A stand-out resume is the key to getting noticed by employers. It helps you pass the applicant tracking systems companies use to filter out dozens, if not hundreds, of applications. For example, creative job titles that match job ad keywords will backfire with an ATS. A free resume review tool can catch these mistakes that may make an application look bad.
It’s Reliable
The resume is an employer’s first impression of you, and a great one will set you apart from the competition. It’s an important document and one that job seekers often overlook. Many large employers now rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to pre-filter the dozens or even hundreds of applications they receive. These programs are designed to scan for keywords that match the job ad, and if your resume doesn’t have these keywords, you can be quickly overlooked. A free resume review tool can help you spot and correct these errors before they cost you the opportunity to get noticed by employers. The best tool allows you to upload your resume for an instant review, and it will provide you with a breakdown of what you’ve done well and what you could improve. Some will also suggest potential jobs based on the content of your resume. They can also offer tips on making your resume more appealing and relevant to the job ad.
It’s Free
Many large companies use applicant tracking systems to pre-filter resumes and job applications. These systems are based on keywords and phrases that match the job description and specifications. If a candidate’s application does not contain these keywords, it will be ignored or rejected. Another advantage of a free resume review tool is that it can catch mistakes and errors that a human reader might miss. For example, using a highly stylized font or separating words with asterisks might look nice to a human reader but can cause ATS parsing errors and result in your application being rejected. A free resume review tool can also tell you how ATS-friendly your application is. All you have to do is upload your resume and the job description, and it will provide you with a report on how well you rank in ATS terms. It will also recommend changes that you can make to improve your score. These tools are extremely useful to help you get noticed by employers. However, remember that it is up to the recruiter or hiring manager to determine whether or not to call you in for an interview.
It’s Fast
Research shows an HR professional only spends about 30 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding to pass on it or pursue a candidate. A well-written resume can make a huge impact in that brief period, and using an online resume review tool can help you do that. These tools use an algorithm to pre-filter job applications based on keywords. If you don’t include keywords (such as “social media manager”), your resume might not even reach a hiring manager. Other tools will give your resume an overall score and highlight areas where you can improve. This helps you understand what exactly needs improvement and why, rather than just reading some tips that could be more specific and helpful. Finally, many companies now employ applicant tracking systems to pre-screen their dozens, if not hundreds, of job applicants. These systems will flag a resume that doesn’t fit the job description or has outdated information. To combat this, consider including only your most recent work history in your application and swapping out some of the generic verbs (like “detail-oriented” or “experienced”) with more powerful ones.
It’s Easy
Many people find writing resumes stressful and time-consuming. However, making a few easy changes to your document can make it much easier for employers to read and appreciate your efforts. For example, use divider lines to break up large blocks of text to make it easier for the reader to skim the document. Also, write out all numbers in numerical form instead of written out (i.e., 30% instead of thirty percent). This will save space and can help prevent age discrimination. Another easy way to get your CV noticed is to include a tailored cover letter with every application. This lets you introduce yourself and explain why you are the perfect candidate for the role. It will also help you stand out from other applicants, even if the hiring manager has already read your CV. If you want to improve your CV and get noticed by employers, start by reviewing it with a free resume review tool. These tools can give you valuable insights into your document and suggest ways to improve it. They can also tell you if your resume is ATS-friendly and contains the keywords employers seek.
It’s Concise
A free resume review tool can help you keep your resume short, concise, and clear. By reducing the length of your resume, you can avoid getting your application lost in the sea of applications that hiring managers receive. You can also improve your resume by avoiding including outdated experience and coursework no longer relevant to the position for which you are applying. The best free resume review tools can give personalized suggestions for improving your resume content and formatting. They can also point out mistakes that you may have overlooked. They can also provide a list of keywords to include in your resume to make it more ATS-friendly.
Ladders is a great example of an ATS-friendly site that provides a free resume review tool. This website allows you to upload your resume and paste it into the job description that you are interested in. It will then run an algorithm that compares your resume to the job description to see if you match up. This is a great way to determine if your resume will surpass an ATS.