When working with our private clients 1:1 as they search for their next dream job, we create the space for each to explore all possibilities and creatively cast a wide net.
We know in 2019, one of the most streamlined ways to put your name in the hat is online.
One of the biggest things our clients haven’t considered during their job search is the reality of applying for jobs online.
Most online resumes are not read by a human being…
until they’ve made it past the ALGORITHM… ERRRGGG!
Only around 25% make it past the algorithm into the hands of a human being to review. On average, you have a 5% chance of getting to the interview stage, whether you apply online or not.
So how can you make it into the 25% that do make it past the algorithm, and even into the coveted 5% who are called in for an interview?
First, to clarify, the algorithm in the applicant tracking systems (ATS) we are referring to here is when you upload your resume through a company’s website, via LinkedIn, or any other major online job site. This primarily applies to medium to large companies, as most small companies and start-ups do not have the volume or budget to justify such software.
Next, showcasing your personality and connecting as a human being are some of the things we coach our clients around in this context because we know that’s what most companies are looking for in their people – real people.
You know you’re talented and the company will know you’re talented, and what they may not know is if you are kind, calm, emotionally intelligent, confident, flexible, agile, engaging, coachable, supportive, if you offer support, etc. Essentially they may not know much about your people and relationship skills which matter to employers, equally or more than your technical skills and experience.
YET, you may not be making it past this algorithm to showcase any of this, which is why we are sharing this article from LinkedIn, where the author spoke to a couple of experts to learn how you can craft your online resume to increase your odds of getting it in the hands of a human.
Get past recruiting algorithms with these tricks, and more tips for job seekers
These are the most interesting takeaways we found in this post:
- The best thing you can do is watch how you talk about yourself on your resume as they talk about the job in the description
- Sound like a human being
- Use a little bit of color on your resume to stand out
- Always include a cover letter, even if it’s the 2nd page of your resume, when your resume makes it past the algorithm, it will be read by someone
- After you submit your resume online, get in touch with someone in the department or with HR directly – the best way to beat the algorithm is to connect with people in the company directly.
Overall, this may mean creating a new resume for each online submission, which we believe is worth your time and energy when searching for the job of your dreams. Rather than playing the numbers game, and mindlessly submitting yourself for positions, use the same time and energy into your search, as you would the job at stake.
Remember, you are looking for your dream job, looking to land somewhere you’ve always wanted to be, which means you get to treat your job search exactly as how you describe yourself on your resume, in your cover letter, and how you show up on interviews. Anything less might result in less.
To learn more about our private coaching to up-level the search for the job of your dream, connect with us here to set up a time to explore your goals.
With Purpose,
Tiffany Houser
Founder & CEO of EVOLVE
