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    Write an ATS Friendly Resume in 2023: 6 Tips to Reach Recruiters

    As a tech (or any!) jobseeker, it’s crucial to have an ATS-friendly resume in today’s job market. Why? In a highly competitive job search, it’s critical your resume is easily scannable to pass the ATS test. It increases your chances of moving past the ATS screen to a human recruiter. 

    In this article, we’ll explain what an ATS is, why having an ATS-friendly resume helps jobseekers (and recruiters), as well as six steps to helping your resume get past the ATS.

    What is ATS or Applicant Tracking System?

    An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that automates and streamlines the recruitment process for employers. It allows companies to manage job postings, track and organize resumes and applications, and communicate with candidates. ATS systems have become increasingly popular over the years as more companies move their recruitment processes online and generative AI becomes more prominent.

    What is an ATS friendly resume?

    An ATS-friendly resume means the resume is formatted, or optimized to be easily read by applicant tracking system software. These systems are used during the hiring process to scan and filter through a large number of resumes quickly. Sometimes recruiters receive thousands of resumes for job postings and an ATS helps them identify candidates who match qualifications efficiently. 

    It includes a clear format, standard fonts and headings, and relevant keywords and phrases from the job description. Imagine if an engineering role required candidates to be fluent in Brazilian Portuguese, but 3,000 people who aren’t fluent in the language applied anyway. It’s impossible for recruiters to manually review at such large volumes, especially if many of them don’t meet basic requirements. 

    Why is an ATS friendly resume important for jobseekers? 

    When it comes to resumes, ATS software typically uses a process called parsing to extract relevant information from resumes and applications. Parsing involves breaking down the document into individual data points such as contact information, work experience, and education. 

    The software analyzes this information against predefined criteria. This may include skills, like React, Go, or Ruby on Rails, or keywords to identify candidates matching the requirements of the job posting.

    If the ATS doesn’t parse your experience and skills, your resume might be rejected even if you’re highly qualified for the job. 

    How do I get past the ATS?

    To make sure your resume isn’t overlooked follow these six steps to create and optimize your resume.

    1. Format your resume in the right way

    ATS software is designed to read and process resumes following specific formats, so it is crucial to use the appropriate one. Opt for a simple and standard resume format with bullet points, and use bold, italics, and underlining as necessary. 

    Most fonts are parsed effectively by the majority of ATS software, so you have more flexibility when it comes to this. However, it’s essential to ensure the font you choose is legible and easy to read. While formatting dates, use the format MM/YYYY or “Month Year.” 

    A myth or just outdated assumptions?

    Conventional wisdom advises jobseekers to avoid graphics, images, tables, or columns as they may confuse the ATS. 

    However, Volen Vulkov, the co-founder of our partner Enhancv, suggests otherwise. Based on the thousands of resumes Enhancv processes daily, evidence suggests resumes with visual graphics and tables are parsed just as well as those without. Further testing with other parsers and other resume templates (e.g. MS Office’s) confirms these elements would not result in different outcomes. 

    More importantly, however, jobseekers should carefully consider whether including graphics and tables will enhance the overall appearance and effectiveness of their resume. They should also assess if these elements drive more attention to their qualifications and experience. 

    Ultimately, the decision to include those items should be based on the individual jobseeker’s circumstances and the requirements of the job.

    Enhancv’s platform found less than 10% of resumes imported to their site, including their own resume templates, embed the information within the PDF. This means the ATS doesn’t need to parse the resume to extract information. It only needs to read the embedded information in the PDF. This revolutionary approach to solving parsing issues is something Vulkov expects other resume builders to follow soon.

    2. Include relevant keywords

    To increase your chances of getting noticed by an ATS, it’s crucial to incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume. Take the time to carefully read the job description and use the same keywords consistently throughout your resume, particularly in the skills and experience sections. 

    Caution: avoid overloading your resume with too many keywords. This can make it appear spammy and ultimately harm your chances of being selected.Despite the large number of resumes an ATS processes, not all of the information in your resume may be parsed. In fact, according to Enhancv’s resume checker, the average number of words in a parsed resume is between 200-350. 

    This is significantly less than the average number of words in an uploaded resume (over 500). Therefore, it’s crucial to include the relevant keywords and phrases in your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.

    Keyword Tip: 

    Keep in mind how logical variations help you cover essential terms without overtly repeating them. For instance, if you have experience developing ATS software, use both “ATS” and “Applicant Tracking System” software in your resume. 

