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REMOTE JOB RESOURCES

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 17:51:18 GMT

Companies Offering Remote Job Opportunities In 2024

Are you ready to find a remote role? Start your job search with these companies that consistently offer remote positions.

As remote work continues to grow in popularity among job seekers, it is beneficial to identify companies that frequently hire for remote roles. To help you in your search for the perfect work from home position, we've compiled a list of companies that routinely offer remote roles in various industries. These companies provide a range of options, from full-time W2 positions with benefits to flexible 1099 independent contractor roles. Many of these jobs are also considered "easy hire" companies. Below, you will find direct links to their career pages, where you can explore the latest remote opportunities! Just click on the company name, and you will be directed to their career page.

If any of the links below no longer work, simply Google the company name and navigate to its career page. You can then filter jobs by location or use the keyword "remote."

Whether you are looking for a full-time job or a flexible work arrangement, this list is a great place to start when exploring exciting career opportunities!

Ready to elevate your resume to land a remote job? Contact us today to learn more about our resume writing services and how we can help you stand out in the job market. You can also find out more about what we offer here or subscribe to our email list so you don’t miss out on future posts with resume writing and career counseling advice.

QUANTIFIABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:33:38 GMT

Showcase Your Success with Impactful Metrics

In today's competitive job market, it's crucial that your resume stands out against your competitors. One of the most effective ways to do this is by highlighting your achievements with quantifiable data. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments, show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization, and draw a recruiter's eye to your accomplishment on a document full of words. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to write quantifiable achievements on your resume, provide dos and don'ts, and offer specific examples to guide you.

Why Should You Focus on Quantifiable Accomplishments?

By quantifying your achievements, you demonstrate your impact in previous roles and help potential employers understand the scope of your contributions. Using metrics like percentages, dollar amounts, and timeframes, you can create a more compelling narrative of your professional success.

To Add Credibility and Specificity:

Quantifiable accomplishments add credibility to your claims by providing concrete evidence of your success. Instead of vague statements, numbers offer a clear picture of your impact.

Example : Instead of saying "Improved sales," say "Increased sales by 20% in six months."

To Demonstrate Value

Numbers showcase the value you brought to your previous roles. They help potential employers see how you can contribute to their organization.

Example : Instead of saying, "Managed a team," say, "Led a team of 10 employees, increasing productivity by 15%."

To Make Your Resume Stand Out

Quantifiable accomplishments make your resume more memorable and impactful. They provide concrete evidence that sets you apart from other candidates.

Example : Instead of saying "Reduced costs," say "Cut operating expenses by $10,000 annually."

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Quantifiable Accomplishments

Quantifying your accomplishments can significantly enhance the impact of your resume, but it's important to approach this task thoughtfully. Following the best practices and avoiding common pitfalls will help you present your achievements most compellingly. Let's dive into some specific dos and don'ts to guide you in crafting effective, quantifiable resume statements.

Do: Use Specific Metrics

Be specific with your metrics. Use numbers, percentages, and timeframes to quantify your accomplishments.

Example : "Generated $50,000 in new revenue within the first quarter."

Do: Highlight Impact

Focus on the impact of your actions. Show how your contributions made a difference to the organization.

Example : "Streamlined processes, reducing turnaround time by 30%."

Do: Be Honest and Accurate

Ensure that your numbers are accurate and honest. Misrepresenting your achievements can lead to issues later on.

Example : If you improved customer satisfaction, provide the exact percentage increase.

Don’t: Use Vague Statements

Don't use vague statements without quantifiable evidence. Specific numbers are more impactful than general claims.

What Not to Do : "Improved efficiency."

What to Do Instead : "Improved efficiency, reducing project completion time by 25%."

Don’t: Exaggerate

Avoid exaggerating your accomplishments. Stick to truthful and accurate representations of your achievements.

What Not to Do : "Increased sales by 500%."

What to Do Instead : "Increased sales by 20%."

Don’t: Forget to Update Regularly

Keep your resume updated with your latest achievements. Regularly adding new quantifiable accomplishments ensures that your resume remains current and relevant.

What Not to Do : Use outdated metrics from several years ago.

What to Do Instead : Update metrics with your most recent achievements.

