Does this sound familiar? You spend many hours writing and editing your resume. But after sending it, you never hear back from companies and organizations that should have been a perfect fit.
The reality is that maybe no one ever saw your resume. Many companies have changed how they process job applications. And artificial intelligence (AI) is now at its core. Candidates who don’t put AI into consideration when crafting resumes are more likely to be left out. And this is why.
The Role Of AI In Recruitment Processes
Most recruiters use AI software called applicant tracking software (ATS.) Studies show that over 90% of big companies use ATS to scan through resumes and shortlist candidates that are fit for the role and the company.
By deploying algorithms and proprietary code, the system weeds through hundreds or thousands of resumes to identify candidates meeting stipulated criteria. And once it does, it passes them over to the hiring managers.
So if you don’t optimize your resume for AI-driven software, it may never survive the first stage and get to the hiring manager’s desk. So, how can you craft a resume that will sail through AI-driven software and impress talent management teams?
Write Resumes for Humans And AI
As you already know, AI reviews your resume first, and then followed by hiring managers. As such, it pays to craft your resume to be easily read by AI and humans.
The trick here is to use keywords from the job description. These words are what AI-driven software uses to decide you’re a fit for the role. And that means you must…
Know What Hiring Managers Are Looking For
It pays to know how to communicate your value to potential companies. Many candidates often overlook this step and end up regretting later when they don’t hear back from recruiters.
This is where you join the dots. You must prove how your experience will help solve problems facing potential employers. And one of the surest ways to do that is using concrete numbers and percentages on your resume.
These numbers must demonstrate a proven track record of value provided to your previous employers. For example, instead of stating that you helped increase revenue, say led a team of 20 and increased revenue by 20% in 2 years. This strategy builds trust in potential employers.
Other metrics to consider include:
- Time saved
- Improved operational efficiency
- Employee or customer retention rates
- Customer satisfaction scores
Mention Your Biggest Achievement Loudly
According to a recent study, recruiters spend only 6 seconds going through a resume. This means you have a tiny window of opportunity to impress.
And one of the best ways to do that is by mentioning your biggest achievements at work as your first bullet point in every role. Just be sure to pick achievements relevant to the position you’re applying for. The aim here is to capture their attention and keep them reading.
Tell Your Story Effectively
Writing a resume is like telling a story, your story. Unfortunately, many people struggle to share their stories in a way that shows and proves their worth. And it’s easy to see why.
Most of us don’t realize that we need storytelling skills after excelling in many endeavors. That’s why many candidates spin functional tales in their resumes when they have everything they need to wow hiring managers. This doesn’t have to be you.
Telling your story entails sharing how you accomplished something in the past, and how that experience gave you the skills to produce the same results or exceed expectations in your new role.
To do this effectively, break down these wins into challenges, actions, and results (CAR stories.) C will help you identify challenges in your previous roles, A shows the actions you took and R outlines the results achieved.
For example, your achievement should read like this on your resume:
- Redesigned the packaging of a leading retail store resulting in 20% cost savings and 25% increase in revenue.
Key Takeaways in Resume Writing
Writing a resume today needs a deeper understanding of how to communicate your value to hiring managers and AI-driven software like ATS. Candidates who master the art of doing so are more likely to succeed and land their dream jobs.
If you’re ready for a challenging career in the telecommunications industry, check out our open positions.
