Nheavel Gracilla
Managing Director
“An effective resume will draw recruiters’ and employers’ attention. Promote your greatest achievements and abilities. Most significantly, it helps you land a job by demonstrating your suitability for the role or project! “
The first step toward achieving our job aspirations is to submit our résumés.
Are you one of the many newcomers who are unable to secure their desired job despite submitting numerous resumes? I cannot say you are not alone.
I’ve met countless newcomers who, until recently, had no employment and were wondering why they had not received a call from employers they had applied to.
Some have been in Calgary for nearly seven months and are still looking for work. It was really nerve-wracking!
Some have been in Calgary for nearly seven months and are still looking for work. It was really nerve-wracking!
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are intended to make the hiring process easier for recruiters and HR professionals.
Most job searchers are not familiar of the filtering software’s goal and complexity, as well as how it affects their chances of being matched.
Regardless of your qualifications, a poorly formatted resume that doesn’t use the appropriate keywords and phrases will cause it to have a poor ATS match.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to make your resume stand out when applying through an applicant tracking system:
1. Make sure your CV includes relevant keywords from the job posting. For example, if you’re applying for a position as a customer support representative, consider the abilities and qualities they require. Include them on your CV.
2. Use Word or PDF format and avoid visualizations such as graphics, icons, charts, embedded photos, or tables that the ATS will not recognize. Use more particular headers, such as work experience, education, skills, and so on.
3. Before applying for a job, read and carefully follow all posting instructions. Even though the job was advertised on job platforms such as Indeed and LinkedIn, some businesses required applicants to send their resumes via their company email address. In certain cases, they will provide specific instructions, such as what to include in the subject line and the format they prefer.
It is crucial to know what an applicant wishes to highlight on their resume to ensure that it catches the eye of the recruiter.
An applicant should know what kind of resume format to use. For example, if the job posting emphasizes technical skills, the applicant should make sure to highlight relevant experience in that area.
Additionally, tailoring the resume to the job description can significantly increase the likelihood of catching the hiring manager’s attention.
However, if you have gaps in your employment history and do not have volunteer experience to fill them, it is best to use a functional resume approach. Make your resume more focused on your skills than your professional experience.
The majority of hiring managers prefer a reverse chronological resume since it is easier to read and understand.
It focuses on the applicant’s areas of competence, talents, and job experience rather than their degree and credentials.
This helps hiring managers quickly assess the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the position. Additionally, highlighting specific achievements and results in each job position can further demonstrate your value as a potential employee.
Applicants must go over their resume numerous times before submitting it, as employers may detect inaccuracies, which may result in a rejection of the application.
Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, inappropriate punctuation, and formatting issues.
It is key to highlight and include accomplishment statements that demonstrate anything you have done successfully or achieved with your previous employer.
Include how you add value to the firm and how you obtained the results. Outline the action you’re taking and the outcome.
Lastly, eliminate the amount of information on your resume that is irrelevant to the position you are applying for, as well as the number of pages; two pages is ideal.
Cambria, Century, Garamond, and Tahoma are recommended because Times New Roman is overused, according to experts.
Newcomers are encouraged to attend workshops to learn more about resume writing. Good luck and everything will fall into place according to God’s timing.
Nheavel Gracilla is the Managing Editor of Canadian Horizons Magazine.
NFNG Co-facilitator of Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association
