how to make your resume searchable on indeed

Unlocking Opportunities: How to Make Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

Are you tired of submitting your resume to countless job applications on Indeed, only to hear crickets in response? It can be frustrating to feel like your qualifications are going unnoticed. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the secrets of how to make your resume searchable on Indeed and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

When it comes to making your resume searchable on Indeed, there are a few pain points that many job seekers encounter. For example, your resume might not be showing up in the search results when employers are looking for candidates with your specific skills or experience. This can be incredibly discouraging, especially if you know you’re the perfect fit for a particular job.

So, how can you make your resume searchable on Indeed? As someone who has spent years perfecting the art of optimizing resumes for online searches, I can confidently say that it all comes down to the right keywords and formatting. By strategically incorporating relevant keywords throughout your resume, you can increase your chances of appearing in search results and catching the attention of potential employers.

how to make my resume searchable on indeed

Now, let’s summarize the main points we’ve covered thus far. To make your resume searchable on Indeed, you need to focus on using relevant keywords and formatting your resume in a way that appeals to both employers and the applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by Indeed. By doing so, you can increase your visibility in search results and improve your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

How to Make Your Resume Searchable on Indeed: A Personal Experience

When I was in the process of job searching a few years ago, I found myself wondering how to make my resume searchable on Indeed. I knew I had the skills and experience necessary for the positions I was applying for, but I wasn’t getting the traction I wanted. That’s when I stumbled upon the importance of using the right keywords in my resume.

By carefully tailoring my resume to include relevant keywords specific to my industry and desired job roles, I saw a significant improvement in my searchability on Indeed. Suddenly, I was receiving more interview requests and landing job offers that truly aligned with my qualifications. It was a game-changer!

Understanding the Art of Making Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

Making your resume searchable on Indeed is not just about sprinkling random keywords throughout your document. It requires a strategic approach. Start by thoroughly researching the keywords commonly used in your industry and by employers looking for candidates like you. Incorporate these keywords organically into your resume, ensuring they flow naturally and don’t appear forced or out of place.

In addition to keywords, formatting also plays a significant role in making your resume searchable. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make your resume easy to navigate and digest. Remember, employers often spend just a few seconds scanning resumes, so make every word count.

The Hidden Secret of Making Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

While keywords and formatting are crucial, there’s another hidden secret to making your resume searchable on Indeed: optimizing your profile on the platform itself. Indeed allows users to create profiles and upload their resumes, making it easier for employers to find qualified candidates. Be sure to fill out all the relevant sections, including skills, experience, and education. Using the right keywords in these sections can significantly improve your chances of appearing in employer searches.

Recommendations for Building a Searchable Resume on Indeed

Here are a few recommendations to help you build a searchable resume on Indeed:

Research relevant keywords and incorporate them strategically into your resume.
Format your resume for easy readability, using headings and bullet points.
Create an Indeed profile and optimize it with relevant keywords and information.
Regularly update your resume to reflect your most recent skills and experience.

How to Make Your Resume Searchable on Indeed and Related Keywords

Now, let’s dive deeper into the topic of how to make your resume searchable on Indeed and related keywords. The first step is to identify the key skills and qualifications employers are looking for in your desired job role. Once you have a clear understanding of these requirements, you can strategically use relevant keywords throughout your resume.

Tips for Making Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

If you’re looking to make your resume searchable on Indeed, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Customize your resume for each specific job application to maximize its relevance.
Use industry-specific terms and jargon to demonstrate your expertise.
Quantify your achievements and provide concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments.
Proofread your resume thoroughly to ensure it is free of any errors or typos.

Exploring the Details of Making Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

Let’s explore the details of making your resume searchable on Indeed. Start by reviewing job descriptions in your desired field and identifying the common keywords and requirements. Make a list of these keywords and strategically incorporate them throughout your resume. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of appearing in employer searches and improve your overall visibility on Indeed.

Fun Facts About Making Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

Did you know that the average employer spends only around six seconds reviewing each resume? That’s why making your resume searchable on Indeed is so important. By optimizing your resume with relevant keywords and presenting your qualifications in a clear and concise manner, you can grab employers’ attention and stand out from the competition.

How to Actually Make Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

At this point, you might be wondering how to actually make your resume searchable on Indeed. Well, it starts with careful research and planning. Identify the keywords and skills that are in high demand in your industry, and incorporate them strategically throughout your resume. Be sure to showcase your most relevant experience and qualifications in a way that aligns with employers’ expectations. And don’t forget to keep your resume updated regularly to reflect any new skills or achievements!

What If Your Resume Isn’t Searchable on Indeed?

Even if your resume isn’t currently searchable on Indeed, it’s not the end of the world. Take a look at your resume and see if there are any areas you can improve. Consider revisiting your keyword usage, formatting, and overall presentation. With a few tweaks and adjustments, you can make your resume more appealing to potential employers and increase its chances of being discovered on Indeed.

A Listicle of How to Make Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

1. Research relevant keywords specific to your industry and desired job roles. 2. Incorporate these keywords strategically throughout your resume. 3. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language for easy readability. 4. Create and optimize your profile on Indeed, using relevant keywords. 5. Regularly update your resume to reflect your most recent skills and experience.

Question and Answer: How to Make Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

Q: How many keywords should I include in my resume to make it searchable on Indeed?

A: There’s no specific number, but aim for a good balance. Include enough keywords to demonstrate your qualifications without overloading your resume with irrelevant terms.

Q: Can I use industry-specific jargon in my resume to make it more searchable?

A: Yes, using industry-specific jargon can be beneficial, as it shows that you’re familiar with the terminology commonly used in your field. However, avoid using too much jargon, as it may confuse employers who aren’t as familiar with the terms.

Q: Should I rely solely on keywords to make my resume searchable on Indeed?

A: While keywords are important, it’s equally essential to ensure your resume is well-formatted, easy to read, and showcases your relevant skills and experience. A combination of both keywords and compelling content will increase your chances of making your resume searchable on Indeed.

Q: How often should I update my resume on Indeed?

A: It’s a good idea to update your resume on Indeed whenever you gain new skills or experience. This ensures that your profile remains up-to-date and reflective of your current qualifications.

Closing Thoughts on Making Your Resume Searchable on Indeed

Thank you for taking the time to read this article on how to make your resume searchable on Indeed. By incorporating relevant keywords, optimizing your profile, and formatting your resume effectively, you can increase your chances of being noticed by employers on Indeed. Remember, the job search process can be challenging, but with the right strategies and a little persistence, you can land your dream job. Good luck, and visit again for more career tips!

What do employers look for on a resume: key qualities and skills, mastering the art of multitasking on your resume: how to showcase your skills, where do i upload my resume on common app: a guide for college applicants.

Job Search Tips

Posting a Resume on Indeed: Should I Do It?

In today’s competitive employment market, it is important to leverage every available tool to maximize your chances of landing the right job. You not only want to have a resume that makes the best possible impression, you also need to ensure that you get that resume into the right hiring managers’ hands. For some job seekers, posting a resume on Indeed can be a great way to save time and get even more attention from recruiters and hiring managers. But is that the right option for you?

In this post, we will look at the pros and cons of posting your resume on Indeed, as well as on any of the most popular online job boards. We will also offer some tips you can use to upload your own resume to Indeed.

Is posting your resume to online job boards a good idea?

