How to Create a Resume That Will Actually Get You Noticed

You’ve done it. You’ve poured your heart and soul into that resume, adding every achievement and certification like it’s your life’s work. And yet... the rejection email hits your inbox harder than a Monday morning. But hey, don’t sweat it! Today, I’m here to show you how to create a resume that not only gets through that pesky ATS (Applicant Tracking System) but also makes your job application stand out — with a little bit of humor thrown in because why not?

What is ATS? And Why Should You Care?

Okay, let’s start with the basics. ATS is basically the bouncer of the job application world. You’ve got the right skills, the right experience, but if your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, you won’t even make it to the VIP list of real recruiters.

An ATS is a system used by 98% of Fortune 500 companies to scan resumes and shortlist candidates. It’s like having a robot read your resume before a real human does. Now, if that doesn’t sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, I don’t know what does!

Fun Fact:

In a survey of over 2,000 HR professionals by Harvard Business School and Accenture, more than 90% of employers said they use ATS to filter resumes. That means if your resume doesn’t follow the right format, it could be rejected before a human even gets a peek. Yikes, right?

Step 1: Create a Killer Resume Headline

This is your first impression, so make it count. Your resume headline should be eye-catching, concise, and – here’s the secret sauce – ATS-friendly.

So, instead of something like "Looking for a Job," try something like “Experienced SEO Specialist with Proven Results” or “Creative Marketing Expert Seeking New Opportunities.” See what we did there? By including the job title and specific skills, you’re basically giving ATS a little hint on what to look for.

Pro Tip:

Use the exact job title in your headline as mentioned in the job posting. That way, ATS will know you're the real deal and not just another "aspiring" job seeker.

Step 2: Add Keywords Like You’re Building a Puzzle

Alright, let’s talk about keywords. When recruiters use ATS to search for candidates, they’re not just looking for your job title. They’re also searching for specific skills and keywords in your resume. And guess what? You’ve got to be smart about it. Don’t go keyword-crazy, or your resume will look like a robot wrote it. But do include the keywords from the job description.

Here’s a quick guide:

1. Scan your resume using a free ATS scanner tool.

2. Match your resume to the job description by including the relevant skills and keywords.

Example: If the job description mentions "SEO" 15 times, and your resume doesn’t have SEO anywhere, you might want to add that skill, pronto!

Pro Tip:

Use the same language from the job posting, but don’t stuff your resume with keywords. ATS can smell desperation from a mile away.

Step 3: Formatting – No One Likes a Messy Resume

Now that we’ve got the content down, let’s talk about formatting. ATS isn’t picky, but it’s kind of like that friend who insists on having things just so. Follow these formatting tips, and you’ll be golden:

Key Formatting Tips:

• Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Fancy fonts? ATS doesn’t like them. It’s like trying to impress your dog with a magic trick – they just don’t care.

• Save your file as a Word document or PDF. Trust me, ATS loves these formats. It’s like the universal “I’m professional” handshake of the resume world.

• Format your dates correctly. You don’t want ATS to look at your work history and go, “Wait, when did this person even work here?” Use a clear date format like “MM/YYYY.”

Fun Fact:

Studies show that resumes saved in .docx or PDF formats are easier for ATS to scan than other file types. So yeah, no one’s impressed by your ".fancy" file format.

Step 4: Optimize for the Human Touch (Because Humans Are Important Too!)

Okay, here’s the thing – you’ll need to balance your ATS-friendly resume with something that’s easy for humans to read. I know, it’s a tough life, but it’s worth it. The key is to show measurable results from your work.

Example: Instead of saying "Increased website traffic," say "Increased website traffic by 30% in 6 months." Boom, now you’ve got numbers that speak for themselves.

Step 5: Final Check – Are You Ready to Wow?

Before you hit that "Apply" button, do a final check. Make sure your resume looks clean, organized, and formatted correctly. If you’re unsure about anything, test it in an ATS scanner. You’d rather find out now than after 50 rejections.

Pro Tip:

Some resume scanner tools even provide formatting feedback. So, if your ATS is telling you to fix something, do it. It’s like having a cheat sheet.

Bonus Tip: Use Free Resume Tools – Because Who Doesn’t Love Free Stuff?

If you want to skip the stress, we’ve got you covered with a free resume builder that walks you through the process in six easy steps. Or, if you’re feeling a bit lazy, grab one of our plug-and-play templates – they’ll help you craft a resume that’s perfect for both ATS and human recruiters.

Check out the links below for the best tools to help you out.

Pro Tip:

Using a resume builder is like ordering a pizza – it’s fast, easy, and you get exactly what you want (plus, you can eat it while you wait for an interview).

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In Conclusion – Say Goodbye to Rejections!

By following these tips, you’ll create a resume that not only gets past the ATS but also makes you look like the superstar you are to human recruiters. So next time you apply for a job, don’t just cross your fingers – cross your T’s and dot your I’s (figuratively, of course).

Good luck, and remember, no more rejections — just results. Keep it real, keep it fun, and keep those resumes ATS-friendly!

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