Spark Your Career: Resume Follow Up Done Right

Why Your Resume Needs a Nudge

Submitting a resume feels like tossing a message in a bottle into the ocean. You hope someone finds it. Most hiring managers are swamped. Your application can get buried under a digital avalanche. A strategic follow up cuts through the noise. It shows you’re serious. It proves you’re not just another faceless PDF. Be bold. Reach out within a week. Make them remember your name.

Craft a Follow Up That Pops

Your follow up isn’t a begging email. It’s a power move. Keep it short. Mention the role you applied for. Reference a specific detail from the job description. Show you’ve done your homework. Ask a smart question about the company’s goals. End with confidence. Don’t apologize for taking their time. You’re not a nuisance. You’re a professional owning your career.

Timing and Tools to Stand Out

Wait five to seven days before reaching out. Use email for formal industries. LinkedIn works for tech heavy roles. Phone calls are risky unless the company vibes old school. Personalize every message. Generic templates scream laziness. Track your follow ups in a spreadsheet. Stay organized. You’re running a campaign to land your next gig. Consistency wins.

Keep the Momentum Going

Don’t let one follow up be your last shot. If you hear nothing, try again in a week. Stay polite. Add value each time. Share a relevant article or insight. Show you’re engaged with their industry. Persistence pays off. You’re not just chasing a job. You’re building a reputation. Join my newsletter for weekly tips to level up your career game.

AI Powered Resume Tailoring

Unleashing Your Resume’s Potential

Your resume gathers dust while job boards mock your inbox with silence. AI changes that game. It’s not about spamming applications. It’s about precision. Tools like AI resume builders analyze job descriptions, then sculpt your skills into a document that screams relevance. They spot keywords, optimize phrasing, even suggest skills you forgot you had. Imagine a resume that shifts shape for every role, no manual overhaul required. You’re not a generic applicant. Stop looking like one. This tech hands you control, not chaos.

Crafting a Narrative That Sticks

AI doesn’t just shuffle words. It builds a story. Input your experience, it highlights what matters most to hiring managers. These tools predict what recruiters want, based on data, not guesses. Your five years managing servers? Suddenly it’s framed as leadership, not just tech support. The result lands in inboxes like a tailored suit, not a baggy hand me down. You’re not begging for jobs. You’re offering value. Trust AI to make that clear.

Owning the Application Game

Time’s your enemy in job hunts. AI’s your weapon. It cuts hours off tailoring resumes, letting you apply faster, smarter. Some platforms even track which versions perform best, so you refine as you go. No more guessing if your resume hit the mark. Data drives decisions. You’re not just another IT pro lost in the pile. You’re the candidate who stands out. 

Join my newsletter for weekly tips to level up your career game.

Crafting a Resume That Gets You Noticed

Stop Blending In

Most resumes look like they were churned out by a soulless template factory. IT workers especially fall into this trap, listing every programming language they’ve ever touched like it’s a grocery list. Hiring managers don’t care about your entire tech stack history. They want to know what problems you’ve solved and how you’ve made a difference. Ditch the generic job descriptions. Focus on specific projects where you saved time, cut costs, or boosted efficiency. Quantify your wins with numbers, like how you reduced server downtime by 30% or automated a process that saved 20 hours a week. If you’re unemployed or feeling stuck, your resume needs to scream impact, not just experience. Be bold and cut the fluff. Nobody’s impressed by your ability to use Microsoft Word.

Tell a Story, Not a Timeline

A resume isn’t a chronology of your life. It’s a marketing document that needs to hook the reader fast. Lead with a short summary that positions you as the solution to their pain points. For example, if you’re an IT pro who’s streamlined cloud migrations, say that upfront. Then, structure your experience to highlight outcomes over duties. Instead of saying you managed a team, explain how you led a group of five to deploy a critical system under budget. Use bullet points that start with strong verbs like delivered, optimized, or resolved. If you’re switching jobs, emphasize transferable skills that make you adaptable. The goal is to make the hiring manager think, This person gets it. They’re not reading your resume for fun, so make every word count.