Specific Examples:

Quantifiable accomplishments are a key component of a strong resume. You help potential employers visualize your impact in previous roles by providing concrete evidence of your success. Let's explore some specific examples of how to quantify your achievements effectively.

Sales & Marketing

Increased monthly revenue by 25% by developing and implementing targeted marketing campaigns.

Achieved a 30% growth in client acquisition in one year through effective prospecting strategies.

Project Management

Managed a portfolio of 10+ projects monthly, completing all projects by 15% under budget to save over $15K in overhead expenses annually.

Delivered projects 2 weeks ahead of schedule, improving client satisfaction by 20%.

Human Resources

Reduced employee turnover by 10% by implementing improved hiring and onboarding processes.

Increased training program participation by 50%, resulting in a 15% improvement in employee performance.

Customer Service

Improved customer satisfaction scores by 22% within 6 months through quality conflict management strategies.

Resolved 95% of customer issues through first-contact resolution to improve overall efficiency.

Healthcare

Implemented intake process optimizations that reduced patient wait times by 25 minutes.

Designed a patient survey to identify areas of opportunity, resulting in a 15% increase in patient satisfaction after 1 year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure your resume remains accurate and impactful. Remember, every achievement counts, no matter how small. Highlighting these accomplishments with quantifiable data can significantly affect how potential employers perceive your value. Let's recap with some final thoughts on the importance of measurable achievements in your resume.

Overlooking Small Achievements

Even small achievements are significant when quantified. Don’t overlook them. Instead, highlight all quantifiable achievements, no matter the size.

Only Using One Type of Metric

Diversify your metrics to include percentages, dollar amounts, and timeframes to provide a comprehensive view of your accomplishments.

Neglecting to Tailor Metrics to the Job You Are Applying For

Ensure that the metrics you highlight are relevant to the job you are applying for. Tailor your resume to showcase the most pertinent accomplishments that align with the job description.

Quantifiable accomplishments are a powerful tool for making your resume stand out. Using specific metrics, you can provide concrete evidence of your achievements and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Ready to elevate your resume with a clean and professional template? Contact us today to learn more about our resume writing services and how we can help you stand out in the job market. You can also find out more about what we offer here or subscribe to our email list so you don’t miss out on future posts with resume writing and career counseling advice.

CAREER TRANSITIONS

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 16:04:56 GMT

Highlight Transferrable Skills to Unlock New Opportunities

Changing careers can be daunting, but one of the most effective ways to make the transition smoother is by focusing on your transferrable skills – the abilities and experiences you have that are relevant across various industries. By emphasizing these skills, you will show potential employers your adaptability and value, no matter the field. In this post, we will discuss how to write a resume for a career transition by focusing on these transferrable skills and specific examples to guide you in the resume writing process.

Why should you focus on transferrable skills? It’s easy. They are the building blocks of any career because they are not confined to a specific industry. These skills can be applied across various fields and demonstrate a candidate's competence and potential. If you are making a career transition, emphasizing these skills can help you bridge the gap between your experience and future aspirations. Let’s dig into this further:

SHOWCASE VERSATILITY & ADAPTABILITY

Transferrable skills demonstrate your ability to adapt to new roles and environments. They show you have a strong foundation that can be applied in different contexts.

Example : A teacher moving into the healthcare industry can highlight communication and organizational skills, which are essential in both fields.

HIGHLIGHT RELEVANT STRENGTHS

Focusing on your relevant strengths can help you make your case for suitability for the desired role, even if your previous job titles don’t translate across industries.

Example : A project manager transitioning into marketing can emphasize leadership and strategic planning skills.

BUILD CONFIDENCE WITH EMPLOYERS

Hiring managers will consider candidates from different industries if they can clearly see how the candidate's skills will benefit the organization.

Example : A retail employee moving into healthcare customer service can showcase problem-solving and conflict-management abilities.

Understanding how your skill set can be applied to a new industry is key to successful career transitions. If you can identify and articulate these transferrable skills, you’ll present yourself as a well-rounded and qualified candidate capable of thriving in a new environment. While touching on every possible scenario for a career transition is impossible, we hope the following examples provide inspiration.

TEACHER TO HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Communication : Because you articulated complex lesson plans and topics to students, you can also explain complex medical information to patients.

