How to Get Your Resume Past Resume Screening Software

Use a font that the software won't read.... Carta:grin:

Ok i'm kidding. Like you said use the keywords listed on the job posting.

 

Good luck with that. You should sing this to them:

Spoiler

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/go_tRctLmbc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

*the lyrics apply

 

Where's the user with the handle HR Dept...i'm sure he has a tip.

 

And dandoritik (sp?)

 

Yes, you need multiple keywords- most importantly, you need keywords that relate directly to the position you seek. Here's an example of an ad:

The Sr. Accountant will be responsible for:
- Preparing monthly and quarterly sales and used tax returns
- Analyzing and entering retail inventory and adjustments
- Handling cash management
- Preparing monthly bank reconciliation
- Posting to the G/L

Your resume should have variations of all 5 of those- also, if this person has never been a sr. accountant, they should probably include the word sr. accountant on there somehow, such as "Capable of handling sr. accountant responsibilities," b/c the job title is also a keyword. This person's KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL AREAS section would look like:

K&Ss:
Cash Management Handling; Monthly Bank Reconciliation; G/L Posting; Retail Inventory Analysis & Adjustments; Monthly and Quarterly Sales/Used Tax Return Preparation; Senior Accountant Responsibilities

The key is to use KNOWLEDGE and skills as a subtitle for this section on your resume, not just SKILLS. This allows you to include keywords that you may not have a "skill" in, but you have knowledge about and COULD become skilled in it with experience.

 

Would Rep if not taken away by Clutch for name calling

 

Send your resume to the manager of the department that the position is in.

 

Keyword stuffing definitely works but now some companies (few) will actually use filters to ignore fluff phrases. Pee-pee words like "spreadheaded" get you flagged. Don't use pee-pee words. Nobody likes them anyways.

 

lol, only use them for your performance reviews once you join the company.

 

You bet your arse I do. :grin:

Dandoritik is spot on as usual. A rule of thumb should be to never use the same resume for more than one job. Tailor it to each job you apply for and use specific keywords from the ad or job posting.

Our ATS (Applicant Tracking Software) doesn’t pre-screen for us, outside of four or five minimum qualifications. A good recruiter won’t depend solely on the results of electronic screening. Sometimes you just have to “get your hands dirty” and do some ad-hoc queries and cold clicking. Leave no stone unturned.

It's up to you whether or not you use fluff. Some like it - Some don't. Personally I don't care; I usually skim through resumes and applications. Things that catch my attention include: employer names, keywords/skills, cohesion, and longevity/stability. Employer names and keywords answer the question of related experience. Cohesion shows me communication skills (possibly) and attention to detail. Longevity/stability is one good way to peep into character and work ethic. There is more to it and it isn’t fool proof, but that’s usually where I start.

Good Luck.

 

So how does it look when a guy has 3 jobs in 5 years. I thought this was fairly common in the IT world?

 

IMO of course... Three jobs in five years isn't bad at all, especially if they're vertical moves. However lateral moves for small pay increases would be a red flag for me. There are obvious exceptions for things like contract work, but extended spans of temporary work could be a red flag also.

It just depends, and I do concede that my familiarity with the IT world stops right after 2.5 years as a CIS major before switching concentrations.

 

It is common but if you're still doing this 10-15 years into your career then it could possibly show that you can't keep a job or you're too restless to stay. I would expect more longevity the further you are in your career unless, as HR said, you're moving up vertically. Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Senior Network Engineer, Network Architect, Senior Network Architect, Global Architect, Director of Networks, etc.

 

This is a pretty good article on MONSTER.com:

FOUR COVER LETTER FLUBS to AVOID
http://career-advice.monster.com/re...oid-hot-jobs/article.aspx?WT.mc_n=CRMUS000627

 

Sure, you can tailor a resume for different positions. It's all about conveying to the reader as much as possible how you are the best qualified person for the position. You have to "get in their head" to determine what you should include- if you want to hire an engineer, what do you want to know? What do they know about engineering? Do they have a degree in engineering? How have they demonstrated success in engineering activities with their employers- and what is the proof? If international, do they understand the protocols and practices of that country? Can they lead people (e.g. Senior Engineer) effectively?

It's about making the connection with the reader. What do they REALLY want to know? But- there's a catch. Some of the things they REALLY want to know may be things that you're NOT so good at- a.k.a. "What is your greatest weakness?" So, in making that connection, you make the connection with the items that illustrate your qualifications, not your limitations.

HIGHLIGHT your qualifications, TWILIGHT your limitations.

 

I would try to get to know the hr contact. Since I'd have nothing to lose and know they're hiring, I'd walk on site and find ways to score an interview. That may appear desperate, so show them you're worth it. Let them know you know what they're about with your enthusiasm. My company's hiring rate is extremely low, but i know we spend a good amount of money for an initial hire and training.

Culture plays a role on this tactics effectiveness, but it's also a two way street.

Three jobs in 5 years isn't that bad, imo. It seems normal as long as you acquire a preference on language, role, or skill....but in the on site interview, i usually key in on that and check the candidates personal interest in the company.

That said, if you're genuinely good, you can play it off as being bored with the work.

My two cents in IT...