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Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
7 Steps To AI-Proof Your Resume And Land More Job Interviews
A whopping 99% of hiring managers now use AI in their recruitment process, according to Insight Global's 2025 AI in Hiring Survey Report. Meanwhile, most job seekers get filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human recruiter ever lays eyes on their resume. If you're wondering why your applications vanish into a digital black hole instead of landing you job interviews, it's time to AI-proof your resume. When you understand how ATS technology works and apply specific formatting and content strategies, you can dramatically boost your chances of reaching actual humans. Here are seven steps to AI-proof your resume and land more job interviews. ATS algorithms prioritize exact job title matches. In fact, research from Jobscan, analyzing over 2.5 million resumes, found that candidates who included the same job title as the posting were 10.6 times more likely to get a job interview. If you're applying for "Digital Marketing Manager," use that exact phrase in your resume header or professional summary rather than "Online Marketing Leader" or similar variations. Also, extract three to five key phrases that appear repeatedly throughout the job description. Common examples include: For acronyms and technical terms, include both the whole phrase and abbreviation: "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)" or "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)." This ensures you're found whether recruiters search for the acronym or complete phrase. Finally, remember only to include terms that genuinely reflect your experience. According to Insight Global's research, 88% of hiring managers can detect AI-enhanced job applications, and 54% care if candidates use it. Copy the job description into a word cloud generator to identify the most frequently mentioned terms visually. The largest words are your priority keywords. Since recruiters spend just seconds reviewing each resume, your most valuable qualifications need immediate visibility. A well-crafted "Core Skills" section gives both ATS systems and human reviewers instant access to your key competencies. Position this section below your contact information and professional summary. Structure it as a clean, scannable list combining: Research shows recruiters filter by skills 76% of the time when searching ATS databases. By front-loading your most relevant capabilities, you increase the likelihood that your resume surfaces in these targeted searches. Organize your skills by relevance to the job posting, not alphabetically. Place the most critical skills first, as recruiters often scan only the beginning of lists. Research shows that including specific numbers in your resume substantially increases your chances of landing a job interview. Transform generic statements into quantified achievements. Focus on these metrics: Instead of "improved sales performance," specify "increased quarterly sales by 32%, generating an additional $2.4 million in revenue." Rather than "managed a team," write "led a cross-functional team of 12 professionals across three departments." Use the "Challenge-Action-Result" framework for each achievement. Start with the problem you faced, describe your specific action, and then quantify the positive outcome. Creative section titles confuse ATS systems and frustrate recruiters who expect conventional resume organization. Stick to universally recognized headings that both algorithms and humans can understand. Use these standard section titles: Avoid creative alternatives like "My Journey," "Professional Toolkit," or "Where I've Made an Impact." Recruiters spend most of their time studying the work experience section. When they can't quickly locate this information due to unconventional headings, you will soon lose their attention. Test your section headings by asking someone unfamiliar with your background to scan your resume quickly. If they can't immediately understand what each section contains, your headings need simplification. File format can determine whether your resume is parsed correctly or completely misread by ATS systems. The safest default choice is .docx format unless the job posting specifically requests otherwise. Consider these format guidelines: Save your resume with an explicit, professional filename that includes your name and the word "resume" (e.g., "JohnSmith_Resume_2025.docx"). While visually striking resumes might catch human attention, they often confuse ATS systems and can result in your qualifications being completely misread or ignored. Complex formatting elements, such as tables, text boxes, graphics, and unusual fonts, can cause parsing errors. Instead, use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman or Helvetica in 10-to 12-point sizes. Maintain consistent formatting throughout your document. Copy and paste your resume into a plain text editor (like Notepad) to see how an ATS might read it. If the information looks scrambled, simplify your formatting. Before submitting your job application, test your resume's ATS compatibility using online simulation tools. Platforms like Jobscan and Resume Worded offer free ATS simulation services that provide detailed feedback on keyword optimization, formatting issues and overall match scores. These simulators typically analyze: Target a match rate of 80% or higher, which indicates a strong alignment between your resume and the target position. Use this feedback to refine your resume before submission. If the tool indicates low keyword matching, revisit the job description to identify additional relevant terms you can incorporate. Run your resume through multiple ATS simulators to get a comprehensive view of potential issues. Each tool may catch different problems. While ATS optimization is crucial for getting your resume seen, remember that most hiring managers still emphasize the importance of human involvement in the hiring process. The most effective resumes strike a balance between technical optimization and authentic storytelling. By implementing these seven steps, you'll ensure your resume not only survives the initial digital screening but also compels recruiters to schedule that crucial first job interview.
