An algorithm-proof resume?
Twelve tips
The resume is one of the most important documents in a job application process. Is there a mistake in it, or are your skills and experience not adequately represented? There’s a good chance your resume won’t make it through the selection.
Additionally, more than half of applications are already rejected before you are personally assessed. Many organizations use what’s called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system is designed to streamline the recruitment process so a company can better handle the (large) number of applications. An important feature of an ATS is ‘resume parsing’.
Resume parsing software automatically processes the data from a resume. In an initial screening, this software ‘looks’ at the minimum skills, education, and experience of the candidate. That’s why it’s important to optimize your resume for algorithms.
Tips for a rock-solid resume
1. What must always be on your resume?
Always start by listing your personal details (name, address, city, age, a suitable email address (so not: geinbrein@gmail.com) and your phone number). Add a brief description of yourself. Then list your work experience, education, and courses taken. For employers, your most recent experience is the most important. So choose a reverse chronological order. This means you start with your last job or education and then work backwards.
2. Use the first person in your description
Catch the recruiter’s attention from the start with your own pitch. Briefly describe (max 150 words): who you are, what sets you apart from others, why you are a great fit for the position, and what you hope to achieve with your next career step. Use active language and incorporate the main keywords (roles, skills, and systems you work with).
Write in the first person and keep it personal. So don’t write: ‘Frank is commercially strong and very creative, he shows a lot of initiative.’ Change that to: ‘I am commercially strong and very creative.’ Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Do this in a way that you recognize yourself.
Research keywords relevant to the position
3. Tailor your resume to the job or position you are looking for
Don’t use a generic resume when applying for a job. Make sure you adapt your resume to each application. Emphasize the parts of your work experience and education that match the job you’re applying for. Use the terms and skills listed in the job description. It takes practice, but with this trick, you’re guaranteed to increase your chances of getting selected! Try to ‘understand’ the vacancy you’re responding to and make use of that.
4. Use recognizable job titles and keywords
Ask yourself whether your job title is clear and recognizable to others. How is your position called at other organizations? Use a job title that’s known and commonly used in your field. This might be different from your current title. Also try to include synonyms for job titles.
Research keywords for this specific position! Check multiple job descriptions for similar roles and pay attention to the different titles used. Job titles are the most important keywords in a resume. But the industry and programs required are also key. Look in different industries, organizations, and also on job boards. This way you get a clear idea of which keywords are important for your resume. Don’t forget to add synonyms for job titles, industry, and programs.
Make sure your resume stands out
5. Highlight your skills: hard and soft skills
Your job titles say nothing about the skills you used in those roles. Show that you have the qualities for the job you’re after. Then a recruiter will be better able to find you in a resume database. In addition to searching by title, they can also look for skills that are important for the position. Hard skills: list job-specific skills, such as managing operating systems, SEO knowledge, foreign languages, or operating a forklift. Soft skills: What makes you, you? These are skills you’re born with, like being energetic, empathetic, creative, and accurate.
Regarding the ATS: Make sure the skills important for the position are clearly highlighted. Make achievements concrete, since an ATS looks for those. Terms like ‘team player’, ‘innovative’ or other nice phrases might describe you well. But they give little concrete information. Try under ‘work experience’ to list the top five tasks for each role. Describe these activities specifically so it’s clear to both recruiters and an ATS that you have performed the required tasks. Also try to include synonyms for important keywords here.
6. An eye-catching resume
Recruiters see piles of resumes every day. Make sure yours stands out. For example, pay attention to the layout. Ensure a clear, organized design. Bold important words where necessary. Add a link in your resume to a personal website with your portfolio. Also think about including links to your LinkedIn profile. That way, you’ll get extra attention from the recruiter.
A look at your personality
7. Length of your resume
There is no ideal length for a resume. What’s important is that it shows you in the best way. Sometimes, especially as a starter, one page is enough and others use two or three pages. Keep in mind that recruiters receive many resumes and won’t read every page carefully. A five-page resume will probably not be read entirely during the first selection. Be clear but concise—try to keep it to a maximum of three pages.
8. Proofread your resume
Everyone makes a typo or spelling mistake sometimes. But in your resume, it looks especially sloppy. It undermines your resume and can be a reason for rejection. Always use spell check AND have someone else review your resume as well.
9. Be unique and honest!
The resume offers a glimpse into your personality. Use this first form of contact to set yourself apart. Avoid standard terms and, in a maximum of 3 lines, give a powerful sketch of yourself, your experience, and your ambitions. Bluffing, boasting, polishing, downplaying, twisting—DON’T DO IT! There’s a high chance the interviewer will see right through you. And your chances at that job? Say goodbye to them!
Google yourself sometime
10. Google knows everything, and so does your interviewer!
You can have a fantastic resume. But if your online presence scares someone off, you can forget about that job. Google yourself and remove any photos and statements that could give the recruiter a bad impression. Check your privacy settings on Facebook and make sure your online image is spotless too.
11. References?
Do you use the phrase: ‘References are available upon request’? Then you’re doing well! If not, mention it on your resume. Never include names or phone numbers of referees on your resume.
12. Pay attention to the format of your resume
An ATS can’t ‘read’ all file types. Is the job ad specifically asking for a resume in Word? Or PDF? Then follow this instruction. Otherwise, your resume may not be recognized or read by the ATS.
Need help?
We help people find suitable work. Are you looking for a new job? Due to long-term absence, while on benefits, or because your employer and you see no future in working together. Then MEPD can guide and support you during this process. Feel free to contact us.
Yaqueline Roestenburg
Career advisor
As a career advisor, I’m happy to help guide participants on their way. I truly believe that everyone has valuable qualities to achieve success.
