How do you showcase your achievements and skills on your resume without sounding generic?

1 What are keywords and why are they important?

Keywords are the words and phrases that describe your qualifications, experience, and industry. They are what recruiters and hiring managers use to search for and filter candidates in online databases and applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS are software tools that scan and rank resumes based on how well they match the job description and requirements. If your resume doesn't have enough relevant keywords, it might get rejected or overlooked by the ATS, even if you're a great fit for the job.

3 What is ATS optimization and why is it important?

ATS optimization is the process of formatting and designing your resume to make it easy for the ATS to scan and parse. ATS optimization is important because it can increase your chances of passing the initial screening and getting your resume in front of a human reader. If your resume is not optimized for the ATS, it might get distorted or ignored by the system, regardless of how good your content is.

4 How to optimize your resume for the ATS

Optimizing your resume for the ATS can make it more readable and attractive. To do this, use a standard font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and avoid fancy or cursive fonts. Additionally, use a simple layout with clear headings and bullet points, and include white space. Save your resume as a Word document or PDF file and avoid other formats, such as JPEG, PNG, or TXT. Incorporate keywords naturally and customize your resume for each job application using the same wording as the job description. Lastly, proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

5 How to test your resume for ATS compatibility

Before you submit your resume, you can test it for ATS compatibility using online tools or services. These tools can scan your resume and give you feedback on how well it matches the job description, how many keywords it contains, and how it will look to the ATS. Some examples of these tools are Jobscan, Resume Worded, and SkillSyncer. You can use these tools to identify and fix any issues or gaps on your resume and improve your score and ranking.

6 How to balance keywords and ATS optimization with human readability

In order to get your resume past the initial screening and land the job, it is essential to both utilize keywords and ATS optimization as well as make sure your resume is readable and appealing to human recruiters and hiring managers. To achieve this balance, you should use keywords in context, avoiding keyword stuffing or using irrelevant or generic terms. Action verbs and power words should be employed to showcase your skills and achievements, making your resume more dynamic. Additionally, a professional and consistent tone should be used throughout the resume, avoiding slang, jargon, or cliches. Clear and concise language should be used to highlight your unique value proposition, while also showing your personality and enthusiasm for the job and company.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?