Stand Out Without Gimmicks

Fancy fonts and infographics might seem clever, but they often annoy recruiters. Stick to a clean format that’s easy to scan. Use white space and consistent formatting to guide the eye. Tailor your resume for each job by weaving in keywords from the posting, but don’t just parrot the description back. If the role emphasizes cybersecurity, highlight your work securing networks or training teams on best practices. If you’re rusty or unemployed, showcase recent certifications or side projects to prove you’re still sharp. The trick is to show you’re current without looking desperate. A solid resume doesn’t need tricks to get noticed. It just needs to be clear, focused, and packed with value.

Join the Newsletter for More Career Tips

Want to level up your job search and stand out in a crowded market? Join my newsletter for weekly insights on personal branding, resume hacks, and navigating the IT job landscape. Sign up now and start building a career that doesn’t feel like a dead end.

https://andywergedal.kit.com/8bfa3867e3

Crafting a Resume That Gets You Noticed

Why Your Resume Is Sabotaging You

Your resume is not just a piece of paper. It is your first handshake with a hiring manager. If it is weak, you are out before you start. Most resumes are bloated with jargon or so generic they bore everyone to death. Recruiters spend six seconds scanning your resume. Six. If it does not grab them, it is trash bin city. You are not getting interviews because your resume screams amateur. It is time to stop blaming the job market and fix the real problem. This is not about listing every job you have ever had. It is about showing why you are the solution to their pain.

Clarity Beats Fancy Every Time

Forget the flashy templates and buzzwords. A clean resume with clear value wins. Start with a summary that says who you are and what you solve. Not a novel, just two sentences that hit hard. Use bullet points for achievements, not duties. Numbers make your impact real, like increased sales by 20% or cut costs by $50K. Hiring managers do not care about your daily tasks. They want results. If your resume reads like a job description, you have already lost. Strip it down and make every word earn its place.

Tailor It or Toss It

One size fits all resumes are lazy. Every job posting is a cheat sheet. Read it, then tweak your resume to match. Use their keywords, not your ego driven industry slang. If they want a team leader, show how you led. If they need problem solvers, prove it with a story. This is not about lying, it is about focus. A tailored resume shows you get their needs. Generic ones say you do not care enough to try. Spend 20 minutes customizing for each application. It is the difference between silence and an interview.

The Final Polish That Seals the Deal

Proofread until your eyes bleed. Typos are a death sentence. They scream careless, and no one hires that. Read it backward to catch mistakes. Then have a friend read it. Your brain skips errors because it knows what you meant. Keep the font simple, like Arial or Calibri, and the format clean. White space is your friend, it makes the resume breathable. If it looks like a wall of text, it is unreadable. A polished resume does not just get noticed, it gets you in the room.

Crafting a Resume That Screams Hire Me for Global IT Roles

Ditch the Generic Template

Your resume is not a form to fill out. It’s your personal billboard. Global IT roles demand specificity. Hiring managers in tech hubs like Singapore or Silicon Valley skim hundreds of resumes daily. They can smell a copy-paste job from a mile away. Start with a clean design that prioritizes clarity over fluff. List your technical skills upfront, but tailor them to the job description. If the role calls for Kubernetes expertise, don’t bury it under a wall of irrelevant certifications. Include measurable outcomes, like how you reduced server downtime by 30%. Make every word fight for its place.

Showcase Your Global Edge

The IT world is borderless, but your resume needs to prove you can play on that stage. Highlight experience that shows you understand diverse markets or cross-cultural teams. Did you deploy a cloud solution for a client in Dubai? Mention it. Have you collaborated with developers in Berlin or Bangalore? Call it out. If you speak multiple languages, weave that in without bragging. Quantify your impact with numbers that translate anywhere, like cost savings or user growth. Don’t just say you’re adaptable. Prove it with stories that stick in a recruiter’s mind long after they close your file.

