Top 5 Ways to Get Your Resume in Front of a Human

How many times have you submitted an application to a company, only to hear back within minutes that they won’t be moving forward with your application?

So, why is this occurring? Companies increasingly use AI to screen candidates, filtering out resumes that don’t match specific qualifications. In fact, due to these Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), around 75% of resumes are never actually read by a human, according to Cardinal Staffing.

Since resumes are filtered by specific keywords, candidates can be rejected simply by how they word their qualifications. Here are five strategies to help your resume pass ATS filters and get seen by a recruiter.

1. Tailor your resume to specific job postings

It’s crucial to make targeted adjustments to your resume, such as including key skills, to better align with the job posting. Does this mean you should list skills you don’t have? No. While that might get you past the ATS, the hiring manager will recognize if you’re missing the qualifications they need. Instead, adjust how you describe your skills. For instance, if a job requires “Customer Success” experience, but your resume lists it as “Customer Service,” the ATS might reject you based on this wording.

Quinncia, available for free to UF students through the Career Connections Center, simplifies this tailoring process! By using Quinncia’s “Skills Gap Detector,” you can upload your resume, paste the job description, and instantly see which skills align and which might need tweaking. This saves valuable time and ensures your resume stands out.

2. Upload your resume as a PDF

PDF files preserve the layout and fonts of your resume, ensuring it looks the same on any device or software. Unlike Word docs, PDFs don’t shift margins or misalign text, which can confuse both human readers and ATS. Most modern ATS can easily process PDFs as long as they’re properly formatted with readable text.

3. Format your resume for ATS readability

Most ATS programs struggle to “see” information presented in columns. This means a resume with columns may be skipped over by the ATS simply because it can’t detect the relevant skills or experience. The Career Connections Center recommends a simple format (templates are available on our website under the “Resumes” tab) to avoid this issue. Graphics can also cause parsing problems, so avoid using images or charts.

Quinncia lets you preview how an ATS might interpret your resume. By reviewing your resume with Quinncia, you can check that it “sees” all your details correctly and get recommendations for any formatting changes needed.

4. Respond accurately to “knock-out questions”

Some companies include specific “knock-out questions” in their application process. These questions might ask about your visa status, prior terminations, or years of experience. While resume adjustments can help with ATS filters, these responses can still disqualify you, depending on your answers. Always be truthful—if the employer finds inaccuracies, it could harm future opportunities with them.

5. Use standard job titles and avoid excessive jargon

When listing job titles and accomplishments, use commonly recognized terms to describe your experience. ATS filters often screen for specific job titles, so avoid using overly creative or company-specific jargon that may not match what the ATS is programmed to find. For example, if your title was “Client Happiness Specialist,” consider listing it as “Customer Service Representative” or “Client Relations Specialist” if that better aligns with the job description.

Quinncia’s analysis can help identify instances where your language could be improved to match the job post more closely. Simply upload your resume and review the suggestions to make sure your terminology aligns with industry standards, increasing your chances of getting through the ATS.

Receiving auto-rejections is frustrating, especially from companies you’re excited about. However, by following these strategies, you’ll improve your chances of bypassing ATS filters and moving forward in the hiring process. Stay consistent in your job search, and you’ll be well on your way to landing a great position!

Updated on 12/17/24 to suggest that students upload resumes as a PDF

By Taylor Mingle
Taylor Mingle