We may receive compensation when you click on product links from our partners. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last Updated on November 1, 2024
Applying for a job online involves submitting your application into a database, often known as the automated applicant tracking system or an online application repository. However, many refer to it as the ‘resume black hole’. Consider this: how often have you sent online job applications without receiving a response from the company you applied to?
Your online job application is sorted and processed by an automated system. Only the top applications are delivered to a human resources representative or any real person for review.
Michael A. Harrison uses all the skills he has developed through years of recruiting the right people to demonstrate how you can learn the strategies that will secure you the position.
What You Need to Get Your Resume Noticed
- Customize
Your Resume : Tailor your resume for eachjob application . Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description to show you’re a perfect fit for the role. - Use Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords from the job listing. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catches the attention of hiring managers.
- Quantify Achievements: Include measurable achievements in your work history. Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate the impact you’ve made in previous roles.
- Strong Summary Statement: Start with a compelling summary or objective statement. This should be a concise pitch that highlights your key qualifications and career goals.
- Professional Formatting: Use a clean, professional format. Ensure your resume is easy to read with a logical flow, clear headings, and consistent font.
Do you need career support solely focused on you and your goals? Explore Career.io, the only Al and human-powered platform where you can find everything you need. For any step of your job search or career growth. All in one place.
- Highlight Soft Skills: Showcase your soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are highly valued by employers in various industries.
- Include Relevant Education: List your educational background, focusing on degrees and certifications relevant to the job. Mention any special honors or extracurricular activities that enhance your candidacy.
- Showcase Technical Skills: For roles that require technical expertise, make sure to list relevant software, tools, and technologies you are proficient in.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Eliminate any typos or grammatical errors. A well-proofread resume shows attention to detail, a quality appreciated in any candidate.
- Use Powerful Action Verbs: Start bullet points with dynamic action verbs. Words like ‘achieved’, ‘managed’, and ‘developed’ can make your experiences sound more impactful.
Use Exact Keywords and Phrases
Have you ever searched on Google for something specific, only to receive search results completely unrelated to your query? Similarly, the technology driving job application engines operate on a comparable principle. These systems search for exact words and phrases programmed into their database by hiring managers. If your application lacks these specific keywords and phrases, it’s likely to be overlooked by the automated system. The issue many applicants don’t realize is that they often possess the necessary experience and training sought by hiring managers. However, their applications are being filtered out by this automated screening process.
Find Jobs That Closely Match Your Skills and Abilities
Applying for jobs within your qualifications increases the likelihood of including all required words and phrases in your application. However, aiming for positions that are a significant stretch can be more challenging. The key to finding ideal job opportunities lies in knowing where to look and how to effectively seek assistance. It’s estimated that major job boards like ZipRecruiter and CareerBuilder account for only 4 to 8 percent of all national hires.
This suggests that most job opportunities aren’t listed on these platforms. Therefore, it’s crucial to broaden your job search beyond these boards. Leveraging personal and social networks can provide access to the ‘hidden job market’, which has considerably less competition and significantly higher chances of landing a job. These networks introduce you to opportunities that are not readily apparent or accessible through traditional channels.
Finding just the right job opportunities will cut down the frustration factors immensely and improve your chances of interviews and job offers.
Never miss an opportunity. On ZipRecruiter, top companies reach out to you.
There's no need to look anywhere else. With over 9 Million jobs, ZipRecruiter is the only site you'll ever need to find your next job.
The Right Contacts To Follow Up With
Avoid the common misconception that applying online means you can’t contact the company directly. Many people mistakenly believe that there should be no human interaction until they are selected from the vast pool of applicants, as if by a lottery.
This mindset, however, can significantly hinder your chances of making it onto the shortlist of your desired companies. If you possess the right skills and effectively articulate them in your application, a bit of human interaction can be the final touch needed to secure the opportunity. Proactive communication with the company can make a notable difference, demonstrating your initiative and interest in the role beyond just submitting an online application.
Use Your Network
Companies frequently hire individuals who are familiar to them, either as acquaintances of current employees or as past colleagues. This is the basis of the adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know that matters.”
This principle should not be underestimated. Understanding whom to reach out to and how to effectively communicate with them is crucial in becoming a recognized candidate. It can significantly aid in gaining an initial foothold at your prospective place of employment. Establishing these connections and making a positive impression can be just as important as your qualifications and skills.
Summary
Successfully getting your resume noticed in the competitive job market requires a blend of strategic formatting, relevant content, and proactive networking. By tailoring
Learn to write a killer resume with our top picks of 5 must-read books on resume writing. Land your dream job today!
Additional Resources
-
$18.95$16.74Buy on Amazon.comFor managers and executives, writing resumes and LinkedIn profiles is a complex process that requires strategy
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
12/24/2024 09:58 pm GMT -
$12.95Buy on Amazon.comCreate "a killer professional resume" to give you the edge you need to gain access past the scrutinizing gatekeepers who screen your resume and select the candidates’ resumes that contains the language they seek. "You can create your own killer resume," right now.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
12/25/2024 10:04 am GMT -
$2.99Buy on AmazonThe Resume Writing Guide is a workbook that leads you through the actual process of creating a resume - one step at a time.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
12/25/2024 08:23 am GMT -
$3.99View on Amazon.comAre you fed up with being unemployed or not having the job you deserve? This book is exactly what you’re looking for! Get great tips and best practices for the modern job seeker STRAIGHT FROM A RECRUITING INSIDER with years of experience at one of the largest professional recruiting companies in the world.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
12/25/2024 02:33 am GMT -
$14.95$6.61Buy from Amazon Buy from WalmartAt a time when companies can draw on resume banks containing millions of documents, you'll need to create a concise and powerful resume if you want to stand out.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
12/25/2024 10:14 am GMT
