Need Better Candidates? Stop Doing This!

Raza Rauf on January 15, 2018

Most companies recognize that their employees are their most valuable assets, but this point is only valid if you hire the right people and find better candidates. Selecting the wrong candidates can set your business back, lowering productivity and harming morale.

So, how do you make sure the best job seekers ultimately join your staff? By avoiding certain mistakes. Here are some tips to help you find better candidates today.

Using Antiquated Recruitment Methods

Technology is ever-changing, and it has a significant impact when it comes to hiring. Using old recruitment methods means you aren’t taking advantage of everything today’s systems have to offer and can lead to a less-than-ideal candidate being selected.

Instead of ignoring technological advances, do your best to embrace them. Everything from automated screening process to mobile applications to seeing social media as a resource can broaden your horizons, allowing you to connect with top talent and better candidates based on their expectations.

Relying Only on Major Job Boards

While some of today’s biggest job boards can be ideal for finding candidates for entry-level or general positions, they aren’t the best choice for niche roles. If you need a highly specialized set of skills, you may achieve better results by finding a job board that focuses on a particular field, industry, or kind of professional.

Candidates who use niche job boards are more likely to possess the types of skills you’re seeking, and automatically limits the number of applications that will be submitted from those who don’t have the competencies you hope to locate. This can be a serious timesaver, especially for highly technical roles.

Posting Vague or Uninspiring Vacancy Announcements

If your job posting is too vague or doesn’t elicit excitement in the applicants, you’re not likely to find the kind of passionate and skilled job seeker you are hoping to locate. In contrast, if the job description is enticing and well-thought-out, you increase your odds of finding qualified candidates who are excited about the role.

The way your vacancy announcement is written plays a large role in your ultimate success, so taking some extra time to make it interesting and thorough is worth the effort.

Limiting Your Search

Some companies rely on one or two recruitment methods to help find candidates, particularly if they had a reasonable about of success in the past. However, not all job seekers use the same resources, so, by limiting your options, you could be missing out on top talent.

Instead of sticking with the sources you’ve used in the past, consider branching out, especially if you are struggling to find quality applicants. By using this approach, you may gain access to a new candidate pool, allowing you to connect with professionals who may have otherwise not become aware of your vacancy.

If you are looking to add new talent to your team, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you find today’s top candidates. Contact us to see how our services can connect you with the better candidates you need to succeed.

Looking for a Career in IT? Here Are Ones to Aim For (And Avoid!)

Raza Rauf on January 12, 2018

One estimate by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics says there will be 1 million more available IT jobs than applicants by the year 2020, showing just how smart a career in IT can be. But, like any field, not every role is created equal, and choosing the right one today can mean the difference between having a long and lucrative career or being considered obsolete in a short time.

If you are looking at a career in IT, here are the specialties to aim for, and a few you should avoid.

Analytics Is Hot

As companies collect more and more data, many are struggling to process the information fast enough to gain valuable insights in a timely manner. This has put an increased focus on the field of data analytics, making it a wise choice for those interested in pursuing a career in IT.

Like many tech jobs, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is often required to get started, and some positions require specialized skills in areas like IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, so additional certifications can also help you get ahead.

Silos Are Disappearing

Not long ago, professionals were highly focused in specific areas in IT, often operating somewhat autonomously. Now, these silos are disappearing as pros who concentrated on areas like infrastructure, application development, network operations, and security begin to work more closely together.

While you may still end up with a somewhat specialized skill set, IT workers must not be willing to cross the lines that once kept them separated. Otherwise, their careers could come to an abrupt end as technology continues to intertwine these roles.

Security Skills Are a Must

Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for companies, and that has led security to play a part in nearly every position. While security-oriented professionals will still have their place, every IT employee is having to acquire skills related to their roles.

However, since some of the training one would need isn’t commonly available, and the coursework is often missing from degree plans focused on areas like computer science, those who get onboard early can position themselves to move forward in their careers with greater ease.

