Professional Resume Writing Service

Cvefy 2024-06-14

All About ATS (Application Tracking System)

Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is essential for anyone looking to land their dream job. ATS is software used by employers to manage the hiring process, from receiving applications to sorting and ranking candidates. For job seekers, navigating ATS effectively can significantly increase their chances of getting noticed by potential employers.   What is ATS? ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is a software application that automates the recruitment process for employers. It allows companies to collect, sort, and filter job applications quickly and efficiently. When you apply for a job online, your resume and cover letter are often first reviewed by an ATS before a human recruiter sees them. The ATS scans your documents for keywords, skills, and experience relevant to the job opening.   How Does ATS Work? <ol> <li>Parsing Resumes: ATS parses (analyses) resumes and cover letters to extract important information such as contact details, work experience, education, skills, and keywords.</li> <li>Keyword Matching: The system matches keywords from the job description with those on your resume. It ranks candidates based on the number of relevant keywords present.</li> <li>Filtering and Sorting: ATS filters out resumes that don't meet certain criteria set by the employer, such as minimum qualifications or years of experience. It then sorts the remaining resumes based on relevance.</li> <li>Ranking Candidates: Candidates are ranked based on how closely their qualifications match the job requirements. Those with the highest match scores are often considered first.</li> </ol>   Tips for Optimizing Your Resume for ATS <ol> <li>Use Relevant Keywords: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description. Use variations of keywords to enhance your chances of matching with ATS.</li> <li>Format Appropriately: Use a simple and clean format with standard fonts. Avoid using images, graphics, or fancy designs that may confuse the ATS.</li> <li>Include Key Sections: Make sure your resume includes sections such as contact information, summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and certifications.</li> <li>Use Standard Job Titles: Use standard job titles that match the industry norms. Avoid using creative titles that may not be recognized by ATS.</li> <li>Quantify Achievements: Where possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages. This helps ATS and recruiters understand the impact of your work.</li> <li>Proofread Carefully: Check for spelling and grammatical errors. ATS may penalize resumes with too many mistakes.</li> </ol>   Common Mistakes to Avoid <ol> <li>Overusing Keywords: While keywords are important, avoid keyword stuffing. Use them naturally in context.</li> <li>Using PDFs: Some ATS systems struggle to parse PDF files. Use a Word document (.doc or .docx) for better compatibility.</li> <li>Neglecting ATS-Friendly Formatting: Stick to a simple layout with clear headings and bullet points. Fancy formatting can confuse the ATS.</li> <li>Ignoring Customization: Don't use a generic resume for every job application. Customize your resume for each job to align with specific requirements.</li> </ol>   Frequently Asked Questions   <ol> <li> What are ATS or resume screening software? And how can I make sure my resume will be properly processed by them?</li> </ol> Companies get hundreds (if not thousands) of applicants for each job. It's pretty unfeasible to expect a hiring manager to manually review each and every application, including those that may not have the right experience for the job. This is why companies use ATS or Applicant Tracking Systems. They are automated software that electronically parses and processes your resume, reducing the number of resumes hiring managers have to manually review. Knowing that companies use resume screening software, you need to ensure that your resume is properly parsed by them. Some guidelines include: <ul> <li>Label your work experience and education sections correctly</li> <li>Consistent date formats</li> <li>No pictures, diagrams, etc.</li> <li>No scanned documents - text can be copied, a document is highlightable and readable</li> </ul>   <ol start="2"> <li> What do hiring managers at top companies think of Fansy templates?