How To Make Your Resume Search Friendly

You may have heard that in order for employers to find your resume online, you need to “optimize” it with “keywords” related to the job you’re applying for. This way, your CV will magically float to the top of the search results and the employer will immediately contact you for a job interview.

If only it were that easy. First, it is important to note that not all search engines are created equal. A general search engine like Google won’t find a resume the same way a specialized search engine will find a job listing site. Most of the time, most people who post their resume online do so through a site like LinkedIn or Ziprecruiter, which makes it easier for employers to find you.

And when you send your resume to a company, most of the time it won’t be reviewed by a human at all, but by a program known as an applicant tracking system, or ATS. This system will take the information from your CV and give you a score based on how well you match the position being filled. Obviously, the higher your score, the higher your chances of getting an interview.

Are you wondering how to improve your resume so that it ranks high in search results and in employers’ applicant tracking systems? Here are some tips.

Use keywords strategically

Gone are the days when using a targeted keyword multiple times could get you a higher ranking. Today’s ATS technologies rely on context, not simple keyword matches, enabling them to parse things the way a human might. So it’s not the word, as much as where it takes place and the company that keeps it.

So, if you want to highlight a keyword like “java”, try framing it with descriptive language that shows your experience and expertise on the subject. Also keep in mind that the higher you place a keyword on your resume, the better, although it also doesn’t hurt to show progress in your skills.

Use the language from the job description

The most obvious way for your resume to catch the attention of ATS is to incorporate industry jargon, buzzwords, and terms from the company’s job description into your resume. Just remember not to force it. Use them only when relevant and applicable.

Keep it clean

While humans might enjoy things like fancy fonts, logos, photos, and graphic elements on your resume, machines don’t. These redundancies only serve to confuse the ATS system, which is programmed to segment information into different categories.

In general, stick to simple, easy-to-read formats with standard web-safe fonts like Arial, Georgia, Courier, Lucinda, or Tahoma. With the exception of bullets, avoid any special characters (such as arrows or symbols) that can prevent ATS from properly analyzing your information. Avoid typos and misspellings. Not only do they make you look clumsy, but they also prevent ATS from finding the important keywords.

Highlight your skills and achievements

Most employers are looking for specialized skills. Make sure your resume highlights the special skills and knowledge you have acquired that are relevant to the job. Include industry-specific abbreviations or abbreviations that the employer might use to find candidates. Include any achievements and qualifications related to the job description.

Format your resume logically

ATS systems look for certain elements in certain places on your resume. Make sure all of your vital information, including your name, phone number, and email address, is at the top. Use appropriate titles for the different sections of your resume and organize them logically.

Customize each resume

Finally, be sure to tailor your resume to meet the specific needs of each job you are applying for. Each job will require a different set of skills. Include only previous positions and talents relevant to the position.