It's Not Just Keywords - What Else Blocks Your Resume

You could have correctly guessed every keyword an employer's ATS is searching for, included them all in your resume, and still have your resume blocked.

Then again, I haven't seen many jobs where Keyword Guesser is a necessary skill, have you?

There are many more reasons than just keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems block you from getting interviews. Here are a few items other than keywords that block your resume, and cause you to fail to get the interviews you really want:

1. Formatting:?Creative formatting is critical for graphic design job seekers. But for other job functions, the formatting in your resume and the file format chosen can result in your resume being blocked.
2. Not Enough Customization:?One of the main functions of ATSs is to screen out candidates who don't seem to be trying, like applying with similar resumes for many different jobs (this includes applying with your LinkedIn profile). Employers expect and reward candidates who heavily customize their resume, because they look like they'll also try harder on the job.
3. Humans:?You don't have to be blocked by an ATS. You could be blocked by HR reps, recruiters, HR business partners, or the hiring manager. Common reasons humans block resumes are: Broad/unclear first impression, little resume customization, appearing average, lack of understanding the hiring manager's current priority problems (Pro tip: They're rarely in the job description).

Why just keep sending more resumes, and hope you get lucky? Instead, I'll show you how to create your own job search luck.

I help people solve the most difficult job search problems, including getting past ATSs, ageism, remote positions, product/job function/career/industry/ geographic change, job search acceleration, unemployment, "bouncy" recent career path, job search turnaround, seeking raise/promotion, industry in decline/consolidation, long term gaps, family leave, or other of the most challenging job search issues.

Join me for my next free Resume Revolution! webinar (enroll at https://x.resumewebinar.com/register for no charge) to learn how to overcome tough job search problems, and accelerate your job search.

#jobs #resume #career