As 2023 rapidly approaches, millions of Americans are considering making a career change. Searching for a new job can be time-consuming. If you want to stand out from the crowd, then a good resume is a must. Using an outdated and unoptimized resume can lead to you losing a chance at landing your dream job.
Modern companies use applicant tracking systems to narrow down the vast array of resumes they receive. Around 75 percent of resumes processed by applicant tracking systems are rejected. This means only a small number of resumes will actually get seen by human eyes.
Are you having a problem getting job offers? If so, it could be caused by your resume being ineffective. Here are some things that you need to fix to address this common problem.
1. Resume Keywords Are Important
If landing a job fast in the New Year is a top priority, then you need to educate yourself about what modern businesses and applicant tracking systems look for. Getting your resume past an applicant tracking system will not be easy. However, if you utilize the power of relevant keywords, you can achieve your end goal.
You must realize that applicant tracking systems are designed to scan for keywords related to the job or industry. If you’re unsure about the type of keywords to use in your resume, look at the job description posted by the business you want to work for. Identifying the most used keywords in the job listing can help you determine what words and phrases to put into your resume.
2. The Right File Type is Vital
Making sure the applicant tracking system used by a potential employer can scan your resume is important. Some job applicants make the mistake of submitting a PDF resume file. While many modern applicant tracking systems can now read this file type, there are a number that can’t.
This is why you need to use Microsoft Word to create either a .doc or .docx file. You also need to check the job listing to see if the business in question has requested a particular file type.
3. Fonts Definitely Matter
When creating a digital copy of your resume, you need to realize the importance of using an easy-to-read font. Professional fonts not only make scanning your resume easy for applicant tracking systems, they can also help you retain a recruiter’s interest. Some of the most widely accepted fonts used for resumes include Arial, Calibri and Veranda.
4. Proofread Your Resume Before Submitting It
Getting in a hurry and submitting a rough draft of your resume can be disastrous. Failing to proofread your resume can lead to you submitting a document filled with spelling and grammatical errors. Many applicant tracking systems are designed to immediately reject resumes with these types of errors. This is why it is so important to proofread before submitting your resume.
By addressing the issues covered above, you can make your resume more effective.