Today’s job market is extra challenging, and it can seems next
to impossible to even get an interview—video or otherwise. I spoke with
someone recently who had applied for 400 jobs and only had one
interview.
No question, it is tough out there, no matter how good you are. But there are ways you can avoid some of the pitfalls that take hold early in the job application process and prevent you from ever moving closer to a recruiter or hiring manager.
These five things can kill your chances of getting that longed-for conversation with a company:
2. You don’t optimize your résumé
Another miss can happen early on when you don’t embed key words into the résumé. Over 90% of companies use machines to screen résumés, and 75 % of résumés are rejected because they don’t have certain key words.
“Every
résumé you submit should have specifics that trigger a positive
response from the applicant testing system,” says Chris Rodgers, CEO of Colorado SEO Pros.
“This system is looking for words that relate to specific skill sets in
the jobs being advertised. For example, in a junior finance position,
an employer might list a specific finance software that it wants a
candidate to be well-versed in.”
Rodgers says “If you see this software required in the jobs you’re applying for, that’s a clue this is a key word you should work into your résumé.” And don’t mention it just once. Rodgers explains: “That key word should appear in the top of your résumé as part of your profile, as well as in the body of your résumé.”
The ATS is very literal in what it’s looking for, so don’t try to be creative or use acronyms. If you put down that you have an MBA, or are a CFA the machine won’t necessarily recognize these credentials unless you also spell out these abbreviations.
Another reason your LinkedIn profile should align with these documents is that recruiters are constantly using LinkedIn SEO, scanning for key words that uncover ideal candidates. If your LinkedIn description conveys key words that were in your ideal job description, cover letter, and résumé, chances are higher that you’ll be picked up by recruiters for a job you’re suited for.
So make sure your LinkedIn profile aligns, and for the best results, make sure it features a professional photo and strong posts. A prospective employer will take notice of all this.
Rodgers says “If you see this software required in the jobs you’re applying for, that’s a clue this is a key word you should work into your résumé.” And don’t mention it just once. Rodgers explains: “That key word should appear in the top of your résumé as part of your profile, as well as in the body of your résumé.”
The ATS is very literal in what it’s looking for, so don’t try to be creative or use acronyms. If you put down that you have an MBA, or are a CFA the machine won’t necessarily recognize these credentials unless you also spell out these abbreviations.
3. Your LinkedIn doesn’t align
LinkedIn can be a great asset in your job search, but only if it aligns with your ideal job description, your cover letter, and résumé. If your profile doesn’t align, Rodgers says, “You’ll be sending the message that ‘I’m just looking for a job and even though I customized my résumé for you, in reality it’s just one of a dozen things I’m out there looking for.'”Another reason your LinkedIn profile should align with these documents is that recruiters are constantly using LinkedIn SEO, scanning for key words that uncover ideal candidates. If your LinkedIn description conveys key words that were in your ideal job description, cover letter, and résumé, chances are higher that you’ll be picked up by recruiters for a job you’re suited for.
So make sure your LinkedIn profile aligns, and for the best results, make sure it features a professional photo and strong posts. A prospective employer will take notice of all this.
See all 5 things and the complete Fast Company article