Organization : Because you managed evolving classroom activities and schedules, you can easily navigate patient appointments and medical records.

PROJECT MANAGER TO MARKETING SPECIALIST

Leadership : Because you led project teams to complete projects ahead of schedule, you can complete marketing campaigns on time for stakeholders.

Strategic Planning : Because you developed project timelines and budgets, you can create effective marketing strategies.

RETAIL WORKER TO CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Problem-Solving : Because you solved complex order issues for retail customers, you can easily resolve customer complaints in a remote work environment.

Team Collaboration : Because you worked alongside colleagues in a fast-paced retail environment, you can easily communicate with a customer service team.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL

Recordkeeping : Because you maintained accurate records and schedules in an office environment, you can effectively manage employee personnel files and onboarding processes.

Interpersonal Skills : Because you collaborated with diverse teams across multiple departments, you can also facilitate employee relations with diverse personnel.

ENGINEER TO DATA ANALYST

Analytical Thinking : Because you solved complex technical issues, you can also analyze extensive data to identify trends and insights.

Technical Skills : Because you have mastered complex engineering software, you can easily learn new data analytics tools.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE TO FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

Persuasion : Because you were able to upsell customers on merchandise, you can also persuade potential donors to contribute to causes.

Networking : Because you built a loyal clientele base, you can also establish effective relationships with donors and sponsors.

CHEF TO EVENT PLANNER

Time Management : Because you could coordinate meal preparation in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments, you can effectively manage competing event schedules and timelines.

Innovation : Because you developed new, state-of-the-art recipes, you can also create unique event experiences.

FINANCIAL ANALYST TO OPERATIONS MANAGER

Financial Acumen : Because you analyzed financial data, you can manage budgets and financial operations.

Problem-Solving : because you identified financial issues, you can optimize financial processes.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER TO UX DESIGNER

Design Skills : Because you created visual content, you can also design user-friendly interfaces.

Attention Detail : Because you ensured design consistency, you can enhance user experiences and interactions on digital platforms.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TO DATA ENTRY SPECIALIST

Technical Proficiency : Because you used customer service software and systems to manage customer information, you can leverage your technical skills to use data entry software and databases efficiently.

Data Integrity & Accuracy : Because you maintained accurate and secure records of customer interactions, you can ensure precise and error-free data entry activities.

Let’s take this a step further and explore ways to highlight your transferrable skills on a resume. There are several ways to do this, ultimately depending on how your resume is structured. Here are a few ways you can accomplish this:

DO: IDENTIFY RELEVANT SKILLS

Review the job description of the role you are applying for and identify the key skills required. Match these key skills with all of your transferrable skills.

Examples of Key Skills: Project Management, Strategic Planning, Leadership, Communication, and Problem-Solving.

DO: CREATE A SKILLS SECTION

When creating your resume template, include a dedicated skills section. You can list your transferrable skills here.

DO: TAILOR YOUR EXPERIENCE

In the professional history section of your resume, you can focus on the responsibilities and achievements that are most relevant to your desired career.

Example: If you are a customer service professional, don’t focus on your responsibilities of taking phone calls. Instead, focus on your experience with navigating internal platforms, leveraging your technical expertise, and documenting detailed, accurate customer interactions.

DON'T: OVERLOOK SOFT SKILLS

Listing soft skills that are valuable in any industry is a great starting point! Examples include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, strategic planning, time management, and critical thinking.

DON'T: USE INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC JARGON

Avoid using verbiage that may not be understood easily outside your current industry, and instead use more universally recognized terms.

DON'T: NEGLECT TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME

As always, you should tailor each resume you submit to align your skills and qualifications with the job description requirements.

We know that making a career transition can seem daunting and challenging. By focusing on your transferrable skills, you can create a compelling resume that showcases your adaptability and value. No matter your career path, emphasizing your relevant skills will help you make a successful transition.

THE POWER OF SIMPLICITY

Thu, 09 May 2024 21:29:57 GMT

Navigating the ATS Maze: How a Simple Resume Template Boosts Your Job Search Success

In today's competitive job market, your resume is often your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. While flashy designs and modern layouts may seem tempting, the truth is that simplicity reigns supreme when it comes to resume templates. Below, we'll dig into some reasons why using a clean, simple, and professional resume template can be the career to unlock career success.