Cut the Jargon, Keep the Juice

Tech recruiters aren’t impressed by buzzwords. Cloud-native DevSecOps architect means nothing if you can’t explain what you did. Use plain language to describe complex projects. Break down how you solved a problem, not just the tools you used. For example, say you streamlined a migration to AWS that saved $50,000 annually, not that you leveraged synergies. Global IT roles often involve communicating with non-technical stakeholders. Show you can bridge that gap. If you’ve presented to C-suite execs or trained a team, mention it. Clarity wins over jargon every time.

Make It Skimmable Yet Memorable

Recruiters spend six seconds scanning your resume. Make those seconds count. Use bold headings, bullet points, and white space to guide their eyes. Start with a two-sentence summary that hooks them, like how you’ve driven IT transformations across three continents. Avoid walls of text or tiny fonts. Include a link to your GitHub or portfolio if relevant, but ensure it’s polished. End with a subtle call to action, like inviting them to discuss your fit for their team. Your resume should feel like a conversation starter, not a novel. Leave them curious enough to pick up the phone.

Resume Gets Smarter Today

Stop Sending Generic Documents

Recruiters toss generic resumes faster than junk mail. They look for signals not summaries. Most applicants still shotgun the same document everywhere. That is lazy. It screams low effort. You think volume will save you. It never does. It only floods inboxes and buries you. Stop giving hiring managers easy reasons to ignore you.

Let the Machine Read the Role

AI now reads job descriptions in seconds. It extracts skills, verbs, and priorities with zero whining. Feed the posting into a model like ChatGPT. Get a ranked list of must-have abilities. Compare that list to your wins. You see the gaps instantly. You see the overlaps too. Data replaces guesswork. That edge is yours.

Rewrite with Ruthless Precision

Take those overlaps and fire them back in plain language. Use single action verbs. Match the order of skills the job values. Drop fluff. Each line must show impact with numbers. Remove stories that do not serve the goal. Your resume shifts from autobiography to sales weapon. HR now sees a mirror of their own needs.

Press Send and Own the Interview

Now your resume rides straight through filters. It speaks the company dialect. The hiring team feels heard before you speak. You step into the interview already validated. Bring the same data you used to rewrite. Show how you closed the gaps and leveled skills quickly. Your confidence will feel earned. That is how AI turns first contact into offer.

Your LinkedIn Profile Is a Sales Page, Not a Resume

LinkedIn Isn't Your Resume, and Social Media Isn't Your Reference

Your LinkedIn Profile Is a Sales Page, Not a Resume

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t a dusty PDF listing every job you’ve ever had. It’s a living, breathing pitch to the world about why you’re worth betting on. Resumes are for HR drones who scan for keywords and toss you in a pile. LinkedIn? It’s for decision makers who want to know what you can do for them right now. Stop cramming it with every internship from 2003. Highlight the wins that make you undeniable. Show the problems you’ve solved, the revenue you’ve driven, the impact you’ve made. If your profile reads like a job application, you’re already losing. Make it a story that screams value. Don’t beg for a seat at the table. Build your own.

Social Media Is Your Stage, Not Your Reference Letter

Your X posts, Instagram stories, or TikTok rants aren’t character references to vouch for your professionalism. They’re your chance to command attention and prove you’re not just another suit. Social media lets you show the world what you stand for, what you’re obsessed with, and why you’re different. Don’t post like you’re trying to impress your old boss. Post like you’re rallying a tribe. Share the lessons you’ve learned, the failures you’ve survived, the insights nobody else is bold enough to say. If your feed is just reposts and platitudes, you’re invisible. Use your voice to cut through the noise. Be the one people can’t stop talking about.

Stop Playing by Corporate Rules

The corporate world wants you to fit in a box. LinkedIn and social media are your chance to break out. A resume follows a template. A reference letter kisses up to the gatekeepers. But online? You get to rewrite the game. Don’t waste your profile or posts mimicking what everyone else does. Study the people who stand out. They’re not polishing their credentials or begging for likes. They’re sharing ideas that make people think, act, or argue. Your LinkedIn should make someone want to hire you before they even meet you. Your social media should make them want to join your mission. If you’re still playing safe, you’re not playing to win.