Forbes
31-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 ChatGPT Prompts To Fast-Track Your Job Search Now
Using the right ChatGPT prompts can fuel your job search ChatGPT is pervasive – ranking 9th globally with 5.19 billion people visiting the website last month, according to Semrush website traffic statistics. While it's not a cure-all for everything, using the right prompts can yield interesting insights. Here's five prompts to use in ChatGPT that will expedite your job search process and make you stand out. Companies and recruiters can spend hours crafting job descriptions, even with using AI tools. Whether a lengthy wish-list or a high-level overview of the position, the job description is the first look into a department's needs and what they expect from their future recruit. Input 'What 5 skills are needed to be successful in this role?' along with the job description into ChatGPT to obtain a summarized view of what the company is looking for. Consider your current and prior jobs – identifying specific instances when you exhibited these traits. Over 98% of Forbes 500 companies use an application tracking system (ATS) to eliminate resumes deemed not a match for a role, according to 2024 research by Jobscan, a resume tool and job search platform. Make sure to tailor you resume to highlight the top skills and further expand upon them during the interview. Connecting your prior experience with a new role is a win for everyone – make it a no-brainer decision to say yes to you for the job. Most applicants focus on communicating how they fit into a role, not how they stand out. However, being different creates an advantage. This ChatGPT prompt looks at what is commonly missing across the general population for a position. If you possess skills that most lack, you can use this as an opportunity to showcase what makes you distinct from other applicants. According to the 2025 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, 63% of global companies expect a skills gap to hinder their future business transformation goals. Revise your resume to highlight opportunities where you demonstrated these capabilities for a better chance of getting your foot in the door. Be sure to call out in both the resume and during conversations how your unique expertise sets you apart and will advance their organization. Being aware of the skills you lack is just as important as being cognizant of the capabilities you possess. Type in this ChatGPT prompt with your resume to identify any skills gaps. This also is helpful in detecting circumstances when you did showcase a specific skill, but forgot to include it within your resume. It is easy to complete job tasks without being aware of the capabilities being developed or the larger scope of the work. Remember to include numbers wherever possible in your resume to emphasize the scope, timeliness, and impact of your professional accomplishments. Another way to address things missing from your resume is to bring it up during the interview. Do not be afraid to ask, 'Is there anything missing from my resume or prior experience that you'd like to see for this role?' Most likely the answer will be no. But if the answer is 'yes,' it gives you an opportunity to address any shortcomings. Having a unique career path is a good thing; it allows you to bring unique qualifications and perspectives to the team. Use this ChatGPT prompt when preparing for an interview. Provide a detailed description of the role within a particular industry to receive industry-tailored interview questions. Depending on the role and industry, ChatGPT will provide 20 interview questions to this prompt encompassing technical, behavioral, industry, teamwork, and critical thinking interview style questions. Practice writing down or saying out loud the answers to these questions. The hiring process is long – 52% of companies have an interview process that lasts four to six weeks, according to a 2022 study by Aptitude Research, a human capital management research and advisory firm. Utilizing ChatGPT will help you focus your interview prep time on the things that matter. Whether you are looking to stay within your current industry or expand into a new field, this ChatGPT prompt will provide not only the current obstacles within an industry, but also the impacts of these issues. Use your resume and interview talking points to highlight how your background and skill set can help alleviate pervasive business problems. Being aware and speaking to these issues demonstrates your ability to see the big picture and an intention to make an impact beyond your role. Demonstrate your understanding and industry knowledge expertise by conveying your insight into industry-specific complexities. Your future manager must juggle demands from a variety of sources – being a systems thinker helps make their job easier as well and increases the chance of being hired. ChatGPT and other generative AI tools will continue to impact our lives, both personally and professionally. Use these five ChatGPT prompts to save time and increase your chances of securing a new opportunity.