ATS Compatibility: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen and filter resumes. These systems use specific algorithms to scan and analyze resumes for relevant keywords and qualifications. Complex designs and formatting can confuse ATS algorithms, leading to your resume being overlooked. Using a clean and professional template increases the likelihood that your resume will be properly parsed by ATS and reach the hands of hiring managers.

Easy to Scan: Hiring managers and recruiters often have limited time to review each resume and will typically only spend 6 seconds reviewing a resume. Yes, you read that correctly - six seconds. A clean and professional layout ensures that your qualifications and experiences are presented in a clear and easy-to-read format, allowing recruiters to quickly assess your suitability for the position.

Professionalism: Your resume serves as a reflection of your professionalism and attention to detail. A simple and polished template conveys a sense of professionalism and ensures that your resume is taken seriously by employers.

A Focus on Content: Ultimately, your resume should focus on showcasing your qualifications, skills, and experiences. A simple template allows your content to take center stage, ensuring recruiters can easily identify your key strengths and accomplishments.

Versatility & Easily Customizable: A clean and professional resume template is versatile and can be easily customized for different industries and positions. Whether you're applying for a corporate job or a creative role, a simple template provides a solid foundation that can be tailored to suit your needs.

In the world of resume writing, less is often more. A clean and professional resume template allows your qualifications and experiences to shine while ensuring your resume is ATS-friendly and easy to read. By prioritizing simplicity and clarity, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

ADDRESSING GAPS

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:25:55 GMT

How Do You Professionally Explain Gaps In Employment?

One of the most common questions we get is, “How do I explain this gap in employment on my resume?” The short answer is that it depends on your situation. The long answer is more complicated. However, we’ve broken down all of the best strategies to help you explain gaps in employment and maintain confidence during your job search.

How to Address an Employment Gap in a Resume:

Ignore the gap if it is 10+ years old. Older job seekers shouldn’t worry about gaps in employment early on in their careers. A resume should focus on your most recent and impressive professional accomplishments, so remove anything (including employment gaps) if it is from a long time ago.
Downplay and soften smaller gaps by leaving off months of employment. Instead of listing a position from “October 2021 – January 2022,” simply list it as “2021 – 2022”. Be mindful that the gap may come up during the employment verification or interview process, so be prepared to discuss it.
Highlight what you did while you were out of work. Think about anything you focused on to sharpen your skills, including volunteer work, online courses, completing projects, or finishing a degree. Demonstrate any continuous learning opportunities that you were able to take advantage of.
Choose a resume template or format that makes the gaps less obvious. A functional resume can be a great option to help you accomplish this. If you choose a traditional resume format, avoid bolding dates of employment so that you do not draw attention to them.
List the reason for the gap as its own “job” on your resume, but keep it brief.
Try to spin the reason for the gap as a positive. Focus on things like “Actively spent time pursuing a new career opportunity” or “Spearheaded a cross-country family relocation.”

How to Address an Employment Gap in a Cover Letter:

Be proactive. If your resume shows recent or significant gaps in employment, get ahead of the curve and explain them in a cover letter instead of waiting for an employer to ask. Summarize any gaps and be concise. You should only need one or two sentences to explain any time away from the workforce effectively. If asked, you can go into more detail during an interview. Avoid oversharing.
Focus on your drive and willingness to re-enter the workforce, learn new things, and master industry trends. You will want to convince the employer that your time away from your career was not a negative and that you will quickly pick up where you left off before taking time off.

How to Address an Employment Gap in an Interview:

Stay positive. Don’t badmouth a former employer. Even if the real reason that you got laid off from a position was due to “toxic management,” employers don’t want to hear that. Remember, they are looking for reasons not to hire you, so avoid saying things like, “My manager and I didn’t get along, so they let me go,” or “I was having trouble finding daycare for my children and got fired after too many absences.” Instead, highlight any steps you took to bounce back from an unfortunate event or talk about all of your accomplishments before you left your job to demonstrate that you are an exceptional employee.
Rehearse your answer. This is probably the best interview tip all around, but practice how you will answer the tough questions. Assume that you will be asked and prepare your answer ahead of time so that you do not fumble through an answer.

