Let’s face it: writing a resume in 2023 feels like trying to please two very different audiences – the emotionless AI bots that scan for keywords, and the actual humans who might (eventually) read your carefully crafted masterpiece.
Welcome to the strange new world where your first job interview is with an algorithm.
First, let’s talk about your new digital gatekeeper: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This software is essentially the bouncer deciding if you’re cool enough to enter the exclusive club that is the “to be reviewed” pile. And like most bouncers, it’s not particularly nuanced in its judgment.
I once worked with a brilliant software developer who couldn’t figure out why he never got callbacks. Turns out his creative resume design with information in side columns was essentially invisible to ATS systems, which often read left-to-right, top-to-bottom. His experience was there, but the bots couldn’t “see” it. After reformatting with a more standard template, he landed three interviews in a week.
Here’s the trick: you need to speak bot language without sacrificing your human appeal. Use keywords from the job description, but weave them naturally into compelling accomplishment statements. “Utilized Excel” is bot food. “Created automated Excel systems that reduced reporting time by 40% and identified $300K in overlooked revenue opportunities” feeds the bot AND intrigues the human.
Remember that modern resumes should be achievement-oriented, not duty-oriented. Nobody cares that you were “responsible for managing client relationships.” They care that you “retained 95% of key accounts during industry downturn while increasing average spend by 15%.”
And please, for the love of all things professional, ditch the objective statement. It’s like starting a first date by listing what you hope to get out of the relationship. Instead, lead with a professional summary that positions you as the solution to the employer’s problems.
The right resume doesn’t just tell your story – it tells your story in a way that makes both silicon and carbon-based readers take notice.