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Does your resume go into the black hole once you submit it for a job opening? Every day I sift through 10
different job openings and in each job I have hundreds of applicants. Where
does your resume fall? What increases your chances of being “REJECTED” and what gets you NOTICED?
1) READ EVERY
JOB DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY! While sifting through multiple
openings and hundreds of applicants I see one thing in common. Over 50% of the
applications aren’t even remotely qualified for the role. The most impressive
thing that gets noticed over hundreds of candidates is the candidate that has
applied to 2-3 openings based on the best fit for their skills. You can tell a
candidate has taken the time to read the description and put’s thought into
each application. I know, I know! THIS TAKES TIME! But believe me, it will pay
off.
2) Make sure
the skills listed under the requirements section are listed in your resume.
Most managers and recruiters will browse
your resume for 3 SECONDS before
deciding to move on to another resume. The most impressive resumes will reflect
the pertinent skills at the top of the resume, in each job descriptions you have used that skill at, or in BOLD. For example, if you
are a Software Developer with J2EE and Spring experience but only list a vague description such as "developed applications" on your resume, it will not be noticed. However, if the job calls
for J2EE and Spring and you know you have it but it’s not listed on your
resume, find a way to integrate it into the top portion of your resume as well as in each job description you used that skill. Preferably in the TOP bullet points of each job description.
- Bad Example: Developed Applications in an Agile Environment.
- Good Example: Developed Java applications using J2EE and Spring in an Agile Environment.
If you know the job is asking for J2EE, Spring
and Agile then bold those skills or at the very least add them to your resume.
IMPORTANT - When reviewing a resume, recruiters and hiring managers use staffing technologies that allows them to do searches for key words on resumes. The technology pulls resumes with key words off the internet the recruiter or hiring manager are looking for. If a resume does not have those key words, it will not be seen by the recruiter or hiring manager. In addition, if the key word, like J2EE, is not mentioned very often on the resume, that resume will be second or third to other resumes. So, if you have a skill set that you have much experience with, make sure that skillset key word is used often.
3) Think
strategically!! When visiting a website or multiple websites
make sure to BE SELECTIVE when applying to roles. It’s a common misconception
that applying to any and every role that might fit your skill set will better
your chances.
Whatever you do, don’t and I repeat
DON’T apply to multiple jobs within a company with the idea that more
applications increases your chances. Take under careful consideration each
opening for which you apply. It will be noticed and your resume will QUICKLY
stand out from the rest.
By Samantha McGary - Corporate
Recruiter