Learning how to upload a new resume on Indeed or other online job boards can offer many advantages. Often, recruiters and hiring managers will browse through these online boards in search of potential new hires. When your resume is posted and available for viewing, those recruiters will be able to readily identify you as a potential candidate for any open job. Depending on the role you’re seeking and the industry you’re employed in, this can be a great way to open doors to employment opportunities you might have otherwise missed.

Of course, there are both pros and cons to this approach since no two situations are ever exactly alike. Ultimately, your decision about whether to utilize online job boards for resume submissions will depend on your own unique circumstances. Let’s examine the potential advantages and disadvantages of using this tool for your resume, focusing on when you should and should not post your resume on Indeed.

When should you post a resume on Indeed?

You may want to post your resume on Indeed or other job boards if:

You are actively searching for a job and want to ensure that your resume is seen by a wide variety of recruiters, hiring managers, and companies. Job boards like Indeed can provide a tremendous amount of exposure for job seekers, so posting your resume may help you gain greater visibility and lead to more opportunities.

You plan to submit your resume to multiple companies. Job boards like Indeed simplify that process by enabling you to create a profile and apply for a position in seconds. That saves time for you to pursue other aspects of the job search process, like following up on those submissions or preparing for interviews.

Your resume doesn’t require a lot of tailoring. Depending on your field of expertise and the role you are seeking, you may be able to use your resume without changing it to target the specific company.

When should you avoid posting a resume on Indeed?

Of course, there may also be times when you may not want to upload your resume to Indeed or other job boards. For example, you might want to avoid putting your resume on those platforms if:

You are concerned about potential privacy issues. Data protection is a major priority for many of these companies, but that doesn’t mean that a data breach can never occur. Make sure you know the risks before you post your resume to Indeed or any online site.

You’re seeking a position that requires you to tailor your resume for each specific role. Obviously, any posted resume will need to be a one-size-fits-all document if you want to use it for multiple resume submissions. If you plan to tailor each submission to ensure that it targets each company in the best possible way, that generic resume upload may not be the right option for you.

Your job search plans do not include responding to multiple unsolicited job offers. You won’t have complete control over which companies reach out to you, so make sure that you are prepared to answer those inquiries.

You are currently employed and don’t want your employer to know that you are looking for another job. Obviously, this is always a risk when you are in that situation since people in the same industry often share this type of news with one another. Still, a publicly available resume submission can increase the odds that your boss will discover that you’re pursuing other options.

How much does it cost to upload my resume to Indeed?

Most job search sites allow you to upload your resume. You would typically do this when registering for an account. Fortunately, many of the main job boards do not charge job seekers for access to profile creation and resume upload features. Instead, sites like Indeed charge employers a fee to browse through their pool of resumes.

Job seekers should be careful using resume builder tools like the Indeed resume builder . They are not optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS) systems and the formats aren't eye-catching.

Is my information safe?

Job board sites often allow you to choose whether you want your resume to be public. If you don't want your resume to be viewed by just anyone, do your research to see exactly who will be able to access it. Moreover, sites like Indeed will block out your street address along with your email and phone number which will be visible only to employers you apply or respond to.

How to upload your resume on Indeed

If you do decide to post your resume to Indeed, the process is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps to quickly complete the upload process.

1. Select the upload your resume button

Begin the process by visiting Indeed’s home page. There, you will find the “Upload your resume” link at the upper right of the page. Clicking on that link will bring up another window that allows you to enter your email address or sign in using Google and other options. Once you do that, you will be taken to a page that allows you to upload your resume to the site. You can do that now or select the skip option and upload the document after you complete your account creation process.

2. Create an account

To upload and maintain your profile on Indeed, you will need to create an account. Whether you upload your resume immediately or skip that step, you will next be taken to your profile page. You can add as much or as little personal information as you’d like and create a password to secure your account. You will also be asked to confirm your email.

3. Make sure your resume is in the right format

Indeed also provides a resume format tool that you can use to make sure that your document aligns with the site’s template format. As you do so, make any adjustments needed to ensure that the site puts your information in your desired resume sections . You can also use this time to proofread the resume, or tailor it to any specific role that you are interested in seeking.

4. Adjust your settings

Once you are done with your formatting, you should choose your searchability settings. There are two options here: you can opt to limit searchability or choose to make both your resume and profile open to public view. The latter option will make it easier for any employer or recruiter to find you. However, if you don’t want everyone to see this information, you might want to select the former option.

3 tips for posting your resume to job boards

1. Only post your resume to reputable sites

Don't just go around posting your resume to dozens of sites; you will run the risk of your information getting out to spammers. There are only a handful of sites you should be posting your resume to.

These include:

ZipRecruiter

CareerBuilder

Read our full list of the top sites to post your resume on .

2. Check the terms

Check to see who will be able to access your online resume before you post it. You may not want to give millions of people access to your information. Check each site's terms or FAQ page for details. You should contact support if you're unable to locate the exact terms.

3. Maintain realistic expectations

Don't think that you should stop applying for jobs once your Indeed resume is posted. The chances of actually landing a job by simply posting your resume are not as good as you might think. You should be actively applying to as many jobs as you're qualified for .

Take action now to find your dream job

While posting your resume on Indeed or other job board sites can expand your job search reach, there are many things to consider before you use that tool. Make sure that you understand all of the pros and cons of online job boards to ensure that this approach is the right choice for your job search needs.

Before you post your resume to Indeed or any other job boards, make sure it’s ready to capture the right kind of attention. Get your free resume review from our team of experts today!

Ken Chase, Freelance Writer

During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on ZipJob’s blog .

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How to Make a Resume:...

How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

30 min read · Updated on May 22, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

Your resume is arguably the most important financial document you'll ever own. And before you think, “Yeah – right” let's consider for a moment. Without a resume, you don't get the job, so you can't pay bills, support a family, go to the big game, have that weekend trip, or plan for retirement. Your resume is the doorway to your future, so let's make sure it's perfect.

Part of making it perfect is remembering that it's a targeted career marketing document – not a chronicle of your life. So, how do you write a resume? In this beginner's writing guide, we'll show you how to make a resume and provide examples of what each section should look like.

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in, because you're about to learn everything you need to know about how to make a new resume!

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

Build your personal brand, what should your resume look like, how to make a resume – the layout.

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

The most basic purpose of a resume is to sell your skills , achievements , and qualifications to prospective employers. This one document can financially make or break you. Let's take a quick look at what being unemployed costs you per day (assuming a five-day workweek):

If you make $40,000 per year, you lose about $155 every day that you're out of work

If you make $50,000 per year, you lose about $190 every day that you're out of work

If you make $75,000 per year, you lose about $288 every day that you're out of work

If you make $100,000 per year, you lose about $385 every day that you're out of work

Clearly, finding out how to make a resume for a job is critical so that you can properly sell your skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements to prospective employers.

The job market is tough and highly competitive; you have to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates by creating a compelling narrative that tells a story of value, keeping in mind that your resume is supposed to do a few things for you:

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

Showcase how your skills and competencies will benefit the new company's team

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What do you know about applicant tracking systems? Job seeking can be compared to throwing your resume into a black hole. You can go through 100 listings on any job search website and complete the online application with zero results.

Ever had that happen? It's okay, it happens to everyone at some point or another!

The problem is that you're probably not putting the correct keywords into your resume. When you hit “Submit” on an online application, it isn't magically emailed to the hiring manager.

Oh, no!

It goes through a computer system that scans your resume for specific keywords that can be found in the job description posted by the company. And, just so you know, approximately 90% of companies use ATS scans , including everything from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies.

