Job seekers complain that after sending in applications, they don’t hear whether their package was received or viewed. This situation is a result of overwhelmed HR departments that simply do not have the means to evaluate every applicant. Instead, materials are often run through AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS), which toss out the majority of applications for various reasons. Recruiters advise applicants to follow a few tips that will increase the likelihood of moving past the machines to land an interview with a human.

1. Check for errors. Then check again. And again. Errors that show carelessness—typos, misspellings (especially of a name) poor grammar, or incorrect punctuation—will likely mean the résumé will end up in the trash. Such errors wreak havoc with ATS, worsening the problem caused by a lack of attention to detail.
2. Use standard formatting. Avoid the urge to stand out with a fancy format—recruiters prefer a standardized style so they know exactly where to locate information on a résumé. Find a template that is easy on the eyes and use black type in a standard font. Do not include a headshot or divide the page into two columns to conform to scanning by ATS. There is only one exception to these rules: People applying for graphic artist positions who have a bit more leeway to show creativity.
3. State your purpose at the top. After your name, clearly communicate the role you want and why you should be considered for it in a summary paragraph of no more than a few lines. Include information that describes your strengths, expertise, and major accomplishments. Make sure to be concise; recruiters have a maximum of 10-20 seconds to look at a résumé.
4. Focus on results, not responsibilities. A list of duties is unhelpful on a résumé. Instead, define the impact you had in a position, using quantifiable terms, specific skills, and metrics wherever possible. Remember an employer has a job to fill and wants to hire an individual who has the skill and knowledge to fill that role.
5. Keep it short. Only applicants who have been in the workforce for many years should have a résumé over one page, so edit for conciseness. Avoid I statements and instead use strong action verbs.
6. Complete the online application. Make sure to fill in every field on an application even if you’ve submitted a résumé. Cut-and-paste from the résumé if the application calls for something you’ve already said on it; never use the phrase refer to résumé.
7. Use AI as a tool. AI can help a candidate look for job openings. However, job seekers should always doublecheck any AI results; the technology is not fail-proof.

Finally, network! Make connections inside an organization. If you can land a referral from someone within the company, your application will likely go to the top of the interview list.

Abril, D. (2023, July 27). Top résumé tips to stand out in automated screenings and with recruiters. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com