Here are a few of the questions and answers we discussed, along with information I’ve learned from other sources:
1. What is an applicant tracking system?
2. Does every employer use an applicant tracking system?
3. How challenging is it for someone applying for a job to get through the system?
4. Can a candidate “get around the system” when applying for a job?
Blog
3 Ways to Save Your Resume for ATS Systems: To PDF or not to PDF? That is the Question.
One of the most frequent questions I receive from job seekers is “how should I save my resume to make certain ATS systems will read it?” The three options are to save your resume as an MS-Word file, PDF file, or text file. Each option has advantages and disadvantages.
3 Kinds of First Day Experiences: What Happens After You Get the Job?
This week, I thought about my first day at new jobs as I watched the President and Vice President be sworn in for their new roles. The purpose of creating a resume and a LinkedIn profile, then going to interviews is, after all, to reach the first day of work in a new position.
My career has encompassed three distinct kinds of first day experiences. They included:
1. The Federal Government,
2. A position at a corporate New York City Contractor,
3. Roles in not-for-profit organizations.
The first day of work at a public agency with structured “onboarding” processes was the most memorable because new employees took an Oath of Office followed by a bewildering ream of paperwork. Less structured organizations “threw me in” after having me sign payroll forms.
4 Thoughts on Organizing Your Post-pandemic Resume: Should You “Go Functional?”
Last week, while I was writing my weekly post, a job seeker posed an interesting problem. He has an accounting degree, and worked in accounting for years. Then he started an event promotion business shortly before the Pandemic. His business dropped 95%, so now he is considering a return to an accounting career. Should he build a functional resume?
3 Strategies to Get a Job Faster in 2021: Can we Turn 2020’s Problems into Opportunities?
. Strategies that I think will be helpful in 2021 include:
1. Featuring your Pandemic-related career pivot,
2. Dealing honestly and creatively with a COVID-19 related employment gap, and
3. Taking advantage of virtual opportunities to grow and maintain your industry and professional contacts.
