To The Job
So we’ve convinced the recruiter to look into the content of our application, now what?
💡Did you know that it’s a common misconception that you need just one standard resume? That’s right! Resumes are concise self-reports, and although we can’t change our personal profile, we can change the way we market ourselves.
🔑 Here are some useful tips I like to follow for a rich resume:
- Metrics Matter: including numbers, figures, percentages, and specific references
- Quality Over Quantity: focusing on relevant experiences and developing them
- Show Rather Than Tell: highlighting my specific contributions, not just my job duties
🌟 Following the STAR Model can ensure that an application meets these standard!
Remember, our talent is already there—it’s all about how we display it. The best part? That’s completely in our control. With these tools in hand, you’re ready to take on the job market with confidence. Believe in your abilities and go show the world what you’ve got!
References
Columbia University. (n.d.). Resumes with impact: Creating strong bullet points | Columbia CCE. Career Education at Columbia University. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/resumes-impact-creating-strong-bullet-points
Fuller, J., et al. (2021). How leaders can improve hiring practices to uncover missed talent pools, close skills gaps, and improve diversity.
Indeed Editorial Team. (2022, July 8). How long do hiring managers look at a resume? Indeed Career Guide. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-long-do-employers-look-at-resumes
