Every week at Labor Solutions, we hear from people who have spent hours submitting job applications and resumes online and heard virtually nothing back. A lot of times, these folks are simply sending out too many applications and not spending enough time focusing on the skills that each job posting is advertising for. Most companies use software to filter the applications they receive online, and that system is designed to weed out a lot of less-qualified applicants to make the pool of candidates more manageable for recruiters. So how do you get your resume past the automatic gatekeeper?
Keywords Can Open the Door
When you apply for a job online, read the listing carefully. Make note of the specific terms used to describe the ideal candidate, then customize your resume to include those words and phrases. This doesn’t mean that you should exaggerate your actual skills, but describe your abilities using the same terminology that appears in the ad.
At Labor Solutions, we make it a point to keep up with the latest technology in recruitment. The algorithms and AI used these days to sort resumes and applications is more sophisticated than ever. Not only will these programs recognize keywords, they can, to some degree, recognize context. So when you incorporate the important keywords, make sure that you use them in a way that makes sense.
Despite the advances in technology, there are still some hiccups sometimes, especially when dealing with formatting. Fancy fonts, photos, logos, and other embellishments can be impediments for the software searching for key phrases. When submitting an application and resume online, opt for a simpler format, preferably in Microsoft Word.
Skip the AI with Labor Solutions
Of course, if you want to make sure that your resume lands in the right hands, send it to us at Labor Solutions. We review every resume that we receive and do our best to match your skills with what a local employer is looking for. If you have any questions, you can call us toll-free at 1-877-758-5035.