The companies use these programs because they just don't have time for a human to go through all the resumes they receive. Depending on the job opening, a company can get between 250 and 500 applicants . Can you imagine being the person who has to sift through all those resumes?

Here is where the ATS steps in. It's designed to weed through candidates to narrow the applicant pool, so that the human hiring manager has a more reasonable resume load to go through. It ranks the remaining candidates in order based on how much of a match they are for the position that's open.

Being overlooked by the ATS is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies.

Once your resume makes it through the ATS and gets into the hands of a hiring manager, don't think they're going to sit down and read each one. Who has that kind of time? You should expect that the first round of resume sorting will consist of them flipping through the stack to pick the ones that stand out within about 6 seconds of glancing at them.

PRO TIP: Put your resume on a table, stand up, and look at it from a little distance. Is it eye-catching? Can you tell the position you're seeking just by glancing at it? Set a timer if you have to, but no more than 10 seconds.

Speaking of eye-catching, don't make the same mistake as a lot of your rival job seekers by being too generic with your resume. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being non-specific will open doors to more opportunities. The problem is that the hiring manager won't be able to tell exactly where you'll fit within their organization.

The first step in winning an interview is being sure that your resume actually makes it into the hands of a human being at the company you apply to. Start by defining what you want to do.

So the first, and most important, step in crafting the perfect resume is to narrow down your target career path. The more specific you are with this first step, the more response you'll receive from hiring managers because they'll be able to tell exactly how you fit within their organization. There are four areas to focus on as you begin to chart your career path:

Industry: Do you want to work in private sector, nonprofit, government, or public roles?

Geography: This one is more in-depth than choosing rural vs urban. It also includes whether you want to work in a dynamic or static environment.

Company size: You may not think it, but having an idea about whether you want to work in a small company or one with thousands of employees is important.

Role: Saving the best for last, you have to know what position you want.

On the surface, it may seem like these things are only important for the job search aspect of landing a new position, but you have to know what voice to write your resume in, too. Part of that is knowing your audience. When you understand your audience, you can build a personal brand that resonates with what they're looking for in a new staff member.

Now that you've gotten your target career path nailed down, the next step is to brand you. Think of yourself as a product and your resume is the packaging. Companies spend a lot of time on their branding and packaging - you have to do the same thing.

The best place to start is with a career assessment . Taking one of these tests can help you to identify your strengths, what sets you apart from others, and key themes of your professional identity. Just like Nike and Coca-Cola have timeless taglines and catchphrases that succinctly define what they have to offer to consumers, your personal brand has to tell a concise, yet compelling, story. This is where your resume comes in.

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper you give to a hiring manager or upload to a website that says, “I'm interested in this job.” Your resume is a personal marketing tool. You shape that tool with words that describe your experiences and achievements, to impress and grab the attention of the hiring manager.

Unlike Nike's “Just Do It” phrase, your personal brand isn't something you build and forget. It is fluid and should be revisited and refined as you gain new skills, experiences, and achievements. Weave the elements of your brand into every section of your resume.

There is a common misconception that entry-level resumes look different than executive resumes. The reality is that the only difference is how much content is available to write about.

Obviously, someone who has little to no experience will have a short resume – generally one page.

When you start to get up to 10 years of experience, then you've earned the second page, so go ahead and use it.

It's not incremental though

Just because you have 20 years of experience doesn't mean you can have a three-page resume. As you work through how to make a resume, remember that a three-page resume should be avoided, unless you have a lot of career extras like publications, research, patents, publications, or public speaking engagements to talk about.

Other than the number of pages, your resume should use the same format and layout no matter if you're applying to a job as someone fresh out of college or seeking to be the CEO of a company.

Chronological resume

The reverse-chronological is the most popular, traditional, and well-known resume format. Its focus is placed on achievements from your career history and is defined by listing your work history starting with your current or most recent job and working backward 10-15 years.

Employers like this type of resume because it tells them what, when, and where you worked. It's best to use this if your work history is steady and shows growth and development. If you're looking to make a career change, have had frequent job changes, or if you're seeking your first job, this may not be the best format to use.

Pro Tip: You could also get lost in the ATS if your resume is over-designed . Many resume writers will tell you that you need to stand out in the sea of sameness by adding some personality to your resume through design. While that's true, you need to avoid heavily formatted resumes which are often rejected by computer scanners as being illegible.

Functional resume

This resume type focuses more on skills and experiences rather than on your work history. It's more of a “what you know and how you apply that knowledge” than a simple list of where you got the knowledge. It plays down gaps in work history and makes frequent job changes less noticeable. If it isn't done properly, though, it can be confusing for the hiring manager to read and understand. There's also a bit of a stigma behind it, because employers know that job seekers use this style to downplay job-hopping. So, the first thing they do when they get a functional resume is check employment dates. If you can avoid using this style, it's best to do so.

Combination resume

There is another resume format that focuses on skills first and then experience last. It's the combination resume, which is sometimes called a hybrid resume. This is the most complex resume type and the best resume for mid-career professionals who are transitioning into another career or for people who have special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments. These types of resumes do take a long time to read and some hiring managers won't take the time unless they're looking to fill a hard-to-fill position.

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin and means “course of life.” It's a little different from a resume, but some positions require a CV over a resume. The first thing you would notice is that a CV is significantly longer than a resume. A resume is a self-branding document meant to portray your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. A CV goes much further into the depth of your education and accomplishments (think publications, awards, and honors) and even has a section for you to include "Areas of Interest."

The best way to describe a CV is that it's a career biography. The biggest significant difference is that a CV is arranged chronologically in a way that gives a complete overview of your full working career. It also doesn't change based on the career or position for which you're applying.

Layout

To make things easier for the hiring manager to digest the content of your resume, it should be laid out in a specific way to ensure that the right information is in the right place.

Hiring managers don't READ resumes. They skim through until they find something that piques their interest and then they stop to read

Contact information

Title

Professional summary , core competencies, experience , education and credentials , awards, certificates, and volunteer work .

Since the reverse-chronological resume is the one that the majority of people will use to apply for jobs, and because it's the format that hiring managers want to see, we'll focus this article on showing you how to make a resume using that style.

Current contact information

Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if applicable)

You can be creative and use bold font in your contact information and even put a border under it to separate it from the body of your resume.

Name: Be sure to list your name the same across all professional documents (e.g., resume, cover letter, thank you note, LinkedIn profile). Don't get hung up with whether to use your legal name (i.e. the name on your birth certificate or driver's license). Write your name in the manner you want people to address you. Also, if you use any abbreviated credentials after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MD), remember to include them on all professional documents. You can also include any shortened versions of your name in quotations (e.g. Christopher "Chris" Smith). Just make sure to list it the same way everywhere you put your name.
Address: It is no longer customary to include your full address on your resume. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. As far as your address is concerned, all you need is the City, State, and Zip Code. A lot of people leave off the Zip Code; however, hiring managers can query the ATS for all resumes within a radius of a Zip Code. If you exclude the Zip Code or put something like, "Greater New York Metro Area," your resume won't be included in the query.
Phone and email: Put the telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached. Also, be sure that your email address is professional. Using something like [email protected] just won't cut it. The best idea is to use some form of your name. If you're paranoid about having your name in your email address, then you can use some form of the type of position you seek, like [email protected].
LinkedIn URL: You don't have to spell out the entire URL on the contact line. You can put the words “LinkedIn URL” and hyperlink those words. Before you include your LinkedIn URL, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the career you want - because you can bet if they have access to it, the hiring manager will look at it.
Portfolio: If you're applying for a position like Graphic Designer or Software Designer, you may have a portfolio of work that you want to make available to someone reviewing your application for employment. Include a hyperlink to the portfolio in your contact information.
Headshot / photo: There is no reason to include a headshot on your resume . Actually, it's seen as taboo and could be the thing that gets your resume rejected, because the hiring manager might assume you think you can get the job based on your looks. However, there are some exceptions, like if you're applying to be a model or actor.

