Do Humans or Bots read your Resume?
In this Tip, we are going to dive into some of the most frequent questions about the digital job application process.
What About Bots or Resume Scanners?
The "bots" or "scanners" you hear about are Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Any job opening will have dozens or hundreds of candidates. An ATS allows employers to keep track of applications in an organized and streamlined manner — from start to finish. It’s a digital filing cabinet.
But ATS aren't as scary or smart as some people make them out to be.
When you apply, the ATS creates a uniform file for the recruiter to access. They can then look at all the information you submitted to either move you along in the process or reject your application.
As for "scanning" resumes, ATS will parse your information into its files. You upload your resume but then it asks you to fill out the same information in several text boxes. This usually happens because the ATS can't figure out which information from your resume goes in the right box.
Do Recruiters Read Resumes?
Recruiters have a difficult job. In addition to moving a large number of people through the hiring process as quickly as possible, they need to follow many regulations. These rules ensure that the hiring process is fair and free from discrimination.
So, yes, many recruiters will end up manually reviewing resumes in order to comply with guidelines. But a review doesn't mean spending a lot of time examining your application or resume.
Recruiters know what to look for to exclude applicants or move them forward. You may have heard the statistic that recruiters look at a resume or application for only 6 seconds. In that time, they will gather enough information to decide one way or the other. And they won’t be wasting time going through information unrelated to the position they are trying to fill.
Why Did My Application Automatically Get Rejected?
The answer is that a lot of jobs have minimum requirements — either imposed by the hiring manager or the company. When you're working your way through the online application process, there are likely "knock-out questions" along the way. If you did not answer these questions the way the system wanted, your application was rejected.
One lesson to take away is to carefully read the job posting and each question on a job application. Take your time. Be careful how you respond.
Is There Any Way to Get an Edge with Your Application?
Yes, you can increase the odds of success when submitting applications.
Make sure you can do the job. Hiring processes are primarily designed to find people who can actually do the job.
Focus on crafting an appealing resume and application that shows you can do the job and do it well.
Apply early to open positions. Recruiters are tasked with filling positions in a timely manner. They start reviewing applications as soon as they come into the ATS. The longer you wait, the more likely that someone will be further along in the process and will be considered before you.
The best thing you can do is submit a comprehensive and quality application in a timely manner for jobs you can do and do well.
We can help you meet that goal. Contact us at Calgary Career Hub. We will give you the best tools to take control of your job search and support you along the way.
This Tip created with input from ‘Get Hired’ at Linkedin News.