The numbers are startling. Eye-popping, really.
Get this: about 82% of job applications submitted online never get a response back from a hiring manager. That’s 82 out of every 100 applications, ignored.
It seems high, but it’s true.[1]
Now, if this is something you’ve been experiencing, there are several reasons for your incredibly high “no response” rate. Perhaps the biggest reason is software. Yes, software.
You see, a lot of companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically screen resumes and eliminate candidates that don’t meet specific criteria; or simply reject the resume because the software can’t “read” it.
And this resume rejection can happen in just seconds.
But even for the resumes that do make it past the ATS, they face another hurdle: the hiring manager’s attention.
Studies show that qualified resumes typically receive about six seconds of review time, if that.[2] Literally, you have just seconds to grab their attention.
That’s why resume formatting isn’t optional, it’s critical to your job-hunting success.
Simply put, you must both pass the ATS and make a strong first impression with the hiring manager, almost instantly.
Today, FindYourJobNow.com will show you practical, easy to implement tips to help you format your resume, so it stands out, gets noticed, and improves your chances of being contacted by a hiring manager.
So, let’s get to it!
1) Choose the Right Resume Format
There are three primary resume formats, and each serves a different purpose:
Chronological Resume: The most traditional and widely used format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This option works best if you have a steady employment history with minimal gaps.
Functional Resume: This format emphasizes skills and accomplishments rather than job titles and dates. It’s ideal for career changers, recent graduates, or anyone with employment gaps. Functional resumes highlight transferable skills, hard skills, soft skills, and achievements.
Combination Resume: As the name suggests, this format blends chronological and functional styles. It allows you to showcase both relevant experience and skills. This resume approach works especially well today, as many employers are shifting toward skills-based hiring rather than education-based hiring.
While chronological resumes are often preferred, especially for candidates with consistent work histories, no matter which format you choose, your skills should always be front and center.
Now, to better assure your resume is in an ATS-friendly format, one that won’t immediately be rejected due to the software being unable to “read” it…
2) Keep the Layout Clean and Scannable
Your resume should be neat, professional, and easy to read. Avoid flashy colors, decorative graphics, or unusual fonts. Remember, you may only get about six seconds of the hiring manager’s attention.
Don’t distract them, capture them with clarity.
Bullet points are especially effective for highlighting skills and achievements quickly.
3) Put the Most Important Information First
Order matters. Your most valuable information, especially hard and soft skills, should appear near the top of your resume. Less critical, job specific details can go toward the bottom.
Employers are hiring for skills. Make yours impossible to miss.
4) Customize Every Resume You Send
Yes, it takes extra effort. But it’s essential. Carefully read each job description and tailor your resume to match it. Incorporate relevant keywords and skills directly from the job posting.
This not only improves your chances with hiring managers, but it dramatically increases your odds of getting past ATS software. Remember, ATS is “looking” for candidates that match the job description.
5) Keep It Concise and Honest
Don’t be long-winded. With only seconds to make an impression, clarity and efficiency matter. Aim for one to two pages, depending on your experience, and keep job descriptions tight and relevant.
6) One final rule.
It’s an important one: never lie on your resume. Never. Misrepresenting your experience might get you an interview, but it will almost certainly cost you the job once the truth comes out.
Now that your resume is properly formatted, it’s time to start applying for jobs!
Visit our homepage at www.FindYourJobNow.com (or click the home button above) and use our advanced job search toolbar to explore new job opportunities.
[1] https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/response-rates-jobseeker-perspective
[2] If Your Resume Isn't 6-Second Worthy, Studies Reveal Recruiters Will Toss It