Do you want a hiring manager to be able to tell immediately what type of candidate you are? Put a title at the top of your resume. Center the text on the line, put it in bold font, and put a blank space above and below. The white space and the small amount of words will help it to jump off the page and immediately be noticed. It will also be the first step in helping you stand out in the sea of sameness.

Also, be sure the title on your resume mirrors the title on the job description that you're applying to, but add a bit of panache to it so that it's not too boring. For example, instead of writing “Financial Services Associate,” write “Client-Centric Financial Services Associate Dedicated to Customer Engagement and Revenue Growth.” Just remember to keep it on one line.

The very next thing on the page should always be your Professional Summary. But how do you write a summary for a resume?

It's a three to five-sentence statement about you. Where you've been in your career, where you're going, and how you'll use your experience to get there.

While the professional summary is sometimes referred to as the resume objective , you must remember that the days of writing a resume objective are dead . Never, ever include an objective on your resume. They are a waste of space and don't relay any information that markets you as the best candidate for an open position.

Let's take a look at an example of each:

Sales Representative seeking a challenging position that will use my skills and provide opportunities for growth in a dynamic and rewarding company.

As you can see, the objective is very inward-facing and only talks about what you want out of your career. It provides no value to the hiring manager and eliminates any possibility for them to be able to tell what you bring to the table for them.

Professional Summary:

Ambitious sales professional offering 10+ years' experience in customer retention and aggressive revenue growth. Conquers goals and quotas through a keen awareness of the human buying motive that allows for quickly overcoming objections. Used historical data and consumer trends to reach new customers and grow territory by 24%. Innate ability to work independently or as a member of a cross-functional team.

The best use of resume space is to write a summary of your career. The effectiveness of this summary comes from the fusing of three things:

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

With this professional summary, the hiring manager will be able to tell in an instant what you have to offer their team.

Even though the skills section of your resume is small, it packs a powerful punch! The skills you list in this section highlight your key abilities and show potential employers what you bring to the table.

It should contain approximately 12 ATS-friendly keywords and phrases that align with the keywords in the job description. Meaning, this is a fluid section that will need to be tailored to every job that you apply to. Technically speaking, your entire resume should be customized to align with each job description. That's one thing that will help you get past the ATS.

Be sure to include a good mix of hard and soft skills because prospective employers not only want to know that you can perform the tasks related to your job (hard skills), but they also want to gain a clear understanding of how you'll fit within the culture of the company (soft skills).

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

Include skills that are relevant to the job that you're applying to

Avoid creating a laundry list of everything you know how to do – be selective so that the section is more impactful

Group similar competencies together using categories – technical skills, soft skills, and languages

Prioritize your top skills based on their relevance to the job you want

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

Here is a sample Core Competencies list that contains both hard and soft skills:

Core Competencies

This section is meant to show how your career history lends itself to the skills you have that make you the perfect candidate for a given job. There are some general rules of thumb on how to make a resume with a great professional experience section:

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

Incorporate at least 5 measurable achievements per 10 years of experience (the more the better)

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

The 10-15 years of experience is the most relevant – you can list more than that, but avoid using bullet points for roles over 10 years old. Begin by listing your most recent position first and work your way backward to your oldest position, within that 10-15-year range. If you have 30 years of experience, you can use achievements or skills you learned during that time as talking points during the interview. Listing those older experiences on your resume will only dilute the content.

As you write out your bullet points, keep two words in mind: “so what?” The hiring manager is going to be thinking it, you might as well be thinking it, too. Every time you write something on your resume, think, “So what? Why am I writing this? What value will it bring to my new employer? Will this be THE THING that lands me an interview?"

Achievements

Remove “Responsible for…” from your resume-writing vocabulary. That's because it's crucial that you talk about what you achieved, instead of just what your responsibilities were. Let's face it, there are a lot of things that people are “responsible for” that never get done. So, be sure to talk about things you actually accomplished, as that will be the proof the hiring manager needs to take the next step and call you for an interview.

1. Use numbers whenever possible

The best way to call attention to your career accomplishments is to use numbers. Numbers add credibility to your claims and provide a clear picture of what you bring to the table.

Don't write this:

Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

Increased sales by 15% by making approximately 20 cold calls per day to expand the client base

The latter makes an unmistakable assertion that you had a positive impact, not only in your role but on the company as a whole. You can take it a step further and talk about things like problem-solving skills and how you addressed challenges to lead to team success. These types of soft skills are highly valued by employers and could be the thing that lands you an interview.

PRO TIP: Use the CAR method for building achievement statements into your resume.

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

A lot of people make the mistake of copying bullet points from the job descriptions of the roles they've held. This practice makes you sound detached from achievements and focuses more on responsibilities. Using passive language is too generic and doesn't allow a hiring manager to see what you'll be able to accomplish in the new role.

It's better to use action language to show that you're an achiever rather than a doer. Here are some examples of action words you can use on your resume:

Worked with others: Advised, Aided, Assisted, Chaired, Coached, Collaborated with, Consulted with, Helped, Instructed, Interacted with, Mentored, Motivated, Supported

Communicated: Addressed, Advertised, Answered, Briefed, Corresponded with, Debated, Explained, Facilitated, Informed, Interpreted, Interviewed, Persuaded, Responded to

Analyzed data: Assessed, Appraised, Audited, Calculated, Computed, Estimated, Evaluated, Forecast, Inspected, Measured, Researched, Surveyed, Tested

Operated equipment: Installed, Maintained, Programmed, Ran, Serviced, Used

Worked with money or contracts: Administered, Appropriated, Authorized, Balanced, Controlled, Directed, Enforced, Financed, Funded, Governed, Invested, Monitored, Oversaw, Purchased

Organized something: Arranged, Assembled, Catalogued, Compiled, Coordinated, Itemized, Routed, Scheduled, Stocked, Tracked

Created: Composed, Customized, Designed, Directed, Established, Founded, Illustrated, Originated, Shaped

Researched: Analyzed, Collected, Criticized, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Tested

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

There's a formula for writing your professional experience section in a way that focuses on achievements. You'll start by asking yourself these questions about every job you've had:

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

What dates were you employed? (*Hint: use the MM/YYYY format for your dates)

What did you do every day? (*Example: Leveraged management skills to direct operations of 5 separate but concurrent projects by delegating tasks to staff based on employee acumen and monitoring / controlling budgets)

What is one thing you did at the company that you're really proud of?

What is another thing you're really proud of?

What is one more thing you did that you're really proud of?

When you put all of that together, it should look like this:

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

Balanced competing priorities on multiple and concurrent projects and program management initiatives using data-driven strategies in Agile environments. Managed key accounts, onboarded new accounts, and oversaw organizational process adoption for nursing facilities, emergency departments, and pharmacies.

Developed $2M Provider Incentive Program that increased community provider partnerships

Saved $800K by using Six Sigma skills to implement DMAIC approach

Coached and mentored 2 direct reports, creating an open environment of communication that facilitated future-facing decision-making

Many people will create separate sections for education history and certifications. That's not necessary. You can include all of it in one section. You can also include extras like relevant coursework , projects, and achievements. These extras can be truly beneficial for your application if you have little to no work experience.