Build a Brand, Not a Profile

Nobody cares about your job title or your references unless they already trust you. Your personal brand is what makes them care. It’s the story you tell across LinkedIn, X, and every platform you touch. Every post, every update, every comment should reinforce who you are and what you’re about. Consistency builds trust. Boldness builds attention. Stop worrying about pleasing everyone. Focus on the people who get you, who need what you offer. Your LinkedIn and social media aren’t separate from your career. They’re the foundation of it. Build a brand so strong it opens doors you didn’t even know existed.

Why Your Resume Is Dead

Why Your Resume Is Dead

Resumes are relics. They’re static, boring lists of jobs and buzzwords that nobody reads. In a world where attention is currency, a PDF with Times New Roman font isn’t cutting it. Your portfolio, on the other hand, screams who you are. It’s your work, your wins, your proof of life in a noisy digital jungle. Managers and investors don’t care about your GPA from 2003. They want evidence you can deliver. A portfolio showcases your projects, your problem-solving, your actual impact. Ditch the resume. Build something that slaps.

Curate Like a Savage

A portfolio isn’t a dump of everything you’ve ever done. It’s a curated strike. Pick your best work, the stuff that makes people lean forward. Each piece should tell a story of a problem you crushed or a result you delivered. Don’t just show the shiny end product. Include the messy process, the failures you navigated, the grit. Link to live projects, decks, or videos if you can. Make it visual, make it tangible, make it impossible to ignore. If it doesn’t spark a reaction, cut it. Ruthless editing is your superpower.

Make It Findable

Your portfolio lives online, not in a drawer. Host it on a clean site, not some clunky 90s blog. Use platforms like Notion, Carrd, or a custom domain to make it sharp and accessible. Optimize it for search engines so people stumble on it. Share it on X, LinkedIn, anywhere eyeballs gather. Update it regularly because stale work smells like laziness. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly since half the world’s scrolling on phones. Your portfolio isn’t just a showcase. It’s a beacon for opportunities.

Own the Narrative

A portfolio lets you control the story. Resumes let HR bots and recruiters pigeonhole you. With a portfolio, you decide what matters. Highlight the skills that set you apart, the projects that define you. Write captions or case studies that frame your work in a way that screams value. Don’t wait for someone to ask what you’ve done. Show them before they even know they need you. A portfolio isn’t just proof of work. It’s proof you’re the one they can’t afford to miss.

Your Portfolio Speaks Before You Do

Your Portfolio Speaks Before You Do

Your Work is Your Reputation

Your portfolio isn’t just a showcase—it’s your credibility, proof of what you can do. Whether you’re a consultant, freelancer, or corporate professional, the work you display determines the opportunities that come your way. A great portfolio highlights more than just past projects; it tells a story of expertise, problem-solving, and execution. Every piece you present should make it clear why you’re the right choice. If someone reviewed your portfolio today, would they see your potential? If not, it’s time to refine, update, and position yourself for the future you want.

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Opportunity

Many professionals wait for permission to do great work. They assume the best projects will come through the right job title, client, or employer. That’s a mistake. The highest achievers don’t wait—they create. If your portfolio doesn’t represent your best work, build examples that do. Write case studies, redesign projects, develop side work that showcases your abilities. Nobody is stopping you from demonstrating your expertise. The people who stand out are the ones who take action.

Your Portfolio Should Evolve With You

A stagnant portfolio signals a lack of growth. Your skills develop, your experience expands, and your portfolio should keep up. Set a schedule to update it—remove outdated work, add new projects, and align everything with your next level. Your portfolio should reflect not just where you've been, but where you're going. People invest in momentum. If you want better opportunities, show progress. Let your portfolio prove that you’re not just competent—you’re continuously improving and leading in your space.

Create Work That Opens Doors

Your portfolio is more than a collection of projects; it’s a tool that attracts opportunities. The right portfolio brings clients, speaking engagements, job offers, and leadership roles. The difference between those who struggle and those who thrive isn’t just talent—it’s visibility. Make it easy for the right people to see what you can do. Build something that makes others think, “I need to work with this person.” Start today. One project at a time, one step closer to the future you want.

