Resume Question for Human Resources/HR (Hiring Recruiter) Person

Updated on September 09, 2018
M.H. asks from Madison, WI
6 answers

Hello.
I thought I would give it a try to ask my questions on here about resumes in case there are some people with HR/resume experience.
My husband has been looking for a new job for the last several months and has attended many career groups and has heard so many different opinions/strategies, etc. for resumes that we're not even sure what is valid information anymore.

Some people say that a resume needs to be written to appeal to the ATS by using keywords and by matching your resume to the job description.
Others say don't even bother tweaking a resume to work with the ATS and that a person will never figure out what to put on their resume to appeal to the ATS.

First question - does a resume need to be written to appeal to the ATS?
If so, how?
If keywords need to be added for the ATS to 'pick up' the resume in a search - what keywords need to be used?
If the resume needs to be tailored to the job description to be 'picked up' by the ATS for the hiring person doing the search, does anyone have an example of the a job description and a resume tweaked for the specific job description?
We're not understanding exactly how to tweak the resume to the job description if that is what is needed.

Any other good advice on how to get a resume noticed when applying online through ATS and/or any other systems?

He has received no calls from applying online so we're obviously not doing something right.

TIA!

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M.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

The problem is that you have no idea what kind of applicant tracking system the company on the other end has. Some places have an automated initial screen, but at my workplace (which is a large employer), when there is a position open for which I am supervisor, I see all the applicants and it's up to me to quickly screen through them to narrow down to the top 10 or so, which I then spend more time on.

I can tell you how I screen them, but I have no idea how universal this is. My personal method is that I quickly read the cover letter - which I absolutely expect to be tailored to the position. Then I screen the education and experience listed on the resume to make sure it meets the minimum requirements. I don't expect the resume to be extremely tailored to the job, but I do need it to have enough information to let me know if the person at least meets the minimum qualifications. A person should be able to figure what specific keywords I'm looking for in terms of experience based on the job description - both required and preferred skills that are listed. So, does the resume need to be tailored? Yes and no. Not every line on the resume needs to be specific, but if the job description lists 5 required skills, those 5 skills should be listed somewhere on either on the resume or in the cover letter or I am left to assume that the person is not qualified for the job.

I have to say though, once I get past the "does the person meet the minimum qualifications" (which is usually a lot of people), what really propels me to move a person to the very short "call" pile is a compelling cover letter.

Good luck to your husband.

5 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.A.

answers from San Diego on

Go old school. The quickest and fastest way to get a job. Find whose, hiring submit online, then go in person.

College Career Fairs are gold mines, the recruiters are bored to tears because the students aren't seniors or just don’t care and just there for the free stuff,

Bring a hard copies of your resume, wear a suit. You’ll get to chat with the recruiters and HR one on one.

I saw this tactic work 100% of the time with interviews and job offers.

I got 6 job offers one time just working as a recruiter at a career fair...

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

I don't work in HR but I did just recently reenter the work place. The only think I changed on my resume was my qualifications paragraph at the beginning which I tailored to the job I was applying for, the rest (jobs you have had, schooling, etc) was the same. I got interviews for most of the jobs I applied for.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.C.

answers from Cleveland on

I agree with mynewnickname and am also in a recruiting position, so I can speak to what I prefer. Create a strong cover letter tailored to each position. Make sure that you have the latest key words included in your resume (lingo changes and must be up to date!) Also, how’s his LinkedIn profile? Is he using it to the fullest? After applying for a position, he should see who he knows at that company and try to connect with someone on the inside. The person on the inside can help you get an interview, or if nothing else, the recruiter’s contact info. Lastly, follow up with the recruiter for each position and tell them why you are the best candidate for the position. The personal touches and initiative make all the difference to me! Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i'm certainly no expert, but i suspect that spending too much time trying to out-psychoanalyze the HR department is a time-suck.

do a simple powerful old-school resume, and put together a short snappy cover letter. think 'elevator speech'- you get on an elevator with the director of your dream company. what can you convey that will impress him before the doors open again?

khairete
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.N.

answers from Knoxville on

Indeed.com has an app that you can make a resume on (just fill in blanks) and u can search jobs, u can also make your resume available or not for employers to see. Which I have, it's pretty cool to have them contact u for a job. Also I think Recruiters.com has an app also like that. Its good for beginners and thats kinda how I learned to do my resumes. I hope this help a little atleast and wish u guys the luck on the journey of job hunting and resumes.And hope he finds the perfect career. God Bless :)

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