There are some general rules of thumb for the education section:

Spell out acronyms (BS, MS, PhD) and school abbreviations

It is no longer customary to include graduation dates unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year

Never include high school, unless you're still in high school - listing high school doesn't say “ I finished high school, ” it says, “ I didn't go to college .”

List your degree first and then your school, unless you've obtained multiple degrees at the same institution.

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

If you don't have a lot of experience and need to include some relevant coursework or major projects to inject relevant keywords into your resume, then this is what that would look like:

Relevant coursework: Marketing, Operations Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance

Capstone project: Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program.

You can include educational information about a degree program even if it's still in progress. Here's what that would look like:

Expected completion: 05/2024

It is important to list what you do outside of work and school. It helps to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person.

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority?

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus?

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards?

Were you an employee of the month?

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

Did you perform some major research that ended up being published?

All of these extras allow prospective employers a sneak peek into your life outside of work. They can also go a long way to breaking the ice during an interview, especially if something you do outside work is important or interesting to the hiring manager.

Keep in mind to list only those volunteer positions, projects, or affiliations that are related to your career goals.

How long does it take to make a resume?

If you're going to use the resume wizard that MS Word has, you can slap your information together in a day or two. It will get to employers. The bad thing is that it probably won't get a whole lot of attention.

The "just right resume" can take weeks, because of how much background work goes into it. You'll write it, rewrite it, and write it again, and may even have multiple versions. Ultimately, the exact amount of time that goes into putting your resume together depends on your level of experience, how complex your history is, and the specificity of the job you're applying to.

Entry-level resumes take the least amount of time, simply because there's less information to include

Mid-level resumes take a few days because of the amount of detail in your work history

Executive resumes, or those for specialized positions, can take weeks - especially if you have to do some digging to come up with accomplishments from your previous positions

Updating an existing resume that's well-maintained can be done in just a few hours

While the time spent can seem like a lot, if you're truly marketing yourself for that “just right” position, do you want your resume to say “This was thrown together in a couple of hours using a template” OR do you want it to say “I know this document is important and a significant amount of time was spent on it to make it perfect?”

The first and foremost thing that will get your resume tossed in the garbage can are typos. The number of resumes with errors that are turned in every day to employers across the globe is so astounding that it bears discussing.

You must proofread your resume!

The major problem with typos and grammatical boo-boos is that your eyes will read what you intended to type. So, after you've read through your resume a few times and think it's perfect, get a friend to read it. Make sure the friend is one of those brutally honest types. It's better to get it back marked all over with bright red ink so you can fix it before you send it out, than to send it out and then realize there's a mistake in it.

How to make your resume seem more professional

Lazy words: Do you see words like "etc" or “other duties as required” on your resume? Delete them immediately. If you take shortcuts in the language of your resume, hiring managers will wonder if you'll be taking shortcuts at work.

Cookie cutter resumes: Your resume has to stand out. Because of that, you should avoid throwing something together that you find a sample of online. Make it yours, make it represent you. Many people rely on the resume wizard that comes loaded with MS Word and, while that is a good tool to use to help you remember the sections to include, it shouldn't be the end-all-and-be-all of your resume design.

Specificity: You've had three jobs in the last 10 years and you've listed every detail of everything you've done during your tenure at those jobs. That makes you a Jack (or Jackie) of all trades, but a master of nothing. You have to be specific to the job for which you're applying. What value do you bring to that employer for that job? What achievements can you highlight?

Tailoring: Considering the rampant use of ATS by companies big and small, you have to take the time to customize your resume so that it gets past those scanners. Remember to use relevant keywords from the job descriptions throughout your resume.

PRO TIP: You can check to see how to make your resume better! Have it checked against an ATS and get a free, personalized, and professional resume review .

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

It's one thing to have someone tell you how to make a resume, it's another thing to see an example – proof that all of this information can come together in a practical way that makes sense.

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

Click here for an example of a Digital Marketing Manager resume.

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume.

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume.

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

Click here for an example of an Administrative Office Assistant resume.

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

Click here for an example of an Information Technology Expert resume.

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume.

Now you know how to make a resume for your next job!

It may seem like it takes a lot of work to make a good resume, but if you've followed along this far there are a few things that should be ingrained in you that will help you write a professional resume:

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format

Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th

Use action words to make your resume stand out

Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role

Tailor your new resume to each job

Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes

If you're still unsure how to make a perfect resume, TopResume has you covered. Our team of professional resume writers has the know-how and experience to write a resume for you that will win interviews.

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What Is An ATS? 8 Things You Need to Know About Applicant Tracking Systems

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You spend hours perfecting your resume, making sure it outlines your skills and experience in the best possible light. After all, when it comes to job hunting, your resume is your most important tool.

But after all that work, you’re still not getting enough interviews, even for jobs you know you’re qualified for. Why not?

What you might not realize is that your resume usually doesn’t go to a human being after you submit it – it goes to a computer. In fact, there’s a good chance a real person will never see your resume!

That’s because more and more employers are using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes.

What is an ATS? It’s computer software designed to scan resumes for certain keywords and weed out the ones that don’t match the job description.

So if you want your resume to actually make it into the hands of a human being, you need to make sure it’s optimized for the ATS.

In this article, we’re going to teach you 8 things you need to know about applicant tracking systems, including what they are, how they work, and especially how you can “beat” them!

1. What is an ATS?

The hiring process can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience for employers as well as job seekers. To streamline the process, many companies have started using applicant tracking systems (ATS).

An ATS is a computer software program that manages the hiring process. It does this by collecting and sorting thousands of resumes.

Hiring managers can then screen candidates using the ATS, as well as track their progress through the hiring process. By digitizing the hiring process in this way, an ATS saves employers time and money.

2. How applicant tracking systems work

There are 4 basic steps to how an applicant tracking system works:

A job requisition enters into the ATS. This requisition includes information about the position, such as the job title, desired skills, and required experience.
The ATS then uses this information to create a profile for the ideal candidate.
As applicants submit their resumes, the ATS parses, sorts, and ranks them based on how well they match the profile.
Hiring managers then quickly identify the most qualified candidates and move them forward in the hiring process.

What’s especially important to understand is that recruiters often filter resumes by searching for key skills and job titles .

“ Recruiters often filter resumes by searching for key skills and job titles .”

For example, if a recruiter is hiring for an Administrative Assistant position and there are 500 resumes, their first step will probably be to search for “Administrative Assistant.” This isolates candidates that have done the exact job before.

Anyone that doesn’t have that exact term in their resume is out of luck!

A search can contain multiple terms. For example, recruiters might perform a complex search that contains a combination of job titles and skills: Administrative Assistant AND data entry AND payroll…

This means that if you can predict the resume keywords that recruiters will use in their search, you’ll greatly increase your chances of moving on in the hiring process. But you don’t have to guess which keywords to use. All you have to do is analyze the job description to find them.

Jobscan’s resume scanner automates this process by using AI technology to analyze your resume against the job description. It then provides you with a score that shows how well your resume matches the job description.

It also tells you exactly how to increase your score by adding those resume skills and keywords that are missing from your resume. Here’s an example of a report produced by the resume scanner:

A section of Jobscan's match report showing the resume score and missing hard skills.

By adding the highlighted keywords to your resume you’ll increase your score. The higher your score the more likely a hiring manager will find your resume and invite you for an interview. You can try the resume scanner for free here .

