Writing a resume takes time, patience, and even research. For some, designing the perfect resume is just as much about the aesthetics as it is about the content of the resume. How are you going to get your resume noticed when it is sitting in a pile along with 50 other resumes. People have used different colors and textures to help their resume physically stand out from the rest. Other people have opted for creative layouts to show their personality and style.
As with most things today, reading and storing resumes have gone digital. Most companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Applicant Tracking Systems are software packages being used by many businesses that allows recruiters and employers to track candidates throughout the recruiting and hiring process.
Since many businesses are using an ATS, it is important that your resume is readable by the system. This means your resume should be in a layout and use fonts that can be read. If you use a format that cannot be read, the chances are that your resume will be discarded without even a glance. You should also make sure to use standard headers for your sections such as, “Work History,” “Education,” and “Skills.” If you use non-standard headers, your resume may be rejected for misinterpreted by the system, which could lead to your resume being skipped by the system or the hiring manager.
Even though your resume should use a standard format acceptable to an Applicant Tracking System, it does not mean that your resume needs to be boring. You can get creative with your resume. A quick online search will show there are ATS-friendly resume templates you can use to show off your personality while ensuring your resume can be read by the technology being used.
It is important to stay one step ahead of your competition. One excellent way to stay ahead is to make sure your resume is formatted properly in case the company you are submitting your resume to is using one of these Applicant Tracking Systems.