</li> </ol> Hiring managers at top companies generally prefer simple and professional resume templates over fancy ones. These templates are vetted by recruiters and hiring managers and adhere to the right resume standards and advice. They avoid including images, graphs, fancy designs, and colors. They also ensure proper whitespace, margins, and font sizes. Candidates who have used such templates have successfully landed jobs at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs.   <ol start="3"> <li> I want a more fancy template! What do I do?</li> </ol> If you're looking for a fancy template for your resume, we recommend reconsidering and using one of the standard templates (unless applying for a highly creative role). Most companies utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are resume screening software. These systems are designed to process resumes efficiently. However, multi-column, colorful, or overly fancy templates often do not parse well with ATS. This can significantly reduce your chances of getting noticed for an interview.   <ol start="4"> <li> Can I add graphics to my resume?</li> </ol> We advise against this. As a follow on to the above question, 'creative resumes' waste a ton of space, are not bulleted in the right way, make it hard for recruiters to skim through, aren't readable by resume screening software, and are costing you interviews.   <ol start="5"> <li> Why do hiring managers prefer simple templates?</li> </ol> Hiring managers prefer simple templates because they are easier to read and navigate. Fancy templates with excessive design elements, colors, or graphics can distract from the content of the resume and may not be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Simple templates help hiring managers focus on the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience, making it easier to assess their suitability for the job.     Elevate Your Career with CVefy Resume Writing Service As you dive into Understanding ATS, do not underestimate the importance of a Professionally Written, ATS-compliant Resume and Cover Letter. A well-crafted resume and cover letter are your first impression on the recruiter and can make a significant difference in getting noticed, securing interviews, and ultimately landing a dream job. At CVefy, we specialize in crafting ATS-compliant resumes and cover letters that grab the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. Our goal is to help 100,000 people land jobs by 2024, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on your career journey. Why Choose CVefy? <ul> <li>Expert CPRW Resume Writers: Our Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRWs) have 15+ years of experience across various industries. They know what recruiters look for and how to tailor your resume for maximum impact.</li> <li>ATS Compliant Resumes: We understand the importance of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and ensure that your resume is optimized to pass through these systems seamlessly.</li> <li>Personalized Cover Letters: A well-crafted cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression. Our writers create customized cover letters that highlight your achievements and why you are the perfect fit for the job.</li> <li>Proven Results: Our clients have seen success in landing interviews and securing job offers at top companies. We take pride in our track record of helping professionals advance their careers</li> <li>5 to 10 Times More Interview Calls: With a professionally crafted resume and cover letter from CVefy, you can expect to receive significantly more interview calls. Our optimized documents grab the attention of hiring managers and recruiters, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.</li> <li>Higher Salary Package: A compelling resume and cover letter can lead to offers with higher salary packages. We highlight your achievements and skills in a way that showcases your value to potential employers, resulting in better compensation packages.</li> </ul> Get Free Bonus Offers: <ul> <li>Job Search Strategies Guide</li> <li>Mastering LinkedIn Guide</li> <li>Common Job Interview Questions and Answers Guide</li> <li>Interview Do's and Don'ts Guide</li> <li>Career Growth Strategies Guide</li> </ul>   Your Resume should not be the Reason for you to lose on opportunities that will make your Future. Visit: <a href="../professional-writing">https://cvefy.com</a> and Get the Resume, That Will Get You the Job.