    Some job applicants try to manipulate the ATS by adding extra keywords at the bottom of their resume or using white text as an attempt to camouflage them to human readers. We don’t recommend this, of course. An ATS might actually penalize you for it too.

    3. Use clear and concise language

    To increase your chances of passing the ATS scan, it’s important to use clear and concise language in your resume. Avoid using industry-specific jargon, acronyms, or abbreviations the ATS may not recognize. Even if you do use them, spell them out at least once to ensure the ATS can identify them. 

    However, in some industries like IT and tech, it’s difficult to avoid jargon and abbreviations altogether. Follow the lead of the job description and use the same terms from the posting. You might also use different variations of the same term – spell it out the first time but abbreviate it later in the resume. 

    Make it easy for the ATS to scan your resume by using standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid using unconventional headings or getting too creative with your formatting. Remember, the goal is to help the ATS system easily identify your qualifications, not to stand out with a fancy design.

    4. Connect the job title to your resume headline

    Your resume is more likely to surface if you include the job role in your attention-getter of a headline. When a recruiter searches for a specific title, your resume will be sure to show up. So, if you are applying for a job listed as “Sales Manager,” your ATS-compliant resume headline might look something like this: “Sales Manager with 6 Years of Fintech Experience.”

    Another important factor related to the job title is the name of the file you send to the employer. Some ATS systems actually rate the name of the file so it’s a good idea to make sure it corresponds to the job position and your name. 

    For example, if you’re applying for a job as a “Software Engineer” at “XYZ Company,” your resume file name might be “JohnDoe_SoftwareEngineer_XYZCompany.pdf.” Although a small detail, this can help your resume stand out in the ATS and increase the chances of a human recruiter seeing it.

    Imagine looking at a list of files and 90% of them are titled “Resume.” If you’re customizing your resume for different companies or roles, this helps you stay organized too. 

    5. Use the right file format

    When it comes to submitting your resume to an Applicant Tracking System, many jobseekers are unsure about which file format to use. The good news is both Word and PDF formats can work well with an ATS. According to Enhancv data, the parse rate of a PDF is 47%, and for a Word document, it’s 48%. So, there isn’t a significant difference in the rate between the two formats.That being said, it’s important to note PDFs tend to be larger in size, which may cause them to be parsed at a lower rate. Enhancv recommends you keep your resume under 2MB in size to ensure it can be uploaded and parsed properly by an ATS. 

    Ultimately, the decision of whether to use PDF or Word for your resume comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the job application. One of the main benefits of using PDF is it maintains its formatting across various operating systems and software. 

    This ensures the document’s layout remains the same regardless of how it’s opened. On the other hand, Word documents might look different depending on the different operating systems or software used to open them.

    6. Proofread your resume

    Finally, double-check your resume to ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors to confuse the ATS. Use a free grammar checker tool such as Grammarly to eliminate errors and ensure the language is clear and professional.

    Typically, less is more when it comes to ATS-friendly resumes. By keeping it simple and using these tips, you increase your resume’s chances of advancing through ATS software and straight to a recruiter.    More

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    Common FAQs from Jobseekers: Answers to Help You Craft a Professional Resume (VIDEO)

    Have questions about building your resume as you navigate the job search? We shared the answers in our AMA-style discussion (now on-demand!) to address FAQs about resume optimization for the job search. Keep reading for an inside look into what the experts had to say. 

    You’ll hear from these Hired team members:

    Sophia Koehl, PartnershipsJules Grondin, RecruitingNate Becker, Candidate Experience

    Read the beginning of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

    Do recruiters look at resumes?

    Jules

    Simple answer for me – we absolutely look at resumes. A resume is what’s going to get you to an interview and you really want it to pop. We’ll definitely talk more about that in the next few slides but overall keeping your resume concise and straight to the point. Recruiters don’t want to read through something lengthy, but a resume really is what’s going to make you stand out and move on to the interview process. We see what your job background is in your career and if you’re going to be qualified for a role.

    Nate

    I would say absolutely as well. When you create a Hired profile we encourage you to upload your resume the moment you sign up so companies have a full picture of your professional background. The employers on our platform want to see your resume in addition to your profile. They love to go check out that resume and corroborate your experience. We find that candidates who do upload a resume get more attention on the platform and see more interview requests. It’s really great to note that recruiters and employers are looking at the resume. This leads me to wonder how long they look at it. I’d be curious about what our attendees think about that. 