3. What’s the difference between an ATS and a CRM?

When it comes to recruiting software, there are two main types of systems:

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Candidate Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

Let’s quickly look at each system.

ATS software is typically used during the hiring process, and includes features such as resume parsing, candidate screening, and assessment tools. The downside to ATS software is that it only tracks job candidates that have already applied to your company.

Top employers hire for several jobs at a time and receive hundreds of resumes for any given opening. Because applying for a job online is easier than ever, many of these applicants are unqualified and figured “it was worth a try.”

CRM systems, on the other hand, are used during the recruitment process to target potential candidates who haven’t yet applied to your company. CRM features include email marketing, scheduling, and communication tools to build relationships with possible candidates.

Whereas ATS only give you data that candidates input themselves, CRMs allow you to input information that you discover about prospective talent. In other words, ATS are more reactive, while CRMs are more proactive.

You don’t necessarily have to choose between the two systems. Many companies use both!

4. Key features of an applicant tracking system

Applicant tracking systems make it easy for people to apply for a position on any device, without having to log in. This means that companies benefit from a larger pool of applicants.

Because there are so many applicants, companies use ATS software to automatically surface and highlight top candidates. Here’s an example of what the ATS looks like to the hiring manager:

Some other key features of ATS software include:

Resume parsing – This is the process of extracting data from resumes, such as contact information, work history , educational background , and skills .
Advanced search – This enables you to filter applications by specific keywords, job titles, skills, experience, education, and more.
Candidate sourcing – This allows you to actively search for, identify, and reach out to potential candidates for open positions.
Multi-channel candidate sourcing – This lets you search for potential candidates using multiple channels, including job boards, social media, and employee referrals.
In-built CRM software – Some ATS also feature CRM software to cover all your needs in one platform.
Email templates – Most ATS offer email templates to ensure that all your correspondence with candidates is consistent and professional.
Advanced analytics and reporting – This allows you to generate detailed reports on job seekers, hiring trends, and other data.
Various integrations – This means the ATS can connect with different types of software, such as email marketing software, accounting software, and CRM systems.
Ability to schedule interviews – By automating interviews, you won’t have to waste time rescheduling, sending out reminders, or coordinating multiple calendars.
Real-time collaboration -This allows people from different parts of the organization to get involved in the sourcing, screening, and decision-making regarding new hires.
Automation based on certain events and conditions – This means your ATS will only be triggered to do something if a specific scenario occurs.

5. How accurate is ATS software?

While it is true that ATS can save recruiters time and effort in the hiring process, the reality is that these systems are far from perfect .

A study by Harvard Business Review revealed that 88 percent of recruiters felt that qualified candidates were ignored by an ATS because they “did not match the exact criteria established by the job description.”

This suggests that ATS places too much emphasis on keywords and fails to take into account a candidate’s skills, experience, or qualifications. As a result, many qualified candidates are overlooked simply because their resumes don’t contain the right keywords!

“ Many qualified candidates are overlooked because their resumes don’t contain the right keywords. “

However, you can take advantage of this situation by making sure your resume contains the exact keywords that employers are searching for.

6. Who uses ATS?

Jobscan research found that over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS while a Kelly OCG survey estimated that 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations rely on recruitment software. And these numbers continue to grow.

If you’re applying to a large organization, you’ll most likely face an ATS.

If you’re applying through any online form, you’re applying through an ATS.

Even job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn have their own built-in ATS.

It’s clear that ATS is here to stay. That’s why it’s so important to use the right keywords and format your resume in a way that makes it easy for ATS software to read.

7. Why employers use applicant tracking systems

When you think about it, today’s employers are faced with a daunting task when it comes to hiring new employees. This is because the internet has made it easy for job seekers to submit applications, so they submit a lot of them . Many of these applicants are unqualified and figured “it was worth a try.”

The result is that corporate recruiters now receive hundreds and sometimes even thousands of resumes for every job opening. This is why they need an ATS. These automated systems simplify and speed up the hiring process, saving businesses time and money.

“ ATS software simplifies and speeds up the hiring process, saving businesses time and money. “

The top ATS feature many benefits, including:

Easier communication among hiring managers
Faster applicant screening
Reduced time spent on repetitive tasks
Improved net hiring score
Increased candidate engagement
Better overview of applications
Easy job posting
Improved cost per hire
Improved quality of hire

As a result of these benefits, ATS have become an essential part of the modern recruiting process.

8. The future of applicant tracking systems

There’s no question that artificial intelligence ( AI ) is rapidly changing the world of recruitment. Already, AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) are screening resumes, identifying potential candidates, and even conducting initial interviews. As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely that ATS software will become even more sophisticated.

“ As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely that ATS software will become even more sophisticated. ”

In the future, these systems are expected to be more fully integrated with social media platforms like LinkedIn. This will enable them to identify both active and passive candidates who are a good match for open positions.

Additionally, AI-powered chatbots could be used to answer questions and provide information about the application process.

Ultimately, AI is poised to transform the recruiting landscape in a number of ways, making the process faster, easier, and more efficient for everyone involved.

What is an ATS optimized resume?

There is no universal trick to “beating” applicant tracking systems. Getting past an ATS and landing a job interview requires a well-written resume that is mindful of ATS algorithms as well as the people pushing the buttons.

Here’s our simplest advice for how to optimize your resume for an ATS :

Carefully tailor your resume to the job description every single time you apply.
Optimize for ATS search and ranking algorithms by matching your resume keywords to the job description.
Use both the long-form and acronym version of keywords (e.g. “Master of Business Administration (MBA)” or “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”) for maximum searchability.
Use a chronological or hybrid resume format (avoid the functional resume format ).
Use a traditional resume font like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia.
Don’t use headers or footers as the information might get lost or cause a parsing error.
Use standard resume section headings like “Work Experience” rather than being cute or clever (“Where I’ve Been”).
Use an ATS-friendly resume builder to create your resume.

You can automate a lot of this process by using Jobscan’s resume scanner , which quickly tells you how to optimize your resume to get the best results.

Our resume scanner includes Power Edit , an AI-powered resume editor that has six built-in ATS-friendly templates for you to choose from.

A screenshot of Jobscan's Power Edit showing the resume templates.

Read more : How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

All ATS recognize Word documents. Some of them are also compatible with PDF files.

The best way to see if your resume is ATS friendly is to use a resume scanner like Jobscan’s. Try it now for free .

The adoption rate for small companies is low, but growing quickly. Last year, it was estimated that 35% of small organizations use an ATS.

Yes, there are. When writing your resume, keep the following in mind: • Keywords : Tailor your resume to include relevant keywords from the job description. ATS systems often scan resumes for keywords to determine their relevance to the position. • Formatting : Use a resume format with standard margins . Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid complex graphics that may confuse the ATS. • File type : Submit your resume in a universally readable format, such as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file. • Avoid special characters : Some ATS systems may have difficulty reading special characters, symbols, or non-standard fonts. Read more : You Need to Avoid These ATS Resume Formatting Mistakes

Applicant tracking systems themselves do not reject resumes. People do. The purpose of an ATS is to identify resumes that best match the specific job requirements and qualifications. Resumes that do not meet the predetermined criteria set by the ATS may be ranked lower or filtered out. However, the final decision on whether to reject or consider a candidate rests with the human decision-makers involved in the hiring process

When writing your resume, always try to mirror the job description. In other words, use the same language that the job description uses. In addition to the work experience section, the resume summary is a great place to include relevant keywords and action verbs .