Vendor-Specific Security Certifications Are Out

Since security is so important, many IT pros may consider acquiring vendor-specific security certifications. But, these aren’t as in-demand as they used to be, especially since the associated training tends to be highly feature focused and doesn’t always account for the myriad of challenges businesses face today.

For those interested in bolstering their security credentials, choosing training that is more all-encompassing instead of vendor-specific is the wiser approach, particularly if you want to impress today’s employers.

If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new career in IT, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with information and opportunities. Contact us to see how our knowledgeable staff can help you take the next step in your career in IT today.

2018 is the Right Time to Quit That Job You Hate

Raza Rauf on January 8, 2018

Sometimes, you know that you aren’t in the right job. Maybe the idea of showing up every day feels almost intolerable, or you spend your days bored. But, even if you know you’re in a position you hate, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to walk away, especially if it seems like you are abandoning everything you’ve managed to accomplish there. The right time to quit can be hard to understand.

It isn’t uncommon to fear change, no matter how tough your current situation happens to be. But sticking in a job that you hate isn’t doing you any favors, particularly if it keeps you from advancing in your career. If you’ve felt trapped in your position, 2018 may be the perfect time to quit and make a change. To help you get in the right mindset, here’s what you need to do.

Acknowledge What’s Changed

In some cases, your first step to moving on is to recognize that a choice that was right for you yesterday might not be what you need today. Few professionals choose a job expecting it to outlive its usefulness, but it happens all the time.

Start your preparations by recognizing how you’ve changed over time, creating the psychological distance you need to head in a new direction. Once you understand that it’s okay to begin something new, leaving a bad job will become easier.

Understand What You Aren’t Giving Up

Part of the fear of leaving a job has to do with the shift to your identity that comes with making such a change. But, it’s important to remember you are more than your current role, so reminding yourself of what will remain intact can be beneficial.

For example, think about your family and friends who will remain by your side, or the hobbies and passions you’ll continue to pursue. By reviewing everything that won’t change, the idea of taking your career in a new direction will seem less intimidating.

Recognize That Life Doesn’t Always Follow a Linear Path

While the idea of following a straight path through your career is enticing, it isn’t worth it if you’re miserable every step of the way. Sometimes, we have to deviate from the original plan to reach a point of fulfillment, and that can mean making a job switch.

Yes, deciding to make a change is scary, representing a range of uncertainties, but choosing to allow yourself to pursue something that will provide you with a sense of satisfaction can be the right move, especially if you hate your current job. In the end, making a switch could be the best decision you make, letting you take your career to a better destination in 2018 and beyond.

If you are interested in securing a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with Michigan jobs and Ohio opportunities. Contact us today to see how our services can help you find the kind of role you need to experience the job satisfaction you deserve, and figure out when the right time to quit your old job comes.

Should You Bid Farewell to Your Cover Letter This Year?

Raza Rauf on December 29, 2017

Many job seekers have heard statements alluding to the idea that the cover letter is dead. Often, these take the form of suggesting that hiring managers don’t actually read them, making them useless to those looking to secure a new position.

But, this isn’t necessarily true. Cover letters can still be a valuable tool, depending on how you are managing your job search, whether you have certain unique goals, and if you need to provide details that a resume doesn’t cover.

Here’s why you shouldn’t say farewell to your cover letter just yet.

Connect with the Employer

A cover letter can play a crucial role in your job search if you see it as an opportunity to connect with the employer. Ultimately, hiring managers are looking for candidates that understand what the company is about and the function they serve within the larger community. If you can use your cover letter to show that you “get” the business, you can use it to stand out from the competition.

Being able to convey your respect for what the company has accomplished and why you admire the business is almost guaranteed to make a positive impression. Then, if you can couple that with examples as to how you can help them further their goals or fit into with their priorities, you significantly increase your odds of being able to advance in the hiring process.

Career Changes

Some job seekers aren’t pursuing a job in their original field, and making a career change often requires more effort and additional explanation. A cover letter can be an ideal platform for explaining your goals as well as relaying how your skills and experience apply to your new target field.

