150+ applications and resumes
10 interviews
7 online rejections
3 offers declined
I like numbers. Quantifying things gives people a solid frame of reference. The only number of which I'm unsure is the number of hours I've spent applying to jobs, revamping my resume and researching job hunting in the 21st century.
I did revamp my resume after reading about the importance of keywords and how resumes are parsed into Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). On my previous resume, I didn't mention a high school diploma because I felt my BA made a high school diploma a moot point but I added the information just to be on the safe side. I also revamped my keywords and the way they were laid out in my skills section, attempting to make this area more concise.
I declined three offers; one because it was third shift, one because it was temporary and one because the pay was too low.
I've had one second interview and anticipate five more.
At least two of the interviewers checked out my LinkedIn profile before interviewing me. Three of the interviews were conducted by phone. Four of the interviews included pre-employment testing using Microsoft Office, math and personality profiling.
Three of the interviews were with agencies. One agency was specific to the legal field and was excellent. The other two were general employment and not excellent.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
Say It Like They Mean It
If you are conducting your job search online (like there's any choice these days), you have to master keywords. As discussed previously, Applicant Tracking Software (ATS), is used by most employers these days and when your information is parsed or imported into the employers computer systems, you employment search will go more smoothly if your resume and the software are speaking the same language.
Wouldn't it be great if the position to which you were applying had a well written job description that adequately expressed the skills necessary to do the job effectively? Odds are, it will not. So you have to channel your inner Sylvia Brown (Did I date myself again?) and try to read the mind of the recruiter. How do you do that? Good question. My current strategy is to use Glassdoor.com as a resource to search job descriptions and try to discern common keywords. I have no idea whether it's working. Guess we'll find out.
ATSs also look for the number of times certain keywords are used to try to get a couple of them in your resume more than once but you'll want to mix up the context they are used in so when your resume actually ends up in the hands of a human being you don't sound like a See n' Say. (There's another one.)
Another hint seems to be that the majority of keywords are nouns. But Shantell, you say, every time I've ever written a resume, I've been told to use action verbs. Yes, that is exactly what you've been told and with ATS, it could very likely be the wrong strategy. Some ATSs have gotten so sophisticated with their use of artificial intelligence (AI), they are rated as 95% "human". However, YOU don't know if the company to whom you are applying is using the good stuff or some low budget software from the 90's. For example, when you write "Designed Microsoft Outlook database for inventory maintenance", the ATS picks up "Microsoft Outlook", "database" and/or "inventory maintenance".
Don't use a "laundry list" of keywords. Keywords used in context are crucial to the post-software phase of the process so put some effort into using the keywords effectively. Also, it is widely held that keywords used in context and attached to a phrase that describes an accomplishment or example of the use of the skill work more effectively.
Off to take another look at my resume and see whether I'm doing this part the right way!
Wouldn't it be great if the position to which you were applying had a well written job description that adequately expressed the skills necessary to do the job effectively? Odds are, it will not. So you have to channel your inner Sylvia Brown (Did I date myself again?) and try to read the mind of the recruiter. How do you do that? Good question. My current strategy is to use Glassdoor.com as a resource to search job descriptions and try to discern common keywords. I have no idea whether it's working. Guess we'll find out.
ATSs also look for the number of times certain keywords are used to try to get a couple of them in your resume more than once but you'll want to mix up the context they are used in so when your resume actually ends up in the hands of a human being you don't sound like a See n' Say. (There's another one.)
Another hint seems to be that the majority of keywords are nouns. But Shantell, you say, every time I've ever written a resume, I've been told to use action verbs. Yes, that is exactly what you've been told and with ATS, it could very likely be the wrong strategy. Some ATSs have gotten so sophisticated with their use of artificial intelligence (AI), they are rated as 95% "human". However, YOU don't know if the company to whom you are applying is using the good stuff or some low budget software from the 90's. For example, when you write "Designed Microsoft Outlook database for inventory maintenance", the ATS picks up "Microsoft Outlook", "database" and/or "inventory maintenance".
Don't use a "laundry list" of keywords. Keywords used in context are crucial to the post-software phase of the process so put some effort into using the keywords effectively. Also, it is widely held that keywords used in context and attached to a phrase that describes an accomplishment or example of the use of the skill work more effectively.
Off to take another look at my resume and see whether I'm doing this part the right way!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Resume Parsing Software-How HAL 9000 Pre-screens Your Resume
Sorry, was the 2001: A Space Odyssey reference too obscure? Probably. I'll be doing another entry about whether you have a "old" resume on another entry. But I already told my age so you have to expect that sort of thing.
Resume parsing software-what an amazing yet horrifying tool. I'm trying to make these blog posts short and easy to read but this subject is, as anticipated, quite the can of worms.
There are many different versions of resume parsing software but they all do the same thing-"read" your resume. But of course they don't really read anything. They scan your resume for keywords, populate those keywords into predetermined fields in a database and recruiters search the information in the database to qualify candidates for positions.
