These days, almost every company uses a computerized program, known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), for their initial selection of resumes that fit the job they want to fill. ATS programs follow very specific rules: if your resume breaks the rules, it may not be selected even if you are highly qualified for a position.
I had a client who had written his own resume for a temporary position at a big, Fortune 500 company. He was accepted since he had the experience and he knew the recruiter. When the temporary position was converted to a permanent position, he tried to apply and his resume was not selected for the position. He needed to have an ATS-friendly resume. First, the ATS had to select him as an appropriate candidate based on his resume, and then he could be considered for the position.
I wrote his resume to fit ATS criteria, and he got the full-time job. My rewriting included the standard headers and format that the ATS expected. Even though you, as an intelligent human being, can see a better way to present information, your resume needs to conform to the ATS criteria. Note that the Fortune 500 company where my client applied explained that they used the ATS system to make sure they complied with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations.
These days, most job seekers need two resumes to apply for one position: one resume for human eyes and one resume for the ATS—and you may need to send both to your contacts. Computers and people do not read or comprehend data in the same way.
At Robin’s Resumes®, we write the resumes you need to get the job you deserve.