Without a cover letter, a hiring manager may assume that a resume full of experience in another field isn’t worth their time as they may believe it was either submitted in error or that the person isn’t actually serious about landing the position. Your cover letter allows you to provide the context they need to understand your motivations and clearly picture how your skills apply in an environment that differs from those you worked in previously, making it incredibly valuable to your job search.

Employment Gaps

Many people have gaps in their employment history, but you don’t get the opportunity to explain what happened in a resume alone. A cover letter gives you a chance to provide some additional details that can help put the hiring manager’s mind at ease, especially if the gap is recent or substantial. So, in this case, forgoing a cover letter could leave the hiring manager with doubts, so adding one can make a real difference.

While a cover letter isn’t always necessary when you apply for a job, it is still important in many situations and shouldn’t be abandoned just yet. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today to find out more about what our services can do for your job search.

Double Check This List After Your Clerical Interview

Raza Rauf on December 25, 2017

When you leave a clerical interview feeling like you’ve done an amazing job, you often look forward to the next steps in the process. But many job seekers aren’t sure exactly what they need to do once they head out of the hiring manager’s office, leaving them contemplating what they should do now.

Since you’ve got a lot of positive momentum, it’s a smart move to ride that high to get things done. With that in mind, here are a few things to take care of after you leave your clerical interview.

Refuel and Rehydrate

Snacking and enjoying a beverage is generally not something you’ll do during a clerical interview, so, after you leave, you might want to grab a bite and a beverage to help you recharge. Don’t be afraid to take a quick break and enjoy a treat. After all, interviewing is stressful, and a small reward is definitely in order. Plus, it will make it easier to keep pushing through the day ahead, including getting through the next items on this list.

Jot Down Some Notes

Since your interview experience is still fresh in your mind, now is the perfect time to write down some key points from the meeting. Soon you’ll be crafting thank-you notes and having a few ripe details to add can make it easier to tailor your message to each interviewer and include more meaningful content. So, take a moment to jot down some of the most memorable moments. That way you can use your notes to refresh your memory down the road.

Make a Note of What Has You Excited About the Opportunity

Another vital tidbit to write down is what about the job truly has your attention now that the interview is over. Since you’ve likely gathered some additional details about the position, you probably have a clearer picture about what the opportunity means to you. So, if something has you excited to move forward, jot down that point so that it is easier to communicate why you are so enthusiastic in the future.

Send Thank-You Notes

Now that your thoughts are organized, it’s time to write and send thank-you notes. Review the important details you recalled earlier and use that information to create a message that says more than “thank you for taking the time to meet with me” and “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Schedule Follow Up Message

Once your thank-you notes are sent, you can add a calendar reminder for your follow up email. Exactly when you need to schedule this depends on whether you were given a timeline for feedback. If so, then create a reminder for one business day after the date you were provided. That way, if you don’t hear back, you know it is safe to reach out.

If you didn’t receive a timeline, schedule your reminder for one week after the interview. Generally, that is considered an acceptable window for asking about the timeline or updates about the next steps.

Then, when your reminder pops up (if you haven’t heard anything), you can craft your follow-up email and send it on its way.

If you are looking for a new clerical position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with leading employers. Contact us to see what may be available in your area today.

Scoop Up December’s Best New Grads!

Raza Rauf on December 22, 2017

When you think of college graduation season, you most likely focus on the summer. But, there are actually a lot of new grads who are just starting to receive their diplomas. And that means they are poised to join the workforce. If you are seeking out educated entry-level professionals, now is a great time to start looking for top talents who just completed their degree. To help you scoop up the best new grads, here are some tips to get you started.

Don’t Focus on Pedigree

Certain colleges and universities reputations proceed them. While it may be tempted to focus on these graduates, it could mean that you miss out on an extraordinary young professional who attended a different school.

In many cases, a strong pedigree doesn’t automatically mean the candidate will be a success. And graduates from state universities and local community colleges likely still have the skills you need. Unless you are hiring in an industry like healthcare where pedigree can have a substantial impact, don’t forgo an otherwise qualified candidate just because they didn’t go to a top 10 school for the field.