One disadvantage is that candidates who haven’t tailored their resumes to include the right keywords may be overlooked, even if they possess the necessary skills and experience. In addition, resumes that have intricate designs, bright colors , fancy graphics, or non-standard fonts may not be parsed correctly by ATS, resulting in rejection.

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. This is software that is used by employers to manage job applications and to streamline the hiring process. It automates the process of posting job listings, receiving applications, sorting through candidates, and assisting in the selection of suitable candidates for employment.

ATS is used in human resource departments to streamline the recruitment process. ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, a software tool that helps in organizing, filtering, and managing large volumes of job applications.

Some of the most popular ATS include Lever , Greenhouse , Taleo , and iCIMS .

Key takeaways

Let’s quickly sum up what we’ve learned:

Employers receive hundreds of resumes for every job opening.
An ATS is a computer software program that simplifies and speeds up the hiring process.
Over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS while 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations rely on them.
As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely that ATS software will become even more sophisticated.
Recruiters often filter resumes by searching for key skills and titles.
The problem with ATS is that qualified candidates are overlooked because their resumes don’t contain the right keywords.

If you want to make sure your resume gets past the ATS and into the hands of a recruiter, you need to optimize it . Jobscan’s resume scanner is an easy way to do this.

Simply upload your resume and the scanner will show you where you need to improve your keywords so that your resume stands out from the rest.

Don’t let a computer decide your future – use Jobscan today and start getting more job interviews!

jobscan has helped over 1 million users build and optimize their resume

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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How to Research a Potential Employer Even Before Sending a Resume

how to make your resume searchable on indeed

Before you send off your resume and before you schedule an interview as a job candidate, you should first research the potential employer. Most applicants consider it a stroke of luck to land an interview and then prepare for the conversation without deciding, in advance, whether they should even be applying for a job at that company.

When you research a potential employer for a potential opportunity, you shift the dynamic from "I am hopeful you'll like me and choose me," to, "I will first decide if we align on values and goals, and if I'm confident I can see how I fit here."

To effectively research employers:

1. Start at Their Website

Understanding that companies put their best foot forward on their website (and won't list things that are unflattering or problematic), research the website with a critical eye. Look for consistency across all the values they promote. For example, if the company says it's committed to hiring military talent, does it have an easy-to-use portal on its website for applying? Does it promote a veteran employee resource group (ERG)? How is it demonstrating action that's aligned with its values as a company?

2. Talk to Your Network

Prepare specific questions around the company culture, values, history and growth potential. The more focused you can be in your questions, the better the data you'll find. For example, instead of asking, "Do they have a good company culture?" ask, "Can you describe the company culture?" to elicit a better reply. Ask your network about its personal experience with the employer -- not just what it's heard or read online. If anyone in your network worked there, why did they stay? Why did they leave? What did they learn?

3. Do a Google Search

Enter the employer's name and first see what appears in the "All" tab for search results. Any red flags? What do you see that tells you about the company's reputation -- and is it positive or negative? Next, dive into the "News" tab: Does the company appear in active litigation or in articles that are controversial and don't fit with your goals and values? Finally, I like to see what "Images" appear on Google. This could reveal team-building photos from social media or logo changes (indicating the company has gone through a rebranding) and announcements that indicate its growth.

4. Check Out Their Financial Health

If it's a public company, you can find its financial information online that can indicate its strength and growth posture (note: While not required, some private companies also list this to highlight its transparency). Purdue Global offers : "For many large companies, you should be able to find ... financial information from a company's quarterly earnings report, annual report, or conference calls with investors, the latter of which you might find on YouTube. If you're interviewing with a startup, check out its profile on Crunchbase ."

5. Do a Social Media Scan

What can you learn about the company, its culture and viability from what it posts online? Is it actively sharing information, highlights and announcements using various social channels? Are there messages from the CEO on YouTube? What's the sense you get from its online reputation and presence?

6. Consider Glassdoor

It's not mandatory that you read reviews on review sites to learn about employers. Much has been written indicating that, while sites such as Glassdoor try to monitor the legitimacy of reviews and posts, some fake posts slip through. If you see something concerning (on this or another review site), use it to fuel other research. Ask your contacts about what you've seen for confirmation.

Researching the employer in advance puts you in a position to be more confident and clearer about how your candidacy aligns with the company's goals and where you might see yourself as a good fit. Then you can better customize your cover letter, resume and interview performance to highlight the strengths you bring that are important to the employer.

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The résumé hack to use to get recruiters' attention

The F-method helps recruiters identify key info by structuring résumés for how they read them.
This approach can help job seekers because recruiters might spend only seconds looking at a résumé.
Highlighting key skills and accomplishments up top can help hiring managers and scanning software.

Sometimes, an F can be a good thing .

Take the so-called F-method. It's a way of organizing your résumé so that a recruiter can read the most important parts across the top — like the upper portion of the letter F.

The next most essential info goes farther down with keywords or points sticking out like the arm on an F.

The idea behind the framework is to help someone looking over your résumé get to the good stuff right away. That's because recruiters might spend only seconds scanning your work history and other accomplishments, and you need to make sure you really stand out, really quickly.

"The skills section on my résumé is in that 'F.' It's in that direct line of sight," Lee Woodrow, owner and principal consultant at Bigger Fish Executive Branding , told Business Insider.

Highlighting the top information right away is all the more important in an environment where it's getting harder to get desk jobs — and where the ease of applying means recruiters are often overrun with applications.

'Buzzword bingo'

Woodrow, who's been writing résumés for others for many years, said the top of a CV built around the F-method should include essential information about the value you bring: details like who you are professionally, what area your expertise is in, and which industries you've worked in.

"It's an elevator pitch," he said. That information belongs at the top near your name, he said, so that it gets seen. "That entices the reader to read on."

It's also important, Woodrow said, to have the right words and phrases up high where a busy recruiter can see them.

"It's like buzzword bingo," he said.

This is often important when recruiters are trying to fill technical roles. They might not have a lot of background in the particulars of a job, so they might be on the hunt for phrases or words that a hiring manager has flagged.

Have a few goals in mind

Woodrow said one goal for your résumé should be ensuring it can be easily read by the applicant-tracking software companies often use to sift through job applications. Another aim should be having clear section titles so the document is a breeze for a recruiter to navigate. Highlight things like relevant job experience for a role you're going for, he said.

Last, Woodrow said, a résumé needs to influence a decision-maker by giving proof of your accomplishments. He recommends including three brief examples on the first page about how you solved a problem. To do this, describe a situation, give context, and use metrics from the business, if possible, to demonstrate how you improved a situation.

It's an abbreviated version of the STAR technique , sometimes used in interviewing, and involves describing a situation or task, actions, and results.

Kyle Samuels, founder and CEO of the executive search firm Creative Talent Endeavors , told BI that using the F-method to lay out a résumé can make sense for technical roles where a recruiter needs to know you have a certain amount of experience with, say, a particular programming language or modeling.

But in other cases, where a job might be more senior, artificial intelligence tools that do a first pass on a stack of résumés might make the F idea somewhat moot because AI bots can scoop up huge volumes of information.

"It kind of feels like a poor man's AI," Samuels said, referring to the F-method.

He said that with a role like a VP of marketing, you might have several candidates who would be a great fit.

"We're not expecting to see the exact same formatting or skills or experience, and so we really pore through the résumé," Samuels said.