Cvefy 2024-06-14

How To Write a Resume (Resume Guidelines)

A comprehensive list of actionable steps to help you write your most successful resume. Formatting <ol> <li> Consistency in fonts, dates, alignment and spacing – </li> </ol> Be consistent in your use of bold, italics, underlines, date formats, font sizes and bullets. <ol start="2"> <li> Simple template – </li> </ol> Go simple, remember, the content is the most important part of your resume. It's important that your resume templates are optimized for ATS. <ol start="3"> <li> Simple font – </li> </ol> Use a simple machine-readable font (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial). In 2021, pretty much all companies use automated systems like an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to parse your resume. A generic intersystem font wll ensure your resume is parsed correctly. Use a font size between 10-12 <ol start="4"> <li> One page resume – </li> </ol> A good rule of thumb is to keep your resume to one page if you have less than 5-10 years of relevant experience or two pages if you have more than 10 years of experience. Structure <ol> <li> If you're in college or a recent graduate, structure your resume like this:</li> </ol> -Name, Personal Information, Education, Work Experience, Leadership / Extra-curricular Activities, Additional Info (Skills, Languages, Interests) <ol start="2"> <li> If you're an Experienced Hire, structure your resume like this:</li> </ol> -Name, Personal Information, Work Experience, Projects/Activities (Optional), Education, Additional Info (Skills, Languages, Interests) <ol start="3"> <li> Remove these unnecessary items from your resume:</li> </ol> -Photo: You are not being judged on how you look. Some companies even auto reject resumes with a photo. -References (or 'References available upon request'): This just wastes a line. Employers will ask you directly if they ever need to contact your references. -Personal information like religion, marital status, ethnicity, age, gender Education <ol> <li>Include all colleges/institutions you've attended, along with your major, minor and graduation year</li> <li>Include your GPA if it's above 3.0 out of 4</li> <li>If your school uses a different scale (e.g. out of 10), convert it to the standard 4.0 scale. If you choose to list your in-major GPA instead of your cumulative GPA, specify that it's your in-major GPA</li> </ol> Here's a typical example of an education section.   Work Experience <ol> <li> Use Action Verbs <ol> <li>Start each bullet point with an Action-oriented word (e.g. Developed, managed, etc) in past tense</li> </ol> </li> <li> Quantify each bullet point</li> </ol> Wherever possible, you should quantify each of your accomplishments by using numbers. Here's an example of a good resume line: Managed a process re-engineering project to improve and consolidate end-to-end service processes; restructured communication flow among 10 departments, and cut down paperwork by 75% Notice how the applicant has quantified the result of his work by using ‘cut down paperwork by 75%’ and '10 departments'. Other ways to quantify your lines include “reduced cost by 15%”, “reduced the need for 3 FTEs”, “reduced process time by 20 hours/week”, “increased revenue by $5,000”   <ol start="3"> <li>Use reverse chronological order for your jobs -Your current or most recent job should appear first.</li> </ol>   <ol start="4"> <li> Ensure each line is accomplishment oriented, not responsibilities oriented -</li> </ol> Read each line on your resume. Make sure you are not just listing your responsibilities. Instead, ensure each bullet point focuses on your accomplishments and the impact you had; action words and quantified results help you do this. This is your resume, not a job description. this is a poor example of a resume line: Responsible for the coordinated management of multiple related projects directed toward strategic business and other organizational objectives It’s simply not specific and does not demonstrate enough impact or core skills. It fits more into a job description than a resume.   <ol start="5"> <li> within each job, organize your bullets by importance and relevance</li> </ol> Your first bullet point should either describe your most impactful experience at the company, or the experience that is most relevant to the job you are applying to. <ol start="6"> <li> Include your company name, positions held, plus a short description where necessary</li> </ol> If your company name may be unknown to your target employer, use a short line to describe it <ol start="7"> <li> Include keywords to get past resume screening software and ATS</li> </ol> Large companies often rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help filter resumes, before they even get into a recruiter's hands. These systems work by scanning resumes for keywords, numbers and key phrases, sending only the most qualified ones through for human review. To ensure you get past these automated systems, include verb phrases and skills written in the job description on your own resume. Don't go overboard, though. It's really easy for a recruiter to tell when you've simply filled your resume with keywords that aren't effective in the context of your resume. <ol start="8"> <li> Demonstrate skill sets relevant to the job you are applying to</li> <li> Use the past tense as much as possible</li> </ol> Your resume should contain achievements of things you've already done, which means you should use the past tense as much as possible. You can also use the present tense for some bullet points, but keep it to the minimum.   Projects, Extra-curricular or Leadership Experiences <ol> <li> Include projects, extra-curricular or leadership experiences that are relevant to your role</li> </ol> Particularly if you're in college or a recent graduate, you can use this section to describe additional experiences, like leadership activities, volunteering work or university projects. Change the name of the section depending on what you list. <ol start="2"> <li> Ensure each line is accomplishment oriented</li> </ol> The same advice that we mentioned in the Work Experience section goes for this section too. Each bullet point should focus on your accomplishments and the impact you had; action words and quantified values help you do this.   Additional Information  <ol start="3"> <li> Include languages, technical skills, professional societies / memberships /Interests;</li> </ol> it can vary based on what you are trying to showcase. Interviewers often use your interests as small talk to start the interview. Here's a typical example of a simple Additional Information section       Final things before you send your resume <ol start="4"> <li> Tailor your resume based on the industry and company</li> </ol> For example, don't use the exact same resume for both marketing and finance job applications. <ol start="5"> <li> Upload it in PDF format</li> </ol> This ensures your layout will be consistent for all viewers. Use FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf (or similar) as the filename.   <ol start="6"> <li> Don't use:</li> </ol> Adverbs: Don't use adverbs like 'skilfully' or 'effectively' to describe accomplishments. Quantify them instead. Personal pronouns: Instead of 'I managed a team of 5...', say 'Managed a team of 5...'.   <ol start="7"> <li>Add your email and phone number at the top - Include it in the header, right under your name.</li> </ol>