A few final reminders:

Gaps in employment are normal. Whether you took time away to focus on education, needed to stay at home and raise your children, or just needed a mental health break, it is okay. Be confident. If you do not view it as an issue, then it is likely that no one else will have a problem with it.
Be Honest. Recruiters and hiring managers who review large volumes of resumes can quickly identify any red flags. Many will also conduct background checks and employment verification processes, so avoid fudging dates on your resume or lying about past work experience. The last thing that you want is for a background employment verification to come back inconsistent with what is listed on your resume. This is one way to get disqualified from the position quickly.
If you foresee yourself with an upcoming lapse in employment, be proactive. Maybe you know that your contract is ending soon and will not be renewed. Perhaps you are in a volatile industry where layoffs are common. You might be pregnant and want to take several months off to care for your newborn. These are all legitimate reasons to be without work. Try to spend this time focusing on anything that may help you once you return to the workforce. Seek volunteer opportunities in your local community, or pursue free or low-cost online courses.

Are you still unsure how to create a professional resume or need more guidance? We offer a variety of packages and services to meet the needs of every job seeker, from entry-level graduates to C-Suite executives. You can find out more about what we offer here . You can also subscribe to our email list so you don’t miss out on future posts with resume writing and career counseling advice.

HOW TO SPOT A REMOTE JOB SCAM

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:00:00 GMT

The Biggest Signs of A Remote Job Scam

As the popularity of remote jobs has increased over the past few years, so has the number of scams that are circulating on the internet. Avoid falling victim to online scams by remembering these seven tips.

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you are offered a job with an extremely high salary that is unusual for the industry, be cautious. The same goes for incredibly "easy" or "unusual" working conditions, like stuffing envelopes or shipping packages from home.

2. Be mindful of how the employer conducts interviews. Any requests for an interview via Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp is 100% a scam, and you should not proceed. The same thing goes for text messages or Facebook messages. Companies will not use unconventional methods for interviews, regardless of the position.

3. Legitimate employers who supply equipment to their employees will ship the equipment themselves. They will never send a check for equipment. One popular scam targets job seekers by sending them a check to purchase equipment from their "preferred" vendor. The check bounces, the company gets its money back from the equipment purchase, and the job seeker is out their money.

4. Be careful of how you provide sensitive financial information. You should never give out your social security number or bank account information via a text message or sketchy app.

5. Review all correspondence, including emails and offer letters, to review the grammar and spelling. Many popular scams use poor grammar and overuse the word "kindly." Read over all correspondence, including emails and offer letters, to review the grammar and spelling. Many popular scams use poor grammar and overuse the word "kindly".

6. Exercise caution with anyone who won't disclose information publicly. On social media, it is a popular scam to "PM" the individual with more information so that they do not get called out by others. All information should be publicly available if it is a legitimate job opportunity.

7. Scammers will often create a sense of urgency, causing you to act quickly and make decisions on the fly. Legitimate jobs can go quickly, but often times, scammers will want you to immediately set up an interview and complete paperwork so that you do not have time to realize that you are being scammed.

Bonus Tip: Many scammers will impersonate legitimate companies. They may use a company's name that you are familiar with, even though they have no official affiliation with the company. If you are unsure if you are being scammed, you can always call the actual company by looking up their phone number online.

OBJECTIVES VS. SUMMARIES

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:00:00 GMT

What is the Difference Between a Professional Summary and Objective?

The first part of a resume is critical as it will be the first thing an employer will see when they look at your resume. Since most hiring managers only spend 6 seconds reviewing a resume, you must catch their attention quickly.

When researching "How to Write a Resume," you have probably seen that most resumes will either include an "Objective" or a "Professional Summary" toward the top of the document. This may leave you wondering the difference between the two and which one you should use. While they are similar, they also have some distinct differences. Both are usually short paragraphs, comprised of only 3-4 lines of text. They both also have the end goal of trying to convince an employer to hire you.

So, how are they different? An "Objective" is typically used by entry-level or career-changing candidates. In this case, the objective will typically highlight the type of job a candidate hopes to obtain and willingness to take a role. If you decide to create an "Objective," try to avoid things like,

"Human Resource employee looking to obtain an entry-level career with a professional organization so that I can use my skills and talents to contribute to the team and advance professionally."

