Unless you are able to bypass the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, an employer will never even see your resume. An ATS is a system designed to sort and filter candidates based on qualifications for a position that are provided in resumes and cover letters. These systems make the hiring process more manageable for employers as they get hundreds of resumes per day by sorting through the ones that contain very little relevant information for the job. These systems make it imperative to customize your resume for each job and utilize critical keywords as they pertain to the job. 

Do you believe your resume is holding you back? A good resume is key when catching an employer’s eye and landing your dream interview or job. A simple slip-up in your resume could cost you a great opportunity. Do not let mistakes determine your future, and don’t let your resume be just another paper in the stack. 

Imagine updating your resume with skills and certifications you worked hard to obtain, feeling confident you go on Indeed and start applying for all the available opportunities you know for a fact you qualify for. Cover letters typed and submitted, dates of experiences in your resume updated, you have just applied for ten or more jobs and now you wait. Weeks go by and no word from an employer. You are anxious and wonder why. Let’s break down what may have happened to your resume when applying for this job.

What is a SWOT analysis and what is it generally used for? A SWOT analysis describes a business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Imagine a company designing a new product. Performing a SWOT analysis will help the design of the product before its launch. Businesses will perform analysis for strategic management, segmenting products and consumers, and to help change their overall business image.

When applying for that first corporate job, the question that goes through most prospective employees’ minds is, “how do I get this company to notice me, what will help me stand out?” The answer is simple: a resume/cover letter that matches your job description. Jobs are not one size fits all, so your resume should be fine-tuned to each employer when applying for a job. If you give the same resume to every job, you better hope that every job has the same description of what they need. Doing this will really limit you from becoming a prospective employee and make you easily skippable. When coming out of school, showing your accomplishments and job history is cool for the show, but that is not what is going to get you hired. The reason why the employer made this opening in the first place was to look for SKILLS that would be assets to their company. By matching your resume to the job description and showing why you should be chosen, you will have a much higher chance of getting selected for an interview.

When building your resume it is imperative that you include references who can vouch for your work ethic and employment history. References can open job opportunities for you in the field you are looking for if they have positive feedback. It is important to recognize who should be listed as a reference, and who should not be.

What Really Is The Perfect Resume?

You will get many answers to this question, and they will all point you in a different direction. These different directions are actually all a part of the one correct answer. The truth is that determining the best way to write your resume depends on the job you are applying for. You must use the information at your disposal to show the company why you are indeed the best fit for the available position.