Welcome to Blog 1 in our resume, employment, and careers based blog series. We’re really excited to roll out this resource to our clients. So, go and grab a coffee, get comfy, and read on………
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The broader recruitment market and for that matter the world of professional resume writing continues to evolve at a rapid pace. A resume that served the test of time and delivered job interviews just a few years ago may crash and burn under current employer expectations.
One of the key drivers in this evolution has been the use of screening software by employers and the recruitment industry.
Known by various names such as ‘candidate screening software’, ‘applicant tracking systems’, or ‘recruitment management software’ amongst others, they refer to software used mainly in the shortlisting process. Most medium to large employers and the recruitment industry in general use some form of screening software.
Whether submitting an application direct to an employer or using Seek, Domain, CareerOne, Indeed, or any of the ‘job search’ websites the chances are the application (Resume and Covering Letter) will be scanned by the software. The software essentially analyses the document/s and scores them according to the criteria set by the employer. If the application doesn’t score high enough or match the criteria close enough it gets screened out and is unlikely to be seen by a set of human eyes. Now think about that!
So, the task for the person writing a resume (you or a professional writer) is to consider the screening software when writing engaging content with a ‘visual wow factor’.
Let’s get one thing straight…………..understanding this type of software isn’t a precise science and anyone telling you they have the magic bullet to beat it in every case isn’t being honest with you. It’s quite possible to submit a resume for two identical jobs with the same advertised selection criteria but with different employers and get different outcomes.
So, do you just give up in despair? NO. There are a few strategies to help maximise your chances of securing an interview.
a) Read the job advertisement carefully! You will learn a bit about the employer and gain valuable information on key skills and attributes they are looking for in a candidate. Some skills might be clearly listed but others will be buried in the blurb at the start of the advert that most people skip over.
b) Note the key skills and attributes listed in the advertisement or the Position Description if one is available. When writing a resume try to include as many of those key words as possible in the description of your work experience and career highlights. (Using logical, well phrased sentences.)
c) Don’t go overboard with graphics and formatting. i.e. pictures, borders and artwork. Too much ‘bling’ in a resume can be a negative.
d) Make sure you include your suburb/town and post code and contact details as a minimum. (Full address if you wish.)
e) Save the resume in Word or PDF format and make sure to check the advertisement for information on what format the employer will accept.
f) Make sure you include a covering letter unless the advertisement specifically asks for just a resume. The software may/will be looking for it.
If you dived into this blog thinking you would get the magic formula for cracking the screening software puzzle, then I’m sorry to disappoint. However, putting in place a few strategies we’ve covered will help you put your best foot forward and increase your chances.
You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by what’s needed to craft a quality job application and resume document. If that’s you, then you need to chat with your Transition Case Manager.
Anthony Ferro
Transition Case Manager – Supporting First Responders Nationally – Queensland based
(Former 1st responder, company director, business consultant, trainer and career writing specialist)