    Sophia

    Nate, I think you are right on par. Let’s go ahead and start a poll. How long is it that the average recruiter spends looking at a resume? Is it less than 10 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute, or two minutes?

    Looks like the winner of the poll is 30 seconds. Well, we’ve got an answer for you on how long it really is. On average, employers and recruiters look at resumes for just 6 to 7 seconds. However, the amount of time varies from company to company. A lot of times, these are humans looking at resumes but there is a consistency to call out. The study, done by Ladders, points out resumes with a simple layout and clear sections and titles performed better mostly every time. That’s an important takeaway.

    Other key topics from the conversation include: 

    Explaining resume gapsMaking a resume stand out for a remote jobHighlighting transferable and technical skillsHow to know if an ATS can read your resumeAnd more!  More

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    How to Handle an Employment Gap on Your Resume (Flip the Script!)

    You’re not your work history

    Addressing an employment gap on a resume is one of the most common worries keeping job seekers up at night. It’s been drilled into our heads that if you’re not working, you’re wasting away. 

    There’s a prevailing, persistent belief out there that if a hiring manager or recruiter sees even a small gap on a resume they’ll automatically assume the applicant is a slacker who can’t hold down a job. 

    This simply isn’t true. Consider these recent stats from a 2021 LinkedIn survey: Just under four in five hiring managers (79%) say they would have no issues hiring a candidate with a gap in their resume.

    The relationship between “job hopping” and DEI 

    “Considering ‘job-hoppers’ for roles is a DEI practice many employers may not realize. In many cases, ‘job-hoppers’ have had more barriers than others in the workforce.” This could mean many things, including health challenges, economic hardships, caregiving responsibilities, or transportation issues.

    “To be frank,” being a serial “job-hopper” is one of the things I credit to my career success. My skills are varied, my familiarity with different industries is comprehensive, and my understanding of organizational culture is robust.”

    Brittany King, Senior Manager, TA-Talent Intelligence & Diversity, and a member of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech. 

    Employment gap a deal breaker? Not anymore

    Not having a job for a year or longer may have been considered a deal breaker by most decision makers just 10 years ago or so, but the narrative surrounding career gaps has changed considerably since.

    You can probably guess the biggest reason why: COVID-19. The pandemic sparked an absolute tidal wave of layoffs, furloughs, and self-imposed sabbaticals to care for loved ones. 

    In light of everything that’s happened over the past few years, it doesn’t make business or ethical sense to discriminate against otherwise attractive job candidates due to a career break anymore (self-imposed or otherwise).

    That being said, you still absolutely have to touch on and explain your resume gaps. Here’s what Allison Rutledge-Parisi, senior vice president of People at Justworks, recently told Protocol: 

    “I sense in the atmosphere a change from the days earlier in my career. If you see a gap on a resume, it’s no longer a red flag at all. It’s an area of inquiry. But the inquiry is not assessing if it’s OK or not. The inquiry is more like, ‘Wow, what did you do?’”

    Give me a break!

    On a day to day basis, the average working professional has little time to consider the bigger picture of their career. When we’re preoccupied with what our current job needs from us on a particular day, it can be all too easy to forget about what we truly want from our careers.

    Another LinkedIn survey from earlier this year reports 69% of people say taking a career break helped them gain a new perspective and outlook on what they really want from life. 

    Even more revealing: That same survey tells us that just under half of hiring managers (48%) believe most candidates are too negative about their job gaps, undervaluing themselves in the process. Meanwhile, 64% of job seekers wish there were a better way to broach the subject of career gaps on resumes and during interviews.

    What does all of this tell us? Both employers and applicants are ready to put to bed the outdated notion that one must hold down a steady job from the moment they finish school to the time they retire. 

    Yes, your resume is about your career in your chosen field, but to a greater extent it’s about you. Your story isn’t limited to periods of employment. Here are a few ways to flip the script on career breaks, and use gaps in your resume to your advantage.

    There is no success without adversity 

    At Leet Resumes, we always encourage resume writers to emphasize their career wins and accomplishments. Showcasing successes sends a clear message to readers: “I’m good at what I do, and I’m ready for my next career challenge.”