One of the first things to remember when writing a resume to be used electronically is do not over format your resume. Keep it very simple. No pictures, no fancy fonts, no headers or footers. If you use those things, the software may not parse your resume correctly and there's a chance the recruiter may just pitch it rather than input your information manually.
Use proper punctuation and capitalization. Another thing that makes me old-the fact that this has to be mentioned. Who would submit a resume without proper punctuation and capitalization? More people than you would think because it was mentioned frequently. The parsing software is written in such a way as to look for capitalization and punctuation; if you don't do it properly, the software won't parse it properly. Again, could be a one way trip to the circular file.
If you are applying to multiple positions, make sure your resume is consistent. You can customize it for different positions as far as skills go but if you change employment dates, education information, employment history or anything of that nature, you could end up with duplicate information in the same systems and these discrepancies can throw up red flags to recruiters.
Consider how your resume it making its way to the prospective employer. Are you using a job board like Indeed or the company's website? When you answer those questions, the entry point can be weighed by the employer. If you have an employee referral, it can be weighed more heavily than a job board. Don't discount those contacts.
Resume parsing software-what an amazing yet horrifying tool. I'm trying to make these blog posts short and easy to read but this subject is, as anticipated, quite the can of worms.
There are many different versions of resume parsing software but they all do the same thing-"read" your resume. But of course they don't really read anything. They scan your resume for keywords, populate those keywords into predetermined fields in a database and recruiters search the information in the database to qualify candidates for positions.
One of the first things to remember when writing a resume to be used electronically is do not over format your resume. Keep it very simple. No pictures, no fancy fonts, no headers or footers. If you use those things, the software may not parse your resume correctly and there's a chance the recruiter may just pitch it rather than input your information manually.
Use proper punctuation and capitalization. Another thing that makes me old-the fact that this has to be mentioned. Who would submit a resume without proper punctuation and capitalization? More people than you would think because it was mentioned frequently. The parsing software is written in such a way as to look for capitalization and punctuation; if you don't do it properly, the software won't parse it properly. Again, could be a one way trip to the circular file.
If you are applying to multiple positions, make sure your resume is consistent. You can customize it for different positions as far as skills go but if you change employment dates, education information, employment history or anything of that nature, you could end up with duplicate information in the same systems and these discrepancies can throw up red flags to recruiters.
Consider how your resume it making its way to the prospective employer. Are you using a job board like Indeed or the company's website? When you answer those questions, the entry point can be weighed by the employer. If you have an employee referral, it can be weighed more heavily than a job board. Don't discount those contacts.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
How To Convince A Computer You Are A Good Applicant
"Recent enhancements include use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate intelligent guided semantic search capabilities offered through cloud based platforms that allow companies to score and sort resumes with better alignment to the job requirements and descriptions. Modern ATSs allow applicants to be sourced from the company's own database of past job applicants." I snagged this nifty quote about Applicant Tracking Systems (aka ATS) from Wikipedia.
Make no mistake, if you are job hunting electronically, you are sending your resume to a computer, not a person. But here's something I didn't know. Job boards like Monster, Indeed, HotJobs and CareerBuilder use Applicant Tracking Systems also. I was under the impression that those sites were just used to "mask" the employer's email information so they weren't inundated with emails or calls from applicants.
These ATSs use what is called parsing software to take the information from your resume and match it to keywords or phrases that are specific to the particular job description. But here's the problem, the job seeker doesn't know what the keywords or phrases are so how do you know how to write your resume so you are the applicant the parsing software likes best? (This also answers the question "Didn't he/she read my resume?! The answer is no.)
This amazing revelation has opened up a whole new can of employment worms. I'm doing some research now and tomorrow's blog entry will be all about trying to make the ATSs love you.
Make no mistake, if you are job hunting electronically, you are sending your resume to a computer, not a person. But here's something I didn't know. Job boards like Monster, Indeed, HotJobs and CareerBuilder use Applicant Tracking Systems also. I was under the impression that those sites were just used to "mask" the employer's email information so they weren't inundated with emails or calls from applicants.
These ATSs use what is called parsing software to take the information from your resume and match it to keywords or phrases that are specific to the particular job description. But here's the problem, the job seeker doesn't know what the keywords or phrases are so how do you know how to write your resume so you are the applicant the parsing software likes best? (This also answers the question "Didn't he/she read my resume?! The answer is no.)
This amazing revelation has opened up a whole new can of employment worms. I'm doing some research now and tomorrow's blog entry will be all about trying to make the ATSs love you.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Three interviews, three techniques
Today was a very interesting day. I had an interview with a placement agency, a phone interview and a face to face interview. Many things to compare and contrast.