Cvefy 2024-07-08

Mastering the Art of Job Hunting: Proven Strategies and Insider Tips

Job hunting can be a daunting and overwhelming task. With so many job listings, resumes to send, and interviews to prepare for, it can be challenging to know where to start. However, with the right strategies and insider tips, you can master the art of job hunting and land your dream job. In this article, we'll share some proven strategies and insider tips to help you succeed in your job search.   1. Define Your Career Goals and Job Search Strategy Before you start your job search, it's essential to define your career goals and job search strategy. What type of job are you looking for? What are your long-term career goals? What industries are you interested in? Once you have a clear understanding of your career goals, you can create a job search strategy that aligns with those goals. This strategy should include identifying job boards and recruitment agencies, networking with industry professionals, and creating a targeted resume and cover letter.   2. Optimize Your Resume and Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are your first chance to make a good impression with potential employers. It's essential to optimize these documents to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications. Use keywords and phrases that align with the job posting to increase your chances of getting past applicant tracking systems (ATS). Make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the specific job you're applying for, and highlight your achievements and accomplishments. At CVefy, we offer a resume builder that helps job seekers create a professional-looking resume and cover letter that is tailored to their specific industry and job title. Our builder includes pre-written bullet points and phrases that are optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS), so you can be sure your resume will get noticed.   3. Network with Industry Professionals Networking with industry professionals is a great way to learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door. Attend industry events, conferences, and job fairs to meet people in your field. Join online groups and forums related to your industry and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships with industry professionals can lead to job opportunities and valuable connections.   4. Use Social Media to Your Advantage Social media is a powerful tool for job seekers. Use LinkedIn to build your professional network and showcase your skills and experience. Follow companies you're interested in and engage with their content. Use LinkedIn to search for job openings and connect with industry professionals. Make sure your social media profiles are professional and showcase your skills and experience.   5. Prepare for Interviews Preparing for interviews is essential to landing your dream job. Research the company and the position you're applying for. Practice common interview questions and prepare responses that showcase your skills and experience. Dress professionally and arrive early for the interview. Follow up with a thank-you email after the interview to show your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. At CVefy, we offer interview coaching services to help job seekers prepare for interviews. Our coaches provide personalized feedback and guidance to help you showcase your skills and experience and stand out to potential employers.   6. Stay Positive and Persistent Job hunting can be a long and challenging process. It's essential to stay positive and persistent throughout your job search. Don't get discouraged by rejection or lack of response. Keep applying to jobs and networking with industry professionals. Celebrate small victories, such as getting an interview or receiving positive feedback on your resume. Remember that landing your dream job takes time and persistence.   7. Consider Working with a Career Coach Working with a career coach can be an excellent investment in your career. A career coach can help you define your career goals, create a job search strategy, and optimize your resume and cover letter. They can also provide personalized feedback and guidance to help you succeed in your job search. At CVefy, we offer career coaching services to help job seekers achieve their career goals.   In conclusion, mastering the art of job hunting takes time, effort, and a strategic approach. By defining your career goals, optimizing your resume and cover letter, networking with industry professionals, using social media to your advantage, preparing for interviews, staying positive and persistent, and considering working with a career coach, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. And, with the help of CVefy, you can create a professional-looking resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile that showcase your skills and experience and help you stand out to potential employers.