Personalized Resume Builder | CustomGPT Prompt v2

Personalized Resume Builder | CustomGPT Prompt 

Name: 40x50 Resume Builder
Purpose: Assist users in generating a well-structured resume tailored to their target job role.

Instructions for Custom GPT Behavior:

1. Guide users through a step-by-step process for creating a professional, tailored resume.
2. Prioritize clarity, relevance, and formatting consistency in every section.
3. Emphasize alignment with industry best practices and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) optimization.

Detailed Step-by-Step Resume Creation Instructions:

1. Identify Relevant Keywords:

   • Guide users to research multiple job descriptions for their target role.
   • Help them identify common qualifications, skills, and action verbs.

2. Collect Personal Information:

   • Request essential details: full name, contact information, LinkedIn profile, and optional professional website or portfolio link.
   • Encourage users to update and include their personal branding links.

3. Professional Summary:

   • Help users write a tailored summary using the following framework:
     • “Experienced [Job Title] with expertise in [Key Skills/Industries], skilled at [Value Proposition].”
   • Ensure the summary highlights their key qualifications, experience, and value proposition for the role.

4. Document Work Experience:

   • Instruct users to list their roles in reverse chronological order.
   • Use measurable achievements and action verbs (e.g., "Improved," "Led," "Developed").
   • Provide a format:
     • Job Title – Company Name
     • Brief overview of responsibilities
     • 2-3 bullet points of key achievements

5. Educational Background:

   • Include institution name, degree, and field of study, omitting graduation years unless specifically relevant.
   • For entry-level roles, suggest including relevant coursework or academic projects.

6. Certifications and Professional Training:

   • List active certifications, licenses, or professional training relevant to the target role.
   • Suggest grouping expired but relevant certifications under a separate "Additional Training" section.

7. Tools, Technologies, and Key Skills:

   • Separate technical skills (e.g., software, programming languages) from soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).
   • Ensure alignment with the keywords identified in Step 1.

8. Formatting Guidelines:

   • Use ALL CAPS for headers.
   • Follow consistent formatting:
     • Headers: ALL CAPS
     • Job Titles: Bold
     • Company Names: Italics
     • Align dates to the right margin for uniformity.

9. Avoid Irrelevant Information:

   • Advise users to exclude hobbies or unrelated experience unless strategically relevant.

10. Ask Clarifying Questions:

    • Use questions like:
      • “What measurable impact did you have in this role?”
      • “Were there any leadership or collaborative contributions you made?”
      • “Did you receive any awards, promotions, or recognition?”

11. Action-Oriented Language:

    • Recommend the formula: [Action Verb] + [Task] + [Result/Impact].
    • Example: “Increased sales revenue by 20% by developing a targeted marketing strategy.”

12. Consistent Formatting and Alignment:

    • Ensure sections are aligned neatly and spaced uniformly for a professional appearance.

13. Proofreading and Editing:

    • Encourage using tools like Grammarly for error detection and manual checks for contextual accuracy.

14. ATS Optimization:

    • Warn against using graphics, columns, and non-standard fonts.
    • Save resumes in ATS-friendly formats like .docx or PDF.

Additional Features:

• Ask clarifying questions during the process to gather accurate and complete details.
• Provide frameworks, examples, and optional templates for users who need extra guidance.
• Ensure resumes focus on measurable achievements and results.

Goal: Create polished, professional resumes that stand out to hiring managers and pass ATS screenings.

#40x50.com

OLD SCHOOL Resume advice: Updated for 2024

Updated post from years ago.... Please take not how things have changed

Hey there, job seekers! As an experienced professional, landing a new job with better benefits can be a breeze if you have an impressive resume. Your resume should be flawless an effectively showcase your skills, making a strong impression even before you meet your potential employer. Here are five tips to help you create the perfect resume and enhance your chances of securing that professional job.

1. Include Key Information (not everything)

Start with the basics:

• Name
• Email Address
  
• Cell Phone Number
• Marital status
• Age
• Address
• Educational background

These details, along with your college performance, help the employer assess whether you have the right qualifications for the job. Details matter, but only as they apply to the job description of the open role. Your college experience is only a checkmark, have it, good, don't have it, out of the running.