Instead, try something like,

"Human Resource Graduate with extensive knowledge in labor law, employee relations, and workforce management looking to obtain a Human Resource Assistant position with ABC Company."

A "Professional Summary" is designed for job seekers looking to stay within a similar role or industry. In this case, the professional summary will highlight the candidate's professional skills, knowledge, and accomplishments. The goal is to establish suitability for a role quickly and show that you are the ideal candidate. A professional summary may look like this,

"Driven and dynamic Human Resources Professional with 10 years of leadership experience in benefits administration and employee relations. A relationship-focused leader with a history of reducing employee turnover, minimizing staffing vacancies, and preventing labor disputes.

ELEVATE YOUR RESUME

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:48:03 GMT

Elevate Your Resume with Accomplishment-Focused Bullet Points

Want to know one of the biggest mistakes we see from our clients? Focusing on job responsibilities instead of their own professional accomplishments. It can drastically cut time on resume writing when you copy and paste information from your current job description, right? I mean, how many different ways do you need to try to find how to say something simple like “Answered Phones”?

Let’s think about this from the perspective of a recruiter reviewing 100 resumes for a remote customer service position and assume that every applicant has at least 5 years of customer service experience in some capacity. If you were the recruiter, which of the following candidates would you call first based on their resume bullet points?

Candidate One:

· Answer phone calls

· Help customers with questions

· Escalate issues when necessary

· Other duties as assigned

Candidate Two:

· Complete inbound and outbound phone calls from customers

· Answer customer questions to complete satisfaction

· Resolve customer issues to maintain satisfaction

· Support managers with extra projects

Candidate Three:

· Exceeded KPIs for call volume, effectively handing up to 60 phone calls daily

· Acknowledged by peers as a Subject Matter Expert on company policies and the ability to quickly identify customer needs and recommend products

· Received recognition from 16 customers on surveys for going above and beyond to resolve issues

· Selected by management to participate on a special committee responsible for designing process improvements to enhance customer experiences

Can you see the difference between these three candidates? Candidate one only listed the bare minimum required to describe what they do daily. They did not include anything that allowed them to stand out from their colleagues who held the same position. Candidate two offered more information but wrote bullet points that read like a job description. Candidate three provided examples of how they personally owned their responsibilities and achieved something unique. Who would you hire if you were a hiring manager presented with these three candidates?

When working with clients, we put a huge emphasis on including accomplishment-focused highlights on your resume. Remember, a recruiter or hiring manager wants to see YOUR impact within a role. You should aim to paint a picture of what they can expect you to achieve once you become employed with their organization. In today’s job market, you could be competing against hundreds or thousands of applicants for one position. Our general rule is that if a bullet point reads like something found in a job description, either rewrite it or remove it.

If you need support or additional help when it comes to creating accomplishment-focused points for your resume, we offer a variety of services to meet the needs and budgets of every job seeker. Send us an email to get started today.

WHAT IS ATS?

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:57:37 GMT

What is the Real Deal with Applicant Tracking Systems?

If you have been searching for a position for any length of time, you have probably heard the term "ATS." It is typically found in questions like "Is your resume compatible with ATS software?" or "Can your resume pass through ATS?" You may have even heard of it referred to as the "Resume Robot," "Scanning Software," or "Filtering Application". It can be confusing, and to make it worse, there is a ton of wrong and old information out there.

So, what exactly is "ATS"? It stands for Applicant Tracking System and is essentially the software that "holds" your resume when you apply for a position. There are a lot of theories out there that every ATS platform will automatically reject resumes if it does not detect the appropriate keywords. Is this true? Well, yes and no.

Let's pretend that ATS software is a car. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of makes and models with different features and functionality. You have the cheapest base model that only offers 1 or 2 functions and serves as a bare-bones system. You also have the most expensive luxury model that provides all of the bells and whistles and probably does more than you could ever imagine. Between these two extremes, there are dozens or hundreds of different options that you can buy to meet both your needs and budget.

