Getting Past the Robots

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 Many of you interested in finding a job or changing your work have heard me talk about not spending too much of your time applying to positions posted online.  As little as 20% of all hiring comes from job seekers applying to jobs that are advertised or published online.  However it can still be a useful part of a solid overall and diverse strategy. 
 
In most cases when you apply, you will be required to upload a resume in addition to completing the application.  Most large employers use an Applicant Tracking System to assist them in their review process.  These are software programs that filter applications automatically based on given criteria such as keywords, skills, years of experience, etc.  The software mathematically scores for relevance and sends only the most qualified ones through for human review.
 
There is help for ensuring your resume can get past these robots.  First, keep the formatting very simple (no fancy font, shading, logo) and use Word rather than a PDF.  Next, make sure to include the key phrases and skills as written in the job description.  This is where it’s important to have a Qualifications Summary section rather than a Career Objective statement on your resume—you can stuff in more keywords in a summary paragraph.  And then the last step is the super-secret sauce on top—run it through a scan before you send it. 
 
JobScan is a tool that gives you an instant analysis of how well your resume is tailored to a particular job.  Cut and paste both your resume and the job description in their software, and it will give you a thorough analysis and suggestions for better optimization.  Keep in mind that you will not likely be able to make all the changes they suggest and still maintain the integrity of your resume’s content.  However this site can help you see if there are large areas you have missed addressing in your resume.  And the best news is that it’s free!  You can get a few free scans before being asked to create an account. Create an account, and you are allowed five scans a month, still at no cost.
 
My own story can help illustrate how important it is to make a vigorous effort when applying online.  I was working as a temporary contractor at an environmental consulting firm, when a permanent position came open.  I was invited to apply and did so quickly, knowing that I was a shoe-in to get the job.  When my application did not show up in the Human Resource Applicant Tracking System queue, it had to be tracked down and it was learned that instead of checking the “advanced” box for Excel skills, I had checked the “intermediate” box.  That was enough for the robots to prevent me from getting to the humans, and a whole new job posting had to be created for me to re-apply to!
 
If you are going to use your valuable job search time by applying online, do it thoughtfully and thoroughly, and try JobScan to give yourself the best possible chance of coming to the attention of a hiring manager.

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