2. Highlight Your Strengths (for what they want)

Your resume should emphasize your strengths related to the position you're applying for. Include:

• Achievements and accomplishments from past work experiences.
• Matching qualifications with the job requirements, showing that you meet or exceed them.

Avoid being overly boastful, but ensure the information isn't bland either. Strike a balance to show you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Write for the ATS score. Search 40x50.com for ATS. Boast away, no one is going to go to bat for you.

3. Be Honest (always)

Accuracy is crucial. Be truthful when listing your:

• Skills
• Achievements
• Qualifications

Honesty ensures that if you get the job, you won’t face issues performing tasks you claimed to be proficient in. that you can get this job and the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

4. Keep It Elegant and Simple (remember the computers read first, humans last)

Design your resume to be professional yet straightforward. Avoid overly artistic designs that might give the wrong impression. Aim for a formal, competent look:

• Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Stick to an average size, such as 10 or 12.
• Write in plain text, so the ATS system can parse your resume, easier

5. Prioritize Relevant Information (humans scan, they don't read, usually)

Place the most important professional skills and experiences at the top. If you have special skills that set you apart, highlight them early. Remember, the person reading your resume won’t spend much time on it. In fact they read it after the computer screening and only prior to the interview. Capturing their interest quickly increases the chances they’ll read the entire document.  see something they like and give you an interview.

---

Following these five tips will help you draft an ideal resume that presents you favorably to employers. Good luck with your job search!

Optimize Your Job Search for ATS: Humans Read Last

This article is part of a series of helping you optimize your job search for ATS.

In the modern job market, the human hiring decision-maker is often the last person to read your resume. The initial gatekeeper is typically an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which scans and filters resumes before any human eyes see them. This automated process can be both a blessing and a curse. While it helps hiring managers manage the large volume of applications, it also means that your resume must first meet the ATS criteria before it has a chance to impress a human reader.

ATS software operates by scanning resumes for keywords that match the job description. If your resume lacks these keywords, or if it’s formatted in a way that the ATS can’t easily read, it might be automatically discarded. This underscores the importance of tailoring your resume for each job application, ensuring it includes relevant keywords and follows a straightforward, ATS-friendly format. A well-optimized resume will pass through the ATS filters, increasing the likelihood that it will reach a hiring manager's desk.

Once your resume makes it past the ATS, it finally reaches the human hiring decision-maker. This person will look for more nuanced qualities that an ATS cannot detect, such as personality fit, creativity, and cultural alignment with the company. Therefore, while it’s crucial to optimize your resume for the ATS, it’s equally important to ensure it remains engaging and informative for the human reader. Striking this balance can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.

IT Contracting: Humans Read the Resume Last

In the modern job market, the human hiring decision-maker is often the last person to read your resume. The initial gatekeeper is typically an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which scans and filters resumes before any human eyes see them. This automated process can be both a blessing and a curse. While it helps hiring managers manage the large volume of applications, it also means that your resume must first meet the ATS criteria before it has a chance to impress a human reader.

ATS software operates by scanning resumes for keywords that match the job description. If your resume lacks these keywords, or if it’s formatted in a way that the ATS can’t easily read, it might be automatically discarded. This underscores the importance of tailoring your resume for each job application, ensuring it includes relevant keywords and follows a straightforward, ATS-friendly format. A well-optimized resume will pass through the ATS filters, increasing the likelihood that it will reach a hiring manager's desk.

Once your resume makes it past the ATS, it finally reaches the human hiring decision-maker. This person will look for more nuanced qualities that an ATS cannot detect, such as personality fit, creativity, and cultural alignment with the company. Therefore, while it’s crucial to optimize your resume for the ATS, it’s equally important to ensure it remains engaging and informative for the human reader. Striking this balance can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.

Word Cloud Generator Quick Tip: AJ Mizes

Tips from AJ below.

You could also use the word cloud generator to find the keywords in your resume. Mine is below. 

