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How to Avoid a Black Hole When Submitting Your Resume Online

on May 8, 2023 in ABR Blog, Career and Job Search Tips

 

Do you feel like your resume gets sent to a black hole every time you hit “apply”? Every job candidate deserves a responsive and individualized job search experience. However, the increase in AI reviewing online job applications is taking that experience away from hopeful job seekers.

Here we discuss the increase in artificial intelligence hiring decisions and some tips to avoid a black hole when submitting your resume online.

Some experts argue that algorithms and artificial intelligence are now used extensively in hiring. This is a major shift because until recently, most hiring managers would handle all applications and resumes themselves.

According to The Guardian, being rejected by a “robot recruiter” from their dream job was enough to make one man file a legal complaint. That complaint is part of a movement across the U.S. and Europe to curb the role of artificial intelligence in hiring decisions. However, it may be too late because Algorithms already screen at least three-quarters of resumes submitted in the U.S.

So, here’s how to make your resume as machine friendly as possible:
  1. Make it Machine-readable: Rather than trying to stand out, make your resume machine-readable. Skip ampersands, accents, images, and fancy fonts, and avoid complex formatting’s such as tables and columns.
  2. Avoid Headers and Footers: The information included in headers and footers may or may not get properly interpreted. Since that may include your contact information, avoid using headers and footers.
  3. Keep Sentences Short: Use short, quantitative sentences.
  4. List your Credentials: List licenses and certifications on your resume.
  5. Use Keywords: Match the keywords in your resume to the job listing as much as possible.
  6. Include your General Location: Lastly, be sure to include your location – and not just “United States.” You may be rejected from the process if you do not have your general city or state location. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filters use the listed location to filter out non-local applicants.

According to Hilke Schellmann, “While companies and vendors are not required to disclose if they use artificial intelligence or algorithms to select and hire job applicants, in my reporting I have learned that this is widespread. All the leading job platforms – including LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, CareerBuilder, and Monster – have told me they deploy some of these technologies.”

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At ABR, we list the recruiting point-person for each job opening we advertise, so you can be assured that a real person is reviewing your information. We look forward to connecting you with a role and company that align with your goals and experience. Easily submit your resume to ABR’s recruiting team today!

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