ATS is exactly the same. A company's type of ATS will depend on its needs, the volume of applicants, and budget. Some ATS software simply serves as a "holding" platform for applications and resumes. In this instance, the software does not scan your resume for keywords and automatically rejects you. It is simply organizing your information until a human can review everything. The "luxury" ATS software may very well be capable of scanning resumes and sending automated rejection emails to unqualified candidates.

What are you most likely to encounter? Honestly, something in between. Here are a few notes that I've taken from conversations with peers in the industry, including recruiters and hiring managers:

One recruiter's software scanned resumes and assigned a percentage to each candidate, identifying how qualified they would be for the role. This recruiter said she would automatically reject resumes with less than 50% of the qualifications met and only review applications for anyone who ranked higher. She also mentioned she could filter and sort for the most qualified candidates, so those who ranked 95% and higher would receive the first calls for interviews, while those who ranked lower had to wait much longer for any response.

One peer worked with Indeed on several projects and mentioned that their software could not read resumes designed in Canva, and their ATS did have the capability to filter for keywords.

One hiring manager said their software did not automatically reject candidates based on keywords, but they could quickly search and eliminate every resume that did not include specific qualifications or keywords.

More than one hiring manager specified that their ATS never automatically rejected anyone, BUT their screening questions within their application did. They all emphasized it was essential to answer application questions honestly and to the best of your ability.

So, what are the takeaways? Yes, there are ATS platforms out there that are capable of automatically rejecting clients based on keywords. More likely, however, is that most ATS platforms organize and rank your data for review by a recruiter or hiring manager. Keyword optimization is still critical, and you should always highlight your skills and accomplishments that the prospective employer will find valuable. If a recruiter can "filter" by "most qualified applicant," you want your resume to rank towards the top.

As always, a creative balance exists between creating a robotic resume that only includes keywords to "beat the system" and designing a visually appealing resume that a human will want to read. Keep avoiding graphics, charts, tables, and text boxes. Customize your resume for each position you apply for. And finally, create an attractive resume format that will encourage the reader to dig deeper into your qualifications.

TAILORING YOUR RESUME

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 19:36:20 GMT

Tailor Your Resume to The Job You Want

If you have researched resume writing, you have probably read a tip saying that you must "tailor your resume to each job you apply for.” At its core, this is wonderful advice. You have the highest chance of success when your resume perfectly showcases the knowledge, skills, and abilities an employer is looking for in a candidate. The end goal should be to highlight your experience in a way that best matches a job description and includes relevant accomplishments and skills. However, it is also easier said than done. If you already have a well-written resume, you should need only a few tweaks to accomplish this. Here are a few things to focus on:

1. Highlight the type of skills, abilities, and experience that the job posting calls for. Take 10 minutes to scan the job description and jot down keywords and phrases that you find throughout. Make special note of anything mentioned more than once, and try to identify the top 5-10 things the employer has focused on. These keywords and phrases should be incorporated into your resume, word for word. For example, one organization may be looking for a "detail-oriented" candidate while another employer may be searching for a candidate with great "attention to detail". While they mean the same thing, the wording may make a big difference.

2. Consider the placement of these keywords and phrases within your resume. When working with clients, I repeatedly get the same question when given this advice - “Where do I include these things?”. The answer is simple - anywhere! However, for most clients, the “skills” section within their resume tends to be the easiest and quickest section to revise and edit.

3. Don’t copy and paste. You may have heard a “trick” that has recently gone viral that says to copy and paste the job description you are applying for into your current resume. While this may help you “pass” through ATS filters, every recruiter that I have talked to has stated that they will automatically toss any resume that does this.

Consider the following scenario:

Job Seeker : A 35-year-old candidate with 15 years of experience in retail environments who has just recently graduated with a degree in Human Resources and wants to pursue entry-level HR positions.

Job Description : Below is a redacted portion of a job posting for a Human Resource Assistant position. We have underlined and bolded some important keywords and phrases to consider when writing your resume.

COMPANY is excited to be hiring for a Human Resources Assistant . This position supports the daily operations of the Talent Strategy team within the Human Resources Services department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Coordinate with the Talent Strategy team on talent acquisition activities, including, but not limited to, posting vacancies , arranging advertisements, attending job fairs, interview scheduling , and preparing interview materials. Review and respond to employment verification requests.

