When you’re on the job search, submitting your resume over and over again can be incredibly frustrating and even defeating. After looking online week after week, you end up completely revising your resume and cover letter yet again. Pleased with what you believe is the perfect resume, you hit submit, only never to hear back from anyone.
You wonder what it is about your resume that you keep getting passed over by one hiring team after another and whether you should even keep revising it. In this post from One Tech Engineering’s technical recruiters, we’re answering your resume questions so you can finally get hired.
Why You Get Passed Over
Although it may feel like you’re doing something wrong, chances are good that dozens of other applicants are feeling just like you are. That’s because, for any given online job posting, hiring managers can end up looking over hundreds of applications.
To manage this workload, many companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) that screens candidates. If your resume doesn’t meet the exact criteria their algorithms are looking for, you just won’t make the cut.
Additionally, many companies require jobs to be posted publicly while fully intending to hire an internal referral. This can make getting in the door next to impossible.
There Is Hope in Small Resume Edits
Since technology sometimes seems to work against you, take a little time to fight back. Look over your resume to see if there are portions you can eliminate and streamline. See our guide on what you don’t need to have on resumes anymore.
Then, tweak your resume to suit the individual positions you’re applying for. This may be the difference between an algorithm selecting you or skipping over your hard work. Here are a few things you can do to stand out from the crowd.
1. Use Language From the Job Description
Using language that mirrors the job listing is the best way to get past those ATS algorithms while demonstrating that you’re the right person for the job. Be sure to align past work with language precisely as it is stated in the listing.
For example, if a listing says it’s looking for someone with “project management” experience, provide a bullet point in your work experience section that shows how, as the team lead you “managed and oversaw the completion of various solar panel installation projects.”
If a job description uses phrases like “implementing new technology” or “analyzing data metrics,” include that language in the examples of your skills or experiences.
2. Add a Targeted Headline
When hiring managers or technical recruiters look over hundreds of resumes, they notice those that stand out as similar to the job listing. Add a headline that includes the target job title. A title like “Fire Protection Specialist with 10 years of experience” is much more striking to recruiters than the typical “Work Experience” heading.
Next, add those job description keywords within your work history examples that may give your ATS ranking a kick directly underneath the headline.
3. Create a Summary of Qualifications
When using the language in the job description to guide your examples and show your qualifications for the position you’re applying for, make sure your summaries show how measurable your skill sets are.
Provide the number of years of experience you have, show how many successful projects you’ve managed, how many people you’ve managed in your team, the percentage of quality improvements you’ve achieved for your current employer, etc.
Numbers are tangible expressions of your achievements and quickly communicate your effectiveness as an employee, so always provide them for recruiters.
4. Remove Irrelevant or Extraneous Info
Instead of providing a list of all of your work history, give only those work experiences that are the most relevant to the position you are seeking. Then give yourself some room to elaborate on the skills you gained from those experiences and provide examples that match the job description language.
This shows recruiters precisely what you’re capable of doing and focuses their attention on the skills that matter most to them.
5. Don’t Limit Applications to Online Submissions
Even if you’re an excellent candidate for the company’s culture and job listing, you may be one of many deserving candidates. Don’t assume online applications are the only way you’ll find the right job.
Some of the best jobs are found daily through networking and connections. Working with a company like One Tech allows you to get to know working professionals across your field and build those career-changing connections.
How Technical Recruiters Can Help You Succeed
Are you tired of waiting for online job listings to show interest? One Tech Engineering’s technical recruiters can get you started on the path to career success!
Whether you’re interested in electrical engineering jobs, civil designer jobs, or another technical position, we offer a complete benefits package and a chance to get back on the job. Connect with our technical recruiters at 952-884-9199, or contact us to discuss your professional goals today!