Examine GPA and Relevant Coursework Properly

Many hiring managers look at GPAs and relevant coursework to help gauge a new grad’s skills, since they often don’t have much (if any) work experience in the field. However, you want to make sure you approach this properly to get the best results.

It can be helpful to know the average GPA of graduates of the particular school’s program to help you better evaluate a person’s performance. For example, a 3.8 GPA may seem impressive until you hear that the average GPA for the program is a 3.7. Similarly, a 3.8 may be an incredible accomplishment if the average is a 3.1.

Relevant coursework is often easier to assess, as many universities provide copies of their catalog online. This gives you a glimpse into what the classes actually covered at the specific school, making it easier to gauge what the graduate likely learned along the way.

Internships and Work Experience

Not all college programs require internships for graduation, but those that participate in such an arrangement often have some real-world experience in the field as well as professional references. Similarly, grads who secured jobs in related to their major may also be better equipped to hit the ground running, which can be particularly valuable when you need someone who can start being productive quickly.

However, just because someone doesn’t have an internship or seemingly relevant employment history doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be a great employee. Don’t overlook other forms of experience, like clubs and volunteering that can demonstrate the job seeker knows how to function in a structured environment and may have acquired valuable soft skills.

By using the tips above, you can increase your odds of finding the best new grads available today. If you would like assistance filling your job vacancies, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to see how our services can make your hiring process more effective and efficient today.

How to Turn Your Internship into a Career

Raza Rauf on December 18, 2017

An internship is a great opportunity to learn new skills in a real-world environment, but it can be a chance to secure a permanent full-time job if you play your cards right. Often, companies will work to keep talented interns on staff, especially if you can prove your value to the organization in the short time you have with them. To help you turn your internship into a starting point for your career, here are some tips to follow.

Be Observant of Others

Those working around you can provide you with significant insights into the unwritten rules that define the company’s culture. By learning to follow those rules, you can fit in with greater ease, making you seem like a natural part of the team. This makes it more likely that people will see your exit as something to be avoided, increasing the odds you’ll be invited to stay.

Give Your Work Your All

Even if your work is low-level, you want to show you are dedicated to doing the best job possible. By applying yourself to every task you are given, people will be more inclined to offer you more advanced work. Plus, this helps build trust between you and those you work with, as you aren’t treating your duties as though they aren’t worth your time.

When you are an intern, people are relying on you to do your part, so always give it your all if you want an opportunity to stay.

Be Mindful of Your Attitude

No matter how dull or mundane your tasks tend to be, you want to put forth an effort to complete them with a smile. If you allow negativity about your duties to affect your attitude, people will notice, and they won’t be as interested in keeping you around. However, if you remain cheerful regardless of how low-level the task may be, people will assume you are a team player who is willing to do what it takes to help the company, and that’s certainly a powerful impression to make.

If You Don’t Have Enough to Do, Say Something

While a little bit of downtime is nothing to stress about, frequently having nothing to do is a problem. If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, be proactive and speak with your manager. Let them know that you have finished your tasks and ask if there is anything else you can do to help the team. This lets them know you are a go-getter who wants to keep moving forward, and, often, they’ll be grateful for the extra hand.

Make Connections

Typically, it feels more natural to connect with other interns while you are with the company, but forgoing relationships with full-time employees means you are missing out on great networking opportunities. Make an effort to get to know your other co-workers too. Not only can they be a wealth of knowledge, but they also may come to bat for you to help you secure a full-time position.

While there is no guarantee your internship will turn into something more, by following the tips above you can increase your odds of being asked to stay.

If you are currently looking for a new job opportunity, the team at The Advance Group can help you explore new options. Contact us today to see what may be available in your field.

Want to Hire Better Next Year? Start Understanding Your Candidates Better

Raza Rauf on December 15, 2017

Hiring managers often wish they could get a glimpse into a candidate’s head instead of having to second-guess their every move and answer. While mindreading still isn’t an option, a recent survey provided a substantial amount of insight into how job seekers think. And that can help you hire better in the future.