2. Coordinate with the team on compensation and benefits activities , including, but not limited to, collecting benefits documentation, enrolling or removing individuals from various benefit plans or programs, and entering information into the company’s HRIS system. Collaborate with payroll on benefit enrollments and changes.

3. Perform general office support, such as managing calls and emails to the HR email account. Greet visitors, schedule appointments, and input information into the HRIS system.

4. Assist with various ongoing Talent Strategy or Human Resource Services projects and events.

5. Make updates to HR information on the company’s portal and applicant tracking websites .

6. Generate and review reports , update data, and track changes within the company database.

7. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, database systems, and HRIS systems .

2. Attention to detail , completing and maintaining a high level of accuracy.

3. Ability to compile data, analyze data, and write/prepare reports .

4. Effective interpersonal communication skills in speaking, writing, and listening

5. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external contacts .

6. Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and/or with minimal supervision.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. High School diploma , three (3) years of HR office support experience, or Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and six (6+) or more months of HR office support experience.

2. Experience with talent acquisition and benefits administration preferred.

This candidate could describe themselves as an “Aspiring Human Resources Assistant” and include key skills like Talent Strategy, Benefits Administration, Talent Acquisition, Confidentiality, and Scheduling. Within their education section, they could highlight relevant areas of study, like Employment Law or Employment Relations. The rest of the points could be sprinkled throughout the resume as they relate to professional accomplishments or skills. This candidate should also focus on their leadership skills and experience within a retail environment, like team training, employee interviewing, new hire onboarding, and staff scheduling. It is also important to note anything that has been mentioned more than once, as these will be important skills and traits that the employer will be looking for.

It is possible to tailor your resume to a particular role without sounding like a robot by slightly adjusting some verbiage within your resume. The key is to begin with a well-written resume designed to fit your industry so that customizing the verbiage doesn’t take much time.

RESUME WRITING 101

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:00:01 GMT

Crafting Resumes that Capture Attention and Land Interviews: A Guide to Resume Writing 101

No matter where you find yourself in your career journey, writing a resume can feel daunting. Conflicting information, multiple opinions, and the lack of time to sit down and create a quality document can cause task paralysis and force you to put it off longer than you intend. Hiring a professional resume writer can eliminate these stressors if you have it in your budget. But, for our do-it-yourself professionals, we’ve created a list of some of our most essential resume tips to help you get started on that perfect resume.

Find a distraction-free work environment. This may seem obvious, but it can be hard to focus on writing a quality resume if your surroundings are loud and chaotic. If you don’t have a quiet, secluded home office to hunker down in, you can head to your nearest library or even find a peaceful evening to work from your couch. Regardless of where you decide to work, carve out at least 30 minutes to brainstorm your professional history and accomplishments.

You may think, “Okay. I have a great place to write, but I don’t even know what my resume should look like!”. We get it. A quick Google Search for “Resume Templates” can generate thousands of results. Some have pictures, some are colorful, and some are pretty simple. With so many options, narrowing down the best fit for your situation can be challenging. For 99% of job seekers, a simple, clean, professional template is best. Most online applications will use some form of something called ATS or Applicant Tracking Software. In simple terms, this software can read, organize, and rank a resume. Templates full of fancy designs, text boxes, or graphics tend to do poorly with these systems.

You’ve finally picked out a great resume template. Now what? How do you know what jobs to include? The general rule of thumb is to include the past 10 years of employment history, give or take a few years, depending on your situation, career level, and aspirations. Make sure to include your dates of employment (month and year), job title, and employer name. For your bullet points, think about individual accomplishments or responsibilities that help you stand out. A resume should be focused on your skills, not the daily duties of everyone in your role.

I graduated high school in 1998. Should I include it on my resume? For education, it is typically advised to leave off dates unless it is recent. Remember that ageism is a real bias many candidates experience when applying for jobs. Removing dates of employment and only focusing on relevant degrees or certifications can be beneficial.

Do you have a list of glowing references from previous supervisors and colleagues? Hang on to those, but keep them separate. They are lovely to have. However, it is considered outdated advice to include them on your resume. Avoid any reference to references (pun intended). Instead, keep a separate list and be ready to send it over when asked.