1. List Your Skills

Start by writing down all your skills on a sheet of paper. Include everything from technical abilities to soft skills. Each skill you list is a valuable asset that your potential employer might find appealing.

 

 

2. Generate a Word Cloud

Next, head over to https://worditout.com/word-cloud/create and paste the job description into the tool. This will create a word cloud highlighting the most frequently mentioned words and skills. It’s a visual way to see what the employer values most.

ATS-Friendly Resume

Are you tired of sending out your resume into the abyss, only to never hear back from recruiters? Well, fear not, because I've got some insider tips on how to write a resume that's not only human-friendly, but also ATS-friendly. That's right, we're talking about Applicant Tracking Systems, those pesky little robots that scan your resume before a human ever lays eyes on it.

First things first, let's talk about formatting. You want to make sure your resume is easy on the eyes, both for the ATS and for the recruiter who will eventually read it. Stick to a clean, simple layout with clear headings and bullet points. Avoid fancy fonts, graphics, and tables, as these can confuse the ATS and make it harder for it to extract the important information.

Next, let's talk keywords. The ATS is looking for specific words and phrases that match the job description, so make sure you're using the right ones. Take a close look at the job posting and identify the key skills and qualifications that are mentioned. Then, sprinkle those keywords throughout your resume, but don't overdo it. You want to sound natural, not like a robot trying to game the system.

Finally, let's talk about the content of your resume. Make sure you're highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, and that you're tailoring your resume to the specific job you're applying for. Don't just send out a generic resume to every job posting you see. Take the time to customize it for each position, and make sure you're showcasing the skills and experiences that make you the best fit for the job.

So there you have it, folks. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to writing a resume that not only impresses the ATS, but also the recruiter who will eventually read it. Good luck out there!

Master Your Resume: Create Effective Versions

Have you ever stopped to count how many resumes you’ve developed over the years? For many, the number is surprisingly high, reflecting the various stages of their careers and the different job markets they’ve navigated. Each resume represents a snapshot of your professional journey, tailored to showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements. However, creating multiple resumes isn’t just about quantity—it's about quality and relevance. Each version should be evaluated and crafted to highlight the aspects of your background that align most closely with the contract you’re targeting.

But how do you know if a resume version is effective? The key indicators are the responses you receive. If you’re landing interviews, your resume is likely effectivly marketing your skills and abilities. Additionally, feedback from industry professionals or mentors can provide invaluable insights. They can point out areas for improvement that you might have overlooked. Tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can also help gauge effectiveness, ensuring that your resume is formatted and keyword-optimized to pass through initial automated screenings.

Having multiple versions of your resume is essential in today’s competitive job market. Tailoring your resume for different roles shows employers that you understand their specific needs and have the relevant skills and experiences to meet them. To create effective versions, start by analyzing job descriptions and identifying the key requirements. Then, adjust your resume to emphasize the qualifications and accomplishments that match those requirements. Remember, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in job applications. Instead create a resume that is taylored to your ideal role. Then spend your time applying for the roles that match your criteria. By developing a targeted resume, you increase your chances of standing out and securing that coveted interview for the role that you want. 

Get Your Free Resume Template - ADD MORE DETAILS

Get your FREE Resume Template by sending an email to andy@40x50.com

Send me the Free Resume Template

Tested and modified over 20 years with over 300 versions.

This works Ralph said so... Ralph testimonial.

https://www.40x50.com/2024/01/personal-job-pipeline-testimonial.html

Ralph F

"Since attending the 40x50 PJP Course and working with Andy Wergedal to re-organize my resume following the PJP resume template, I am now receiving literally dozens of responses and expressions of interest from a variety of potential employers. Although I have a Ph.D. and my previous experiences include a record of successful project deliveries and accomplishments, I could not understand why I wasn’t getting more replies. My classical resume presentation of Objective, Experience, and Education, etc. was just not passing through recruiting agency filters. Andy’s 40x50 approach re-organizes the information in a way that triggers scanning algorithms in use today. I enjoy having this advantage in today’s highly competitive job market!"