That's why, especially when recruiting for more senior roles, there's little substitute for reading a résumé thoroughly, he said.

"I study it like the Torah," Samuels said.

Main content

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How to Use Indeed’s Advanced Resume Search to Find Great Candidates
How to Use Indeed Resume Search to Find the Best Candidates Fast
How to Make a Resume (With Examples)
Indeed Resume Search: How to Find the Best Candidates Fast
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How do I change the visibility settings for my Indeed Resume?
Follow these steps: Sign in to your account and navigate to your Indeed Resume. Find and click the arrow icon to the right side of the Resume section. Locate the Searchable on Indeed or Not searchable on Indeed button to toggle visibility. Choose Searchable on Indeed or Not searchable on Indeed and Save.
How do I change the visibility settings for my Indeed Resume?
Changing the visibility of your resume to Public or Private. If you would like to change the visibility of your Indeed Resume, follow the steps below: Sign in to your account and navigate to your Indeed Resume. Find the pencil icon in the top right corner of the Indeed Resume section. In the top right corner of the next page, select the three ...
Resume Builder: Create or Convert a Resume
Review your resume to make edits and select your privacy settings to Finish. Important: You may see what's in the screenshot or something different. Manage your resume Access the resume options menu. Click the 3 dots to see these options. Change privacy. Employers can search and find your resume when it's set to Searchable on Indeed.
Should You Make Your Resume Searchable on Indeed?
When you make your resume searchable on Indeed, employers with a subscription to the site's "Resume Service" can view it online. This feature allows you to put your knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in front of recruiters and employers. This is an obvious pro because you are letting the people with hiring ability come to you.
How do I change the visibility settings for my Indeed CV?
Changing the visibility of your CV to Public or Private. If you would like to change the visibility of your Indeed CV, follow the steps below: Sign in to your account and navigate to your Indeed CV. Find the pencil icon in the top right corner of the Indeed CV section. In the top right corner of the next page, select the three dots next to ...
How to Search for Resumes on Indeed
Step-by-step instructions for searching resumes on Indeed
Tips on How to Get Better Search Results on Indeed.com
Indeed.com gives you tools to get the best results from your search. These tips can help narrow your search to jobs more meaningful to you: 1. Set up a profile.indeed.com account A profile.indeed.com account makes it easy to stay organized. You can save the positions you are interested in and those you have applied for and make notes as you search.
How To Upload Your Resume to Indeed
Select the 'upload your resume' button. First, visit Indeed's homepage and select the ' Upload Your Resume ' button. This will take you to a page where you are presented with two options: one to upload your resume and one to build a resume through Indeed. Click the 'upload your resume' button again. 2.
Should I Upload My Resume To Indeed? (With How-To Steps)
View your resume at any time. Set privacy level. 1. Identify your file format. Indeed only accepts certain file formats for resume uploads. If you have one ready to upload, ensure that it's either a Microsoft Word document, a portable document format (PDF), a rich text format (RTF) or a text (TXT) file. 2.
Show Hiring Managers That You're Ready To Work
Related: How To Make a Comprehensive Resume (With Examples) Ensure your resume is searchable on Indeed Your resume must be set to "searchable" on Indeed for employers to filter by "ready to work" and view your resume. Setting your profile to "searchable" makes your resume discoverable by hiring managers searching Indeed for candidates like ...
Uploading or Replacing a Resume File
Not searchable on Indeed: Employers, recruiters, and future employers can't search and find your resume. Preview. Preview your resume as an employer sees it. We recommend choosing Searchable on Indeed, but you can change your privacy settings at any time. Download. Save the resume file to your phone or desktop computer. Update saved information ...
How to Use Indeed's Advanced Resume Search to Find Great Candidates
Indeed Advanced Resume Search allows recruiters and hiring managers to run a more in-depth search for their perfect candidate by using various combinations of keywords, education qualifications, companies, job titles, locations and more. Once you have your list of filtered results, you can sort the resumes by relevance or by date updated.
FAQs: Creating, Uploading, and Managing a Resume
You can't upload a cover letter to your Indeed Profile. Editing or updating a resume I created an Indeed Resume. Can I change the format? No. Indeed's Resume Builder only has one format. Upload a new file if you want a different one. Use this resume wizard or visit Career Guide for templates. Printing a resume Can I print my resume using an ...
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If you're looking to make your job search simple, use Indeed's resume builder! The quick video will walk you through how to use Indeed to create your resume...
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Even if you already have a resume, you may want to create an Indeed resume. All you have to do is enter your information into the fields provided, and your r...
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Is it a good idea to post public resume on Indeed for employers to search?
It's not. You get almost entirely spam, but not even from recruiters - from MLMs and commission only sales jobs. Bad idea. You will be hounded by scam artists and companies wanting you to sell whole life insurance. HR Manager here: I use the indeed resume search for every position I recruit for.
Unlocking Opportunities: How To Make Your Resume Searchable On Indeed
Learn effective strategies for optimizing your resume to increase visibility on Indeed and enhance your job search. Gain insights on maximizing keywords and formatting techniques. Stay ahead of the competition and boost your chances of landing your dream job.
Posting a Resume on Indeed: Should I Do It?
1. Select the upload your resume button. Begin the process by visiting Indeed's home page. There, you will find the "Upload your resume" link at the upper right of the page. Clicking on that link will bring up another window that allows you to enter your email address or sign in using Google and other options.
How to Search for Resumes on Indeed
5 STEPS TO $20,000+ MONTHS ️ https://youtu.be/HTNE3AOtKpUFollow my exact system to source and recruit candidates on Indeed! If you're looking for a deeper d...
5 Ways to Make Your Resume More Searchable
Make a list of the words and phrases that come up frequently in the descriptions and then add those keywords to your resume. If you're having doubts about your choices, double check your keywords by entering them into the job search function on ClearanceJobs. 2. Choose the Right Position Titles. As if it isn't hard enough already trying to ...
How to Search for Qualified Candidates on Indeed Smart Sourcing
Click the "get new CVs by email" link at the top or bottom of search results to receive new CVs that match your search. You can create an unlimited number of email alerts for free and, of course, cancel alerts anytime. Add Indeed Smart Sourcing to your recruitment strategy today. It's free to search and you don't need an account to get ...
Resume searchable indeed : r/jobs
AutoModerator. MOD • 1 yr. ago •. Moderator Announcement Read More ». 1. EyeWantItThatWay. • 1 yr. ago. Making your resume also invites scammers and spammers to solicit you. Control what others see by just sending resumes as you find jobs that fit you as they are posted. 3.
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Best Resume Examples to Get Hired in 2024
A two-to-five sentence introduction to your resume. Your most relevant hard and soft skills. Brief mention of your most impressive professional accomplishments. Work Experience. Your previous job titles and employers in reverse-chronological order. Start and end dates for each role. Geographic location of each role.
How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples
Make your resume with the right format . Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th. Use action words to make your resume stand out. Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role. Tailor your new resume to each job. Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar ...
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AI Resume Tool Use AI to create your best resume. ... Job Search Advice Tips and hacks for saving time and getting better results in your job search. LinkedIn Guides Learn how to craft the perfect LinkedIn profile. Guides on headlines, summaries, work experience, and more. ... Even job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn have their own built-in ATS.
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3. Do a Google Search. Enter the employer's name and first see what appears in the "All" tab for search results. Any red flags? What do you see that tells you about the company's reputation -- and ...
Using This Method on a Résumé Might Help Catch a Recruiter's Eye
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