    Well, what’s a success story without a little adversity to overcome? One research project published in the scientific journal Basic and Applied Social Psychology investigated what hiring managers want to hear from applicants during interviews. While achievements are great, the study found interviewers really wanted to hear about the setbacks and problems interviewees encountered on their way to those successes.

    Gaps in your work history can serve this adversarial role on your resume. Yes, taking a break from work for whatever reason isn’t ideal. But, if you frame these gaps in the right light, using the right verbiage, they may work in your favor by showcasing your resilience and commitment.

    Not working doesn’t mean not growing

    You may be wondering how exactly to frame unemployment as a positive, especially on paper. The simple answer comes down to staying busy. You need to address the time period you weren’t working in some other way on your resume.

    The best way to do this is via some type of institutional connection. Maybe you went back to school, or completed a new certification in your field. Volunteering for non-profit work, especially for a good cause, is another great way to show readers that you may not have been working – but you were still learning, growing, and pushing forward. 

    Consulting roles, attending industry conferences and virtual events, and even part-time or one-off freelancing gigs, can work too. 

    The biggest mistake you can make with an employment gap

    The #1 mistake to avoid here is leaving a year plus long gap on your resume totally unaddressed. Doing so virtually guarantees recruiters and hiring managers alike will assume you spent your time off moving exclusively from the couch to the kitchen.  

    Avoid lengthy explanations about an employment gap

    If we put COVID-19 aside for a moment, the three most common reasons people usually take an extended sabbatical from full-time work are:

    semi-retirement (taking a year off for travel, etc), they were fired, or electing to stay home as a full-time parent or caregiver.

    It’s likely that many who fall into one of those three categories did not maintain any type of formal institutional connection during their employment gap years. If this is your situation, don’t waste much room on your resume explaining the finer details of your story.

    At Leet Resumes, we believe brevity is best across all aspects of resume writing. Even when describing your biggest career wins it’s best to keep things short and sweet. This applies even more so when addressing gaps in work history.

    Instead, go with a single sentence addressing the time period in question with a positive spin toward the future.

    If you’ve spent the past couple years caring for your family, write something like:

    “Stay at home parent, family of five, excited to re-enter the workforce. 2020-2022”

    You can keep it even more vague:

    “Energized to return to work after a period of personal growth. 2020-2022” 

    You’ll have an opportunity to better explain your work gaps during the interviewing process. For now, there’s no reason to take up any more valuable space on your resume than needed. 

    Never adopt an apologetic tone about your employment gap

    It’s important to be transparent about your career breaks, but that doesn’t mean you should be apologetic. Again, the hiring handbook from a decade ago just doesn’t apply anymore. 

    Remember the statistic stating 48% of hiring managers believe candidates are too down on themselves over career lulls? If you frame your work gaps as a failure warranting an apology, or immediately sulk when the topic is brought up in an interview, it sends the wrong message. 

    “Do not apologize for doing what you need to do for your professional and personal growth.  Taking time off for whatever reason is sometimes necessary. Be confident in your decision to take time off and be prepared to be confident in your answer to why you did it.”

    Lexi B, Founder of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech.

    Not all periods of unemployment are our own choice, but you always control the greater narrative of your story. Even if you were unceremoniously fired, turn it into motivation. Use it to propel you forward, not a hindrance holding you back.

    That was then, this is now

    Decision makers are no doubt more open to considering candidates with gaps in their work history nowadays, but they’ll still need to know that you’re serious about seeking employment. 

    Be sure to make it clear that today – in the here and now – you’re absolutely chomping at the bit to pick up where you left off and never look back. No employer wants to hire a new worker only to have them disappear shortly thereafter. It’s essential to frame your employment gaps as temporary siestas.

    Ideally, the message is you made meaningful use of your time off and you’re ready to return as an even better professional version of yourself.

    You’re not just your career

    As we wrap this article up, it may be useful to touch on resumes in general for a moment. Most people tend to think of their resume as a mere description of their careers, but that’s a gross oversimplification.

    “A resume is an art and not a science. As a recruiter I want to get a glimpse of the impact you’ve been able to accomplish and what you’re passionate about. The gaps in your experience are less important to me than the story I’m being told in your resume.” 

    Amal S., Fellowship Recruiter @ Formation

    When recruiters sit down to read your resume, they want to learn about you as a person – not just every job you’ve held since college. If you get the job, it’ll be you reporting for duty on Monday morning, not your resume.

