Getting your resume noticed by employers can be daunting. The internet is an increasingly overwhelming and inundated space, becoming more challenging to navigate daily.
In recruitment, we’re dealing with additional layers of limitations presented by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and resume checkers. Initially developed in the late 1990s to help large organizations manage the overwhelming number of applications they receive, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) streamline the initial screening process to save time and resources. However, these systems aren’t replacements for humans and can’t perform many higher-level functions required to deal with the nuances of hiring.
Many qualified candidates are arbitrarily overlooked because their resumes lack relevant formatting or keywords. The good news is we’re on the horizon of a new technology wave driven by AI advancements that are helping fill in the gaps left by antiquated systems.
These tools are revolutionizing how job seekers can optimize resumes to pass through digital gatekeepers. Below, we will explore how you can use AI to help eliminate systemic barriers and enhance your resume’s chances of reaching the top of the pile.
How AI Resume Tools Work
AI resume tools analyze your resume’s content and structure, providing insights on how to align it with ATS requirements. These tools can suggest keyword optimizations, identify formatting errors, and even highlight areas for improvement in your work experience and skills sections. By leveraging AI, job seekers can ensure their resumes are ATS-friendly and compelling to human recruiters.
1. Keyword Optimization: AI resume tools, like Jobscan or Resume Worded, can scan job descriptions to identify relevant keywords and phrases. Incorporating these keywords into your resume increases the likelihood of passing ATS filters and helps give you a better idea of what you can emphasize to be more attractive to the hiring team. This process involves more than just copying and pasting; it requires a strategic approach to ensure the keywords fit naturally within your resume’s context.
2. Format and Structure: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can struggle with certain resume formats, such as those with complex layouts or graphics. AI tools can recommend the best formats and highlight any structural issues that might hinder ATS readability. Many of these resources, like Rezi, also provide preformatted templates that can be tailored to your liking to ensure your resume is parsable while still being uniquely you.
3. Tailored Content: Customizing your resume for each job application is crucial. AI tools can help you quickly adjust your resume to match the specific requirements of different job postings. This includes highlighting relevant experiences and skills aligning with the job description, making your application more appealing to both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human recruiters. Check out our blog post, Resume Design Tips: How to Be Creative Without Breaking the Rules, to read more about how tailoring the content of your resume to fit each job description is a worthwhile endeavor.
Recommendations
Now that we know how AI Resume Tools work let’s review their practical applications. Consider the following to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.
- Keyword Optimization: Use AI tools to identify and incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions into your resume. This increases the likelihood of passing ATS filters.
- Format and Structure: Ensure your resume is in a format that ATS can easily parse. AI tools can recommend the best formats and highlight any structural issues that might hinder ATS readability.
- Tailored Content: Customize your resume for each job application. AI tools can help you quickly adjust your resume to match the specific requirements of different job postings.
Key Takeaways
AI resume tools are transforming the job application process by helping candidates create resumes that are both ATS-friendly and appealing to human recruiters. By leveraging the right tools, job seekers can combat the challenges of operating within an imperfect system and increase their chances of being considered for viable opportunities.
TalentAlly offers a range of resources to help diverse job seekers succeed in their career pursuits. Attend our career fairs to share your story with potential employers, and utilize our job board to find opportunities with inclusive employers that match your skills.