At 10 AM I was at a placement agency to interview for a customer service position for a major utility in our area. This is the first time I've ever interviewed with a placement agency so even though I wasn't keen on the position or the pay, I wanted the experience. The interviewer was very nice but it was much more like interview "coaching' than an actual interview. The interviewer told me that once they do the pre-screen, the employer goes through the resumes and decides who they want to interview. The employer will call and give the prospect a 48 hour window. If the prospect can't make it to the interview, they drop to the bottom of the prospect list and the employer uses this method until all the positions are filled. Right now, the agency is one of many submitting prospects for positions that will be filled in January.
The most disappointing part of this interview was, as the interview was concluding, I asked the interviewer whether she had any other clients that might benefit from my education and experience. Her response was ".......oh yeah!". Had I not asked, it would never have occurred to her.
On the way home, I called an employer who sent me an email expressing interest. After a phone interview, I was disappointed to realize the "talent acquisition representative" had no idea that I was actually qualified for the job. The good news is my information was forwarded to the hiring manager and I'm looking forward to the next step.
The big surprise of the day was my final interview at an auto title loan company. Based on my own biases about the industry, I was not enthusiastic about the interview but I felt obligated to go. What a pleasant surprise this turned out to be. I was interviewed by an intelligent, competent professional who asked me fantastic questions and gave me fantastic information about how the company does business. I truly enjoyed the communication process with her and I'm sincerely looking forward to hearing from them next week. Apparently she liked me too because I'm being considered for a branch manager position.
At 10 AM I was at a placement agency to interview for a customer service position for a major utility in our area. This is the first time I've ever interviewed with a placement agency so even though I wasn't keen on the position or the pay, I wanted the experience. The interviewer was very nice but it was much more like interview "coaching' than an actual interview. The interviewer told me that once they do the pre-screen, the employer goes through the resumes and decides who they want to interview. The employer will call and give the prospect a 48 hour window. If the prospect can't make it to the interview, they drop to the bottom of the prospect list and the employer uses this method until all the positions are filled. Right now, the agency is one of many submitting prospects for positions that will be filled in January.
The most disappointing part of this interview was, as the interview was concluding, I asked the interviewer whether she had any other clients that might benefit from my education and experience. Her response was ".......oh yeah!". Had I not asked, it would never have occurred to her.
On the way home, I called an employer who sent me an email expressing interest. After a phone interview, I was disappointed to realize the "talent acquisition representative" had no idea that I was actually qualified for the job. The good news is my information was forwarded to the hiring manager and I'm looking forward to the next step.
The big surprise of the day was my final interview at an auto title loan company. Based on my own biases about the industry, I was not enthusiastic about the interview but I felt obligated to go. What a pleasant surprise this turned out to be. I was interviewed by an intelligent, competent professional who asked me fantastic questions and gave me fantastic information about how the company does business. I truly enjoyed the communication process with her and I'm sincerely looking forward to hearing from them next week. Apparently she liked me too because I'm being considered for a branch manager position.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
I'm 51 years old. I graduated from college last year. Those two statement sum up the entire gist of this blog.
I have job experience. LOTS of it. I've been working since I was 11. Retail, administrative support, call centers, customer service, some construction management. Crappy hours, holidays, nights, weekends, low pay. But I gritted my teeth and did what I had to do until my kids graduated from high school. After the youngest graduated, I returned to the college I left back in the 80's. I worked full time and went to school full time. I took classes in the summer, had perfect attendance and graduated with a 4.0 in my major and a 3.0 cumulative average, (Thanks to my lousy attendance in my youth).
After I graduated I found a job at a small law firm with two attorneys that I absolutely adore. Smart, ambitious women, amazing mentors. I was in work heaven. But things happened and they both left the firm for private practice. Thus I find myself back in the job market.
Job hunting has changed dramatically over the years and I find myself feeling somewhat like a fish out of water. Not only have job seeking techniques and strategies changed but the kind of job I'm seeking has changed as well. In order to track my progress, I'm going to blog about my job search, share links to techniques, suggestions and articles and hopefully it will help me find a job and help other job seekers as well.
I have job experience. LOTS of it. I've been working since I was 11. Retail, administrative support, call centers, customer service, some construction management. Crappy hours, holidays, nights, weekends, low pay. But I gritted my teeth and did what I had to do until my kids graduated from high school. After the youngest graduated, I returned to the college I left back in the 80's. I worked full time and went to school full time. I took classes in the summer, had perfect attendance and graduated with a 4.0 in my major and a 3.0 cumulative average, (Thanks to my lousy attendance in my youth).
After I graduated I found a job at a small law firm with two attorneys that I absolutely adore. Smart, ambitious women, amazing mentors. I was in work heaven. But things happened and they both left the firm for private practice. Thus I find myself back in the job market.
Job hunting has changed dramatically over the years and I find myself feeling somewhat like a fish out of water. Not only have job seeking techniques and strategies changed but the kind of job I'm seeking has changed as well. In order to track my progress, I'm going to blog about my job search, share links to techniques, suggestions and articles and hopefully it will help me find a job and help other job seekers as well.
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