The dreaded Applicant Tracking System is a formidable job hunting opponent, but there are things you can do to improve your odds of success. Part 1 of this series included formatting tips to ensure your resume is processed correctly. Part 2 was centered around keyword best practices to increase your chances of making the shortlist. In Part 3, I shared a bold strategy to try when you just aren’t having any luck with getting an interview via an ATS.
I hope that these tips help you get over the hump, but ultimately the challenge with an ATS is that there is no human interaction. Zero. It’s not personal at all. All of the jobs I have landed have been a result of me being a perfect fit with the company’s culture, something that a computer system can’t track or predict with any accuracy.
The bottom line is that online job applications and Applicant Tracking Systems are one way into a great job, but not the only way.
Once I realized this, it completely changed the way I looked at the job hunting process. I completely changed my routine. Instead of following the Standard Search Procedure, I focused my efforts on finding the right networking contacts. After shifting my focus to human connections, I received job offers almost instantly from companies I actually wanted to work for.
To put it bluntly, don’t let online job applications or ATSs dominate your time spent job hunting.
In my next post, I’ll go into further detail on the Standard Search Procedure and how to more effectively use your time. My course will show you step-by-step how to find the right contacts at the companies you actually want to work for. Stay tuned…
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