Forbes
30-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Overcome The Top Challenges Faced By Job Seekers
Job seekers face significant obstacles in today's job market. After spending several years at the same company, you suddenly find yourself laid off and back in the job market. Armed with a wealth of experience and a strong track record, you expected new opportunities to come your way quickly. Yet, as weeks turn into months, your applications seem to disappear into a digital void. This experience is all too common for many professionals today, and the data backs it up. According to Jobscan's latest report, The State of the Job Search, only 16% of job seekers feel confident about finding a suitable role. The same survey found that 44% of respondents hadn't received a single job interview in the past month. The job search landscape has changed significantly, with technology playing a major role in how employers find and evaluate candidates. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. Based on the research, here are the five most significant obstacles job seekers face and tips on navigating them effectively. Today's job searches are stretching longer than ever, weighing heavily on candidates. According to Jobscan, 32% of job seekers have been on the hunt for more than six months. This drawn-out process often leads to frustration, diminished confidence, and financial stress. Motivation tends to decline as the job hunt drags on, creating a tough cycle that can hinder progress even further. Several factors contribute to the extended job search duration in the current market. Competition is fierce, with a growing number of qualified individuals competing for each role. Additionally, the hiring process has become more intricate and lengthy, often involving multiple rounds of job interviews and assessments. While persistence is crucial, the willingness to adapt is equally important. Regularly reassessing and tweaking your approach based on feedback and outcomes can help avoid stagnation. Setting smaller goals, such as networking or acquiring new skills, can sustain momentum and boost morale during a prolonged job search. One of the biggest hurdles job seekers face is finding positions that suit them. According to the data, 30% of respondents have trouble locating jobs that match their skills and qualifications. This challenge arises because the job market is increasingly specialized, with employers looking for specific skill sets. Additionally, the surge in remote work has broadened opportunities but also heightened competition, as candidates from around the world can now apply for many roles. Look beyond traditional job boards to expand your job search strategies. Most recruiters actively find candidates on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, so having a strong online presence is essential. Given that 60% of recruiters depend on employee referrals, networking within your target companies can greatly boost your visibility to hiring managers. Tailoring your resume for each job application is no longer just a good idea—it's a necessity. According to Jobscan's research, 26% of respondents find the time-consuming nature of customizing resumes a major hurdle. Recruiters strongly favor resumes tailored to the specific role, with over half stating that customized applications make candidates stand out. Data shows that job seekers who align their resume's job titles with the target position are 10.6 times more likely to land job interviews than those who don't. However, this level of personalization requires a significant investment of time and effort, especially when applying for multiple jobs. Start with a master resume that includes all your experiences and achievements. Then, selectively highlight the most relevant sections for each application. Utilizing tools designed to optimize resumes can also make this process more efficient, helping you focus on delivering quality applications over quantity. A whopping 98% of Fortune 500 companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring processes. These systems, once reserved for large corporations, are now widely used across various organizations, and many job seekers find it difficult to format their resumes to pass through these digital gatekeepers. When you submit an application online, it's not immediately reviewed by a human. Instead, your resume passes through an algorithmic screening that filters candidates based on specific criteria. Jobscan's survey of 384 recruiters found that 99.7% use ATS filters to narrow down the candidate pool. Recruiters prioritize the following when filtering candidates: If your resume lacks the right keywords and formatting for ATS systems, it may never reach a human recruiter, no matter how qualified you are. Optimize your resume for each job application by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. Use standard section headings and ensure your document is formatted in a way that ATS systems can easily read and process. The fifth major challenge 22% of job seekers face is finding the right balance between providing detailed information and keeping your resume concise and readable. With shrinking attention spans, recruiters often spend only seconds scanning resumes while still needing enough information to assess your qualifications. This balancing act is particularly difficult if you have substantial experience or are changing careers. Including too much information can overwhelm recruiters and obscure your most relevant qualifications while including too little can fail to showcase your full value. Research offers clear guidance: Emphasize quality over quantity in your resume content. Focus on recent, relevant experiences and quantifiable achievements instead of lengthy job descriptions. Use bullet points to enhance readability, and consider adding a "Core Competencies" or "Professional Summary" section to highlight key qualifications. View your cover letter as a complementary document that provides context and depth without cluttering your resume. A tailored cover letter can significantly boost your chances of getting a job interview, making it a valuable addition to your application. Successful job seekers tackle their search with both persistence and resilience. They tailor their applications for each position, continuously hone in-demand skills, expand their professional networks, and create a consistent personal brand. Systematically addressing these areas can greatly enhance your chances of landing interviews and securing opportunities that align with your career goals. Although the job search can be challenging, with the right strategy, success in today's competitive market is achievable.