    Addressing an employment gap the right way, and showing you didn’t let a bump in the road derail your journey, will speak to your character and persistence far more than any boring old corporate achievement.

    Need some help with your career?

    Feeling like you could use some assistance with your job search? 

    Consider creating a free profile on Hired and have companies apply to interview you for tech or customer-facing roles! 

    Related: 

    Hired partner Leet Resumes helps jobseekers revise their resumes for free. 

    Hired partner Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech (BWiT) is a solidarity group dedicated to supporting Black Women in technology, including providing community and networking.  More

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    Interested in Sales Development? Jumpstart Your Sales Career with a Great SDR Resume

    As a sales development representative (SDR), you know all about identifying high quality leads worth pursuing. When it comes time to write yourself a new resume, however, you’ll be switching roles. Now you’re the prospect being assessed, and it’s your resume’s job to tell hiring managers why they should keep reading. In other words, your […] More

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    3 Easy Resume Tips And Tricks From A Entry-Level Recruiting Expert

    “Whenever I get a stack of resumes, I throw half of them in the trash. I sure don’t want unlucky people on my team,” said no hiring manager ever…but sometimes it can feel that way when you’re hunting for jobs. 
    Since the advent of online job applications, candidates have experienced the resume black hole: You spend hours submitting your resume to hundreds of positions only to maybe hear back from a couple. WayUp was actually created to stop this cycle. Whether you’re a student applying to internships, a recent grad looking for entry-level jobs, or have been forced to find a new position due to the pandemic, this guide is here to help! 
    A well-written resume is the most important tool job seekers have in standing out to recruiters and building a network. With the job market flooded by candidates recently laid off due to the pandemic, catching a recruiter’s eye with an effective resume is now more important than ever. 
    How To Format Your Resume
    The first item anyone should see on your resume is your name, and the font size should reflect that. Your name should not take up a quarter of the page but a moderately larger bolded font will serve nicely in helping recruiters remember you. After your name a contact section including an email, phone number, and LinkedIn link are necessities. 
    Sometimes a different version of Word will show a resume formatted differently. If your resume is in the wrong format, your chances of hearing back are low. Avoid this by only sending in your resume as a PDF file. This ensures that the recruiter will receive the resume formatted as you like it and will help any HR software they’re using to scan your resume easily.
    Your resume should be no longer than one page. A recent graduate with two to five years of experience should not require more than a one-page resume. A great strategy used by candidates today is to have your fully fleshed out LinkedIn profile link included, which can show off a greater depth of experiences and info. Most recruiters will receive your resume electronically and if they are interested in you, they can easily click the LinkedIn profile for more information. 
    How To Describe Your Experience 
    The name of the game when describing your experience is to summarize not list. 
    For each role, present the concrete contributions you made to your past teams, using measurable metrics if possible.  For example:

    “Drove $5000 in new business while remaining under budget”

    Anything else that you feel is important for recruiters to know—but doesn’t fit into fewer than five bullets—should be relegated to your trusty LinkedIn profile. 
    The XYZ formula is a great way to display your experiences. Phrasing bullet points as such: Accomplished X as measured by Y, by doing Z. This helps keep your bullets concise and full of valuable information.
    Another important step in any applicant’s process should be to review the job description and do whatever possible to highlight the most relevant experience or skills you have. Having a running document of your recent experiences can be helpful in choosing which fit most with the position. Remember not to list your experience, but to summarize your accomplishments. 
    In A Rush? Don’t Make Sloppy Mistakes
    If you are a recent graduate looking for your first entry-level role or one of the many individuals who lost their job due to the pandemic, then you’re probably quickly applying to a lot of companies. The most important advice for ensuring a good resume, and the advice most often forgotten is to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. 
    Recent graduates and candidates eager for a new opportunity can allow their excitement for a new role to cloud their attention to detail. Before you share your resume with recruiters, have a friend or family member read it over. It might be the only thing separating you from being the perfect candidate! 
    Was your internship opportunity canceled because of the pandemic? Looking for valuable ways to gain experience outside of an internship? Check out our Go-To Guide To Growing Your Career This Summer Without An Internship

    Recruitment operations expert at WayUp. Gabriel Cohn used to write about music and live entertainment – now he helps college students and recent graduates get their dream jobs. Special thanks to Jim Leahy Director of Human Resources at WayUp. More