How to Get Through Automated Resume Screening: Tips and Strategies

Introduction

Automated resume screening is the process of using software to quickly scan resumes for relevant keywords and phrases. This technology has become increasingly popular among employers as it allows them to efficiently sort through large numbers of applicants in order to identify those who are most qualified for the position. However, it can be difficult for job seekers to get their resume past automated resume screening if they don’t know how to optimize it for this purpose.

Structure Your Resume to Ensure Keywords are Highlighted

When writing your resume, it’s important to consider which keywords and phrases will be picked up by automated resume screening software. Identifying the relevant keywords and then structuring your resume in such a way that these keywords are highlighted will help ensure that your resume makes it through the first round of screening.

Identifying Relevant Keywords

The best way to identify relevant keywords is to look at the job posting you’re applying for. Read through it carefully and make note of any words or phrases that stand out. These are likely to be the same words and phrases that the automated resume screening software will be looking for. Additionally, research the company you’re applying to in order to gain an understanding of their culture and values. This will help you identify any industry-specific keywords or phrases that may be used in the job posting.

Structuring Your Resume to Highlight Keywords

Once you’ve identified the relevant keywords, you can begin to structure your resume in such a way that these keywords are highlighted. For example, you can use headings and subheadings to draw attention to the keywords. Additionally, you should include the keywords both in the body of your resume as well as in the skills section. This will help ensure that the automated resume screening software picks up on the relevant keywords.

Use Industry-Specific Terms and Job Titles

In addition to using keywords, it’s also important to use industry-specific terms and job titles when writing your resume. This will help ensure that your resume gets through the automated resume screening process and is seen by the hiring manager.

Understanding Industry-Specific Terms

It’s important to understand the language of the industry you’re applying to. Research the industry and read articles and blogs written by experts in the field. This will give you an understanding of the terminology used in the industry, which can then be incorporated into your resume.

Choosing the Right Job Title for Your Resume

When writing your resume, it’s important to choose the right job title for the position you’re applying for. Using the wrong job title can confuse the automated resume screening software and lead to your resume being overlooked. It’s also important to include the job title in the body of the resume as well as in the heading, as this will help ensure that the software picks it up.

Include Relevant Professional Experience

Including relevant professional experience on your resume is essential for getting through automated resume screening. This includes both qualifications and skills as well as work experience.

Listing Qualifications and Skills

It’s important to list all of your qualifications and skills on your resume, as this will give the automated resume screening software an understanding of your abilities. Make sure to include any relevant certifications or training courses you have completed, as well as any special skills you have acquired. Additionally, include any awards or accolades you have received, as these will help demonstrate the value you can bring to the company.

Describing Relevant Work Experience

In addition to listing your qualifications and skills, it’s also important to include a description of any relevant work experience you have. This should include a brief overview of the tasks you were responsible for as well as any successes you achieved. Make sure to include any industry-specific terms or phrases that you have learned from your research.

Focus on Accomplishments Rather than Duties

When describing your work experience, it’s important to focus on your accomplishments rather than your duties. This will help ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd and gets through the automated resume screening process.

Differentiating between Duties and Accomplishments

When describing your work experience, it’s important to differentiate between your duties and your accomplishments. Your duties are the tasks you were responsible for, while your accomplishments are the results of those tasks. For example, if you increased sales by 20%, that would be an accomplishment. Describing your accomplishments rather than your duties will help demonstrate the value you can bring to the company.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

Once you’ve identified your accomplishments, it’s important to highlight them on your resume. Use active language and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “I increased sales,” say “I increased sales by 20%.” This will help ensure that your accomplishments stand out and that the automated resume screening software picks up on them.

Use a Clear and Concise Format

Using a clear and concise format for your resume is essential for getting through automated resume screening. This will help ensure that the software can easily scan and understand your resume.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

When choosing a resume format, it’s important to consider which format will be easiest for the automated resume screening software to understand. Generally speaking, the chronological format is the best choice as it lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, making it easier for the software to scan and understand. Additionally, you should make sure to use a font that is easily readable, such as Times New Roman or Arial.

Making Your Resume Easy to Read

It’s important to make sure that your resume is easy to read and understand. This means avoiding long paragraphs and using short sentences and bullet points wherever possible. Additionally, it’s important to limit the length of your resume to two pages, as longer resumes may be difficult for the software to scan. Finally, make sure to proofread your resume for any errors or typos, as these may confuse the software.

Update Your Resume Regularly

It’s important to update your resume regularly in order to ensure that it gets through automated resume screening. This includes staying up-to-date with industry trends as well as keeping your resume updated with any new qualifications or work experience you have gained.

Staying Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

In order to get your resume through automated resume screening, it’s important to stay up-to-date with industry trends. Reading industry publications and blogs is a good way to keep up with the latest developments. Additionally, attending industry events and networking with professionals in the field can help you gain an understanding of the current trends.

Keeping Your Resume Updated

It’s important to keep your resume updated with any new qualifications or work experience you have gained. This will ensure that your resume is always up-to-date and relevant. Additionally, it’s important to review your resume regularly and make any necessary changes or updates.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

Finally, it’s important to tailor your resume for each application. This means customizing your resume to fit the job you’re applying for and ensuring that it contains all of the relevant information. Additionally, it’s important to check for any errors or omissions before submitting your resume.

Customizing Your Resume for Each Job

When applying for a job, it’s important to customize your resume for that particular job. This means highlighting any relevant qualifications or work experience you have as well as including any industry-specific terms or phrases you have learned from your research. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your resume matches the job description.

Checking for Errors and Omissions

Before submitting your resume, it’s important to check for any errors or omissions. This includes checking for any spelling or grammatical errors as well as ensuring that all of the relevant information is included. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the formatting of your resume is consistent throughout.

Conclusion

Getting through automated resume screening can be a challenge, but with the right approach it is possible. By structuring your resume to highlight relevant keywords, using industry-specific terms and job titles, focusing on accomplishments rather than duties, using a clear and concise format, updating your resume regularly, and tailoring your resume for each application, you can increase your chances of getting through automated resume screening and getting your resume seen by the hiring manager.