Here’s what you need to know.

Professionals Want to Hear About New Opportunities

While low unemployment rates can make it seem as though there aren’t enough viable candidates available, the vast majority of professionals are interested in new opportunities, even if they are currently employed. That means there is a large potential talent pool that isn’t showing in the unemployment statistics, so don’t be afraid to target these workers when posting about a vacancy.

Additionally, nearly two-thirds of professionals who recently changed jobs who were surveyed admitted they knew either nothing or very little about their newest employer before the found out about the position. This means you don’t necessarily have to have a prior connection to the potential candidate for them to be interested in your opportunities.

They Want Information About You

One of the biggest pet peeves for candidates is when they look for information that would give them a better idea of what it’s like to work for you, and it just isn’t there. In some cases, this means that they are finding the information on your website too vague to give them a solid concept of what you are like as an employer or they have trouble finding details in other common resources, like Glassdoor or even the job announcement itself.

Since candidates are more focused on company culture and work environments than ever before, giving them access to additional details can make you a more attractive potential employer. This can include providing insights on your website about what the company is like from an insider’s perspective, adding points about the company culture and employee perks to the job announcement, or even creating a blog that makes sharing this information more natural.

They Have Priorities

While money is still a significant factor in whether a person applies to a new position, it is a detail that is often not provided in a job announcement. Many companies try to keep this information private for a variety of reason, but not making either a salary minimum or standard range accessible in the vacancy posting means some top talent may make assumptions that affect whether they would either apply or accept the opportunity. Being forward about salary makes you seem more transparent and ensures that those who apply are open to working at or near that rate.

Company culture, as mentioned above, also plays a substantial role, making it crucial that you share insights that can help job seekers determine if your workplace might be a good fit. Additionally, work-life balance is more desirable than ever, so showing that your company supports initiatives designed to make this achievable can help you connect with higher-quality talent.

If you are looking to hire better staff members during the upcoming year, the team at The Advance Group can connect you with top talent in the area. Contact us today to see how our services can help you hire better in 2018.

New Year, New Industrial Resume!

Raza Rauf on December 11, 2017

With the new year just around the corner, many people have their eyes set on the future. If you’re looking for a new industrial position, now is the perfect time to polish your resume, giving it a fresh look and ensuring it will entice prospective employers into calling you for an interview.

One of the biggest points job seekers struggle with when it comes to their resume is the length, especially if you’ve been working in the field for some time. Some people are hesitant to cut down the information, fearing they’ll remove a detail that will make the difference between moving forward and having their application discarded.

But, if your industrial resume is too long, it may be a turn off to the hiring manager, especially if they are pressed for time. To help you get your industrial resume into tip-top shape, here are some tips for cutting down to length.

Aim for One-to-Two Pages

While there is no hard-and-fast rule regarding the length of your resume, generally it shouldn’t be more than one-to-two pages, even for jobs that require a substantial amount of experience.

Some research suggests that hiring managers only spend a handful of seconds reviewing your resume, so you want to make sure they see the most important information quickly. And anything beyond the second page is almost certain to be ignored.

In fact, for an entry-level position, even going beyond a one-page resume can hurt your chances, so try to be as concise as possible.

Target Your Content

Often, a resume ends up longer than necessary because it isn’t targeted for the position. If you’re trying to add every detail about your career, you can be sure that at least a portion of that information isn’t actually relevant to the role, or to the hiring manager.

Instead of listing every skill and activity, choose those that best speak to the job posting. You can do this by reviewing the vacancy announcement, identifying the employer’s priorities, and selecting content that discusses those points specifically.

Ultimately, you want to make things simple and concise, so remove any superfluous words and work to get to the point as quickly as possible.

Adjust Your Formatting

Sometimes a resume ends up being more than two pages because of formatting choices. For example, some fonts take up more room than others, even when the same size is used, and wide margins give you less space for content.

Review your document to make sure you are using the ideal format and font. Often, fonts like Calibri and Times New Roman are preferable, and make sure to set whichever you choose to 11 point. Then, check your margins to ensure they are all set to one inch.