This resume is proven effective to get recruiters to email and call you about job requests. 

In order to get through the ATS filters... YOU NEED TO ADD MORE DETAIL TO YOUR RESUME. No one reads every line on a resume, the computers do. The computer systems match keywords and some phrases. ADD MORE DETAIL. 

There are 4 sections:

1. Top Section includes your contact information and summary of qualifications
2. The Second Section (clever right?!) includes a place to brag about everything you have done.
3. The Third section is where you put all your work history
4. The Fourth Section is where you put your certifications, education and client list

Get your FREE Resume Template by sending an email to andy@40x50.com

Send me the Free Resume Template

 

Steal my 3 Steps to Write an Effective Resume

My 3 Steps are Keywords, Simplify and PDF.
But, the key to writing an effective resume is keywords, keywords and more keywords.

Keywords: words your client uses to describe their problem or need. These are not your words, or industry standard words. They are the words your client uses.

What to do:

1. Keywords: The only way to make a connection is by matching words (keywords). Your resume must match the words of the client to describe solving their problem. So, add more keywords. 

More keywords, a lot more. Make your resume 10 pages long. Repeated words, section headings and specific terms comprise good candidates for keyword selection. Also look at similar job postings as a cross-reference to find the most likely candidates for keywords.  There is no way to know how the client will describe their problem, or the way they think it needs to be solved. Just add more detail in every section of your resume. We have listed keywords here, here and here or you can Search 40x50.com for Keywords

2. Simplify: Simple headers, clear and verbose. Make it look boring, your resume must pass a computer filter before any human will read it. Use a single default font, bold headers, normal text for the body, bullet points and full dates. Make your resume easy to read. That is right plain and visually boring.

3. PDF: PDF is better than Word. PDF is typically uneditable. The computer systems read PDFs easier than Microsoft Word formatted resume. Also PDF is easier to parse for the job boards. My resume is built in a text editor, easy to update easy to modify.. no special cost involved.

Bonus tip: If a recruiter wants a word version of your resume, 90% chance they will revise it. You may never see the revision or what was actually sent to the client.

In order to pass through the automated filters, you need to write your resume to match the clients words (keywords) and expectations. Words matter, they are the only thing that is parsed or reviewed. Make sure you assert as much control as possible of the contents of your resume.

Results are the only measurement. No one cares what it looks like, only if it gets results.

 

Change Your Resume Format and Get Recruiters To Call

Is your resume format keeping you from getting calls from recruiters?

Answer: YES!

Here is my story. I went to a job team meeting after fighting the urge for about a month. At that time I was getting 2-4 calls per week and had no real job prospects. They suggested two things to me. The first was to get on linkedin and the second was to change my resume format from a slick ambiguous one pager to a detailed multiple paged document with tons of keywords. 

Of course I resisted. I mean, really, I've been working in my industry for 15 years and been successful. Why should I change now?

( internal monolog: Well, dummy, why was I at the meeting instead of work, because I was not getting any traction with my current resume?) 

So after a few weeks of hearing the same gentle advice, I updated my resume to their suggested format, posted it to dice.com and do you know what happened?

My phone started to ring. In fact that first day I was on the phone for five hours with recruiters about real job prospects.

They were right and I was wrong.

Here is the formula.

1. Summary statement
2. Skills / Keywords by industry or job type
3. Qualifications (1 sentence) 
4. Professional history
5. Professional Development (schools, degrees, certifications, etc)
6. Recommendations (some of my linkedin recommendations)

Make sure that you mention every keyword again in the history section.

That is it. I put down everything I ever worked on and every thing I ever worked with.

image by Steve Rhodes

 

Posted via email from AndyWergedal

Resume Trends: Keywords and How to Use Them | CareerAlley

These days, employers have very little time to spend looking through resumes in search of those with the right skills sets. In fact, if you do not establish right away in your resume what you have to offer, you will likely get passed over – even if you are perfect for the job! One of the best ways to do this is include a keyword list.

careeralley.com

via Read the Rest Here

Posted via email from AndyWergedