(Ball State Access Only)
As technology changes, so do the rules for what makes a good resume. Many employers today use software programs called ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to review submitted resumes—and studies show that up to 75% of resumes are unreadable to the ATS programs and simply rejected. We’ll talk about keyword optimization and formatting, as well as the anatomy of bullet points and quantifying your accomplishments. Learn how to put your best foot forward on your job search.
The New Rule:
Be in the pile that ATS gives to the human.
Use VMock
Link to VMock at Ball State
Optimize job ad keywords in your bullet points
Humanities Transferable Skills
Indeed, How to Use Keywords and Phrases with examples
Indeed, How to Tailor a Resume to a Job
An Old Rule:
The person who tells the best story wins.
Uncover your stories
Go to page 60 in this Google Book or in the textbook and uncover your stories about yourself and your skills.
It takes awhile, but fill out the entire Parachute Skills Grid. It’s on pp. 62-64.
Turn those stories in bullet points
Don’t use the precious real estate on your resume to tick off your daily job duties. That’s not memorable.
Use the seven stories you generated above to “characterize” yourself with specific, unique details.
Be the person who sticks in the employer’s mind.
You want your resume to show them you’re the one who….
- has A, B, and C strong competencies
- has D and E as part of their character profile and a clear F mindset
- has accomplished G and H.
Resources
Chronological vs. Functional Resumes
Functional Resume–When you don’t have a lot of experience or you’re making a job pivot