If you have extra formatting, such as horizontal lines dividing sections, consider removing it if it isn’t absolutely necessary, as they take up space and can artificially inflate the length of your resume.

By following the tips above, you can get your industrial resume shortened to the right length. If you are looking for a new industrial position, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the leading employers in the area. Contact us today to see what job openings may be available to you.

Do You Have the Background for a Marketing Position?

Raza Rauf on December 8, 2017

Many people are intrigued by the possibility of a marketing position. It’s a diverse field that contains a wide range of job opportunities in almost every industry, encompassing work in mediums as varied as television, print, and social media. The idea that your vision could be experienced by others is also incredibly enticing, especially if you get to work with highly recognizable brands.

To enter the exciting field of marketing, you need the right background. Here’s what you need to know.

Education

Most marketing professionals have at least a bachelor’s degree in the field. This helps you acquire foundational skills as well as an understanding of crucial principles that govern many decisions about how to create and manage campaigns, what platforms will yield the best results, and how to target the content to a specific demographic. You’ll also learn about reputation management, or how to make sure that customers see the brand in a positive fashion, which is critical for overall success.

Additionally, many marketing students pursue internships to help them gain real-world experience while they work towards their degree. While these may not be a graduation requirement, they can help you get a leg up on the competition and allow you to refine your skills with an actual company.

Some people choose to pursue an advanced degree, which can be helpful if you want to eventually reach the upper echelons of the marketing profession. However, this isn’t necessarily a requirement to begin working in the field.

Skills

Aside from relevant hard skills, a broad range of soft skills are especially beneficial to a marketing position. First and foremost, you need to be an exceptional communicator, both in-person and in writing. You’ll often be responsible for creating potential ad content (typically done in writing) as well as presenting ideas to co-workers, managers, and even clients. Usually, the process of creating campaigns and generating ideas is collaborative, so strong teamwork skills are also highly useful.

At its core, marketing is a creative profession, so being able to think creatively is a necessity. This includes coming up with unique ideas and approaches. Further, you’ll need to create visual presentations to coincide with your plans, which often combines artistic prowess with aesthetic vision.

You’ll also conduct a lot of research to assist in identifying target markets, customer preferences, and ideal mediums based on the client’s goals. Plus, you’ll need to get to know the ins and outs of the product being advertised, making it easier to create a campaign that shows it off in the best light possible.

Marketing is also all about having a solid strategy, so strategic thinkers with long-term vision are also prized by companies and marketing firms.

Other skills may be required depending on the preferences of the company that’s hiring, so consider investigating your dream marketing position to see what it takes to land them, and use that information to guide your efforts as you begin working in the field.

If you are looking for a new marketing position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you locate your ideal opportunity. Contact us today to see how our services can benefit you.

Is the Labor Market Going to Help or Hurt Your Recruiting Process?

Raza Rauf on December 4, 2017

Even though the Great Recession is becoming more of a forgotten memory with every passing day, the aftereffects of the downturn are still impacting the labor market today. While the number of available jobs has risen significantly over the past few years, there are still millions of unemployed Americans looking for work. And, of those, nearly two million have been unemployed for six months or more, having them qualify as long-term unemployed.

Here’s what you need to know about the current labor market and how it can help or hurt your recruiting process.

Data Makes Things More Competitive

Many companies have turned to data to help them find top candidates in their field. While this sounds like it would help businesses locate the talent they need, the sheer volume of opportunities to capitalize on the information has more organizations using the same processes to try and get ahead.

Social media and other public data sources have made information highly accessible. So, while you may find a great candidate on these platforms, it’s unlikely you’re the only one who’s taken notice. This means you need to focus on creating value for job seekers to help attract them to your vacancies, and that isn’t necessarily a small feat.