Cvefy 2024-01-04

Job Search Strategies for Recent Graduates: Launching Your Career

<h1>Job Search Strategies for Recent Graduates: Launching Your Career</h1> Congratulations on completing your studies! Now, it's time to embark on a new and exciting journey: finding your dream job. The job search process can be overwhelming, especially for recent graduates who are new to the professional world. To help you navigate this crucial phase, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on job search strategies for recent graduates. Additionally, we will introduce you to CVefy, a top-rated resume building and cover letter building website, which can significantly enhance your job application materials and increase your chances of securing interviews.   1. Assessing Your Skills and Interests Before diving into the job search, it's crucial to identify your skills, strengths, and interests. Assessing these aspects will help you narrow down your career options and focus your efforts on roles that align with your passions.   2. Crafting an Effective Resume A well-crafted resume is your ticket to getting noticed by potential employers. Highlight your educational background, relevant coursework, internships, projects, and any other experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. CVefy provides user-friendly resume templates and expert advice to ensure your resume stands out from the crowd.   3. Creating a Standout Cover Letter While resumes are essential, a compelling cover letter can make an even stronger impression. Use your cover letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position, explain why you are the ideal candidate, and showcase your unique qualifications. CVefy offers a range of professionally designed cover letter templates and personalized guidance to help you create a powerful introduction to your application.   4. Utilizing Online Job Boards and Company Websites Online job boards and company websites are excellent resources for finding job opportunities. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to search for openings in your desired field, set up job alerts, and directly apply through the platform.    5. Networking and Building Professional Relationships Networking plays a crucial role in the job search process. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with alumni or professionals through networking platforms. CVefy offers networking tips and tools to help you build meaningful connections with industry professionals, increasing your chances of finding job leads and receiving referrals.   6. Leveraging Social Media and LinkedIn In today's digital age, social media and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn can significantly impact your job search. Optimize your social media profiles, engage with industry influencers, and join relevant groups. CVefy offers guidance on leveraging social media platforms effectively to showcase your skills, connect with potential employers, and stay updated on industry trends.   7. Tapping into Internship and Volunteering Opportunities Internships and volunteering experiences can provide valuable hands-on experience, help you develop new skills, and expand your professional network.    8. Optimizing Your Online Presence Employers often research candidates online, so it's important to curate a positive online presence. Clean up your social media profiles, showcase your work on personal websites or portfolios, and consider creating a professional blog. CVefy offers tips on how to optimize your online presence and present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers.   9. Navigating Job Fairs and Career Events Job fairs and career events are excellent opportunities to meet employers face-to-face, learn about job openings, and make a memorable impression. CVefy provides advice on how to prepare for job fairs, make meaningful connections, and leave a lasting impact on recruiters.   10. Preparing for Interviews Congratulations, you've landed an interview! Now it's time to prepare thoroughly. Research the company, practice common interview questions, and develop compelling responses that highlight your skills and experiences. CVefy offers interview tips and techniques to help you confidently navigate the interview process and showcase your suitability for the role.   11. Following Up and Evaluating Job Offers After interviews, it's essential to follow up with thank-you notes and express your continued interest in the position. Additionally, when job offers come in, evaluate them based on factors like salary, benefits, growth potential, and company culture.    Introducing CVefy: Your Job Application Superpower CVefy, the leading resume building and cover letter building website, has been designed with the sole purpose of helping job seekers like you stand out in a competitive market. With CVefy, you gain access to expertly designed templates, personalized advice, and step-by-step guidance throughout the job application process. Maximize your chances of securing your dream job by visiting CVefy today! <h2> </h2> Finding your first job as a recent graduate can be challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, you can set yourself up for success. By following the job search strategies outlined in this article and leveraging the resources provided by CVefy, you'll be well-equipped to launch your career confidently. Start building your professional resume and cover letter with CVefy, and make your job application shine brighter than ever before. Good luck on your journey to professional success!