Whether you’re planning ahead for an upcoming job search or need to fast track your resume for an opportunity ASAP, you want to feel confident that your resume is not only clean and polished, but also tailored to the role you’re applying for. Many organizations now use applicant tracking systems (ATS), which use artificial intelligence to scan resumes and analyze interviews based on predetermined criteria. These systems determine whose materials move on to the next round.
While not all employers use ATS, for those that do, anywhere from 70-95% of resumes may be scrapped before even making it to a hiring manager’s desk. Don’t let this discourage you, though! Understanding how ATS works and using tools like Quinncia to help you check your materials beforehand can help you make sure that your resume and interview will make the cut!
Will my resume or screening interview really get reviewed by artificial intelligence?
It is safe to assume that employers will be using an ATS to review your resumes and initial screening interview. At the very least, it’s better to assume they’re working with an ATS and to be prepared, than to hope that they’re not using ATS and get discouraged when the search doesn’t go as well as you’d planned.
What does this mean for my job search?
It means you need to start preparing now to ensure that your materials will make it through the system. You don’t need to do extensive research, you don’t need to spend a ton of time practicing interview questions by yourself, and you don’t need to invest money in resume review services. All you need to do is put your resume and video interview through a system that mimics an ATS and gives you feedback on specifically what you can do to improve your odds.
Got 5 minutes?
Log in to Quinncia (this is free for Rutgers students—be sure to select activate license after you log in!). Once you’re logged in, upload your resume. Don’t worry about making any edits now—you can do that after you get your feedback. Quinncia will analyze your resume and tell you exactly what you need to do before you send your resume to an employer. Each time you make edits, upload the new version to Quinncia so you can double check that your resume is good to go.
We get it. The job search can be a stressful and intimidating process to begin with. But knowing exactly what you need to do to be ready for an ATS will help alleviate your uncertainties. It will increase the likelihood that you’ll make it through those first initial rounds so you can share your skills and experiences during an in-person interview!