Long-Term Unemployed May Come With Risks

It would seem as though long-term unemployed job seekers are the ideal area to focus on, but it can actually be a challenging route depending on the position. For example, tech professionals who’ve been out of work for a significant period of time, and haven’t been working to maintain their skills on their own, may be falling behind the curve. The tech sector changes rapidly, and it’s easy for those who aren’t currently working in the field to miss out on recent developments, making their skill set less valuable.

However, not all long-term unemployed job seekers neglect their skills when they are out of work. This means, by seeking out those who have maintained their level of competency on their own may be particularly valuable.

Broad Candidate Pools Are Required

Companies can’t afford just to sit back and wait for candidates to find them. Instead, they need to be proactive when it comes to filling vacancies. This can include targeting passive job seekers who are currently employed but open to making a switch as well as enlisting the support of a reputable staffing firm to help you access talent you may otherwise miss.

By focusing on broadening your candidate pool, you can find more people who might be a great fit for your vacancies. If you are looking to hire a skilled professional, the team at The Advance Group can connect you with top talent looking for opportunities just like yours. Contact us today to see how our services can make today’s labor market work in your favor, allowing you to recruit the high-quality candidates you need to succeed.

Want to Get Your Resume in Front of Decision Makers? Read This

Raza Rauf on November 27, 2017

When you send off your resume, it can feel like you’re tossing it into a black hole. Many job seekers aren’t sure if their application is actually being seen by a person, especially if you don’t receive any communication back regarding the submission.

In fact, when you apply for a job at a large company, it is possible that it never ends up in front of the eyes of a decision maker. Why is that? Because many of these organizations rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to prescreen resumes, and those that don’t appear to fit are immediately discarded without being sent to the hiring manager or anyone in HR.

An ATS works by scanning applications for specific content, like designated keywords and phrases. Each resume is scored for relevance, and only those that are deemed to be the most qualified get forwarded to a decision maker.

While this approach is understandably a time saver for hiring managers, as it ensures they won’t be bombarded with ill-fitting resumes, it also means that some qualified applicants can fall through the cracks. And, if that does happen, no one is aware of it.

To help ensure your resume makes it past the ATS, here’s what you need to do.

Use Simple Formatting

While a stylized resume might look great to a person, it can spell doom for your application if an ATS is involved. These systems can’t read images, and creative formatting or fancy fonts can also cause trouble. So, applications that contain a bit of flare may be discarded because the system can’t decipher what is actually on the page.

If you want to make sure the ATS can review your resume, you need to keep it simple. Use classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and remove any pictures, logos, or other images. You also want to use traditional section headers, like Professional Experience and Education, and avoid those that the system might not recognize, like Affiliations and Memberships.

Once your resume is complete, save it as a Word document or in the rich text format for readability, as some ATS systems can’t read PDFs effectively.

Add the Right Keywords

When an ATS scans an application, it is typically programmed to look for specific keywords or phrases and certain contextual information. If you want to be scored well by the system, you need to make sure you include the correct language based on what it has likely been told to find.

One easy way to start is to use some of the exact verbiage that is listed in the vacancy announcement. This can include anything from required or preferred skills, desired education, and even job titles. Use the same words used to describe the applicable point that is in the posting, as these were most likely added to the ATS.

When describing job titles, certifications, or organizations that have a spelled-out version of their name as well as an acronym, use both in your resume to ensure you include the verbiage that ATS is programmed to find. For example, a quality control inspector should use the long-form description as well as the phrase “QC inspector” in another spot to make sure both are covered, while a certified public accountant can simply list acronym in parenthesis after the job credential, so it reads “Certified Public Accountant (CPA).”

However, you do want to avoid keyword stuffing, as many ATS systems can detect this and may lower your score.

Use Spellcheck

While a person may be able to determine what you meant to say when they see a typo, an ATS can’t. If they don’t see the right keywords based on proper spelling, the system will assume they aren’t there and could discard your resume.

Before you submit your application, double and triple check it for spelling errors. Ideally, you should have someone else review your resume too, as fresh eyes can sometimes catch things you might overlook.

By following the tips above, you have a stronger chance of making it through the ATS and actually having your resume seen by a decision maker. If you are looking for more information or are seeking a new position, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.