By Jessica Jackson, PHR
Senior Manager, Human Resources at American Public University System
Today’s recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage the large volume of job applicants for openings. This helps recruiters to sort through candidate submissions to narrow down a top pool for interviewing through keyword searches and technology. The pre-screening process is set to determine if minimum qualifications are met, and if the candidate is in alignment on paper with the job description. If an applicant’s resume doesn’t accurately describe their background they may never make it through the first phase of the resume review process.
Timing is everything!
A job posting can “go live” on job boards and a company’s website and receive hundreds of applicants within the first 24 hours. Each hiring manager has a timeline to hire within, and if they receive 25 qualified candidates in the first week they may work through this pool and only request more resumes if needed. This is great for the early applicants, but could lower the chance at an interview for the late responders.
Frustrating, right? It certainly can be. However, the candidates who are getting noticed and standing out from the crowd have found creative ways to shine amidst the overwhelming number of job applicants.
Here are a few tips to help you channel this energy and become more effective on the search for your next opportunity:
Read the job description
It is vital for a job seeker to spend the time to read the job description and understand the essential functions of the job. This is your “map” throughout the application process, and it’s all at your fingertips! Hiring managers list the minimum and preferred qualifications that they are seeking, the responsibilities and essential functions of the position, and critical skills that are necessary for success in the role. If it becomes clear that the position is outside of the realm of what you can or wish to pursue, you can spend your time focusing on positions that are better suited for your personal skillset.
Tailor your resume to each job posting
Like jobs, resumes should not take the “one size fits all” approach. This is the most common mistake I have seen over the years while working in HR and recruiting. It’s important to focus your resume on the particular job for which you are applying. For example, if you’re applying for a position in finance but have a background in IT, finance and HR; you’ll want to list your experience but spend the majority of the time highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the finance role. This is what is important to the hiring manager and will give them an idea of what you can bring to the table for their position.
Describe accomplishments and measurable successes
Many people list out the day to day responsibilities of each job on their resume, but fail to include the highlights of their successes while at each company. If you successfully cut costs in half for advertising expenses while increasing interest in the product, say so! Stand apart from the other candidates by enticing the hiring manager to want to learn more about you as a potential employee and person. You have worked hard to be successful in your career and now it’s time to share that with your next potential employer.
Proofread and keep your resume current
There is nothing worse than when a recruiter comes across a resume with spelling and grammatical errors, or better yet with “track changes” still on the document. Hiring managers want to know that their applicant pool is genuinely interested in their position and takes the application process seriously. Don’t count yourself out from the start by making a careless mistake on your resume. Secondly, ensure all information on your resume is current. I’ve been in several interviews and asked candidates about their “current position” only to find out that they’d actually left 6 months prior and neglected to update their resume. This is the document that will follow you throughout the hiring process, so make sure it’s something you can be proud of and reflects your level of professionalism and dedication appropriately.
Get creative
Even with the best resume and timing, there is often that “je ne sais quoi” that hiring managers say sets their top candidate apart from the pack. An applicant recently stopped by my office with a box of donuts and his resume. While sometimes it’s impossible to get in front of a hiring manager or recruiter directly, he took the chance and certainly made an impression. He had already taken the time to apply online and wanted to stop by to reiterate his interest in the position. He got my attention! By going out of your way to follow up on a submission, show your level of interest, or just get noticed, it can make all the difference in the world.
Make an impressions that will last
Do your research, ask questions, and take the time to find out if the position is a good fit for you. Take the time in the beginning to set yourself up for success and make the right choices for you and your career. The interview process isn’t only for the hiring manager, but for you to determine if you’d be making the right move. By taking advantage of the resources at your disposal and making smarter decisions throughout the application process you are one step closer on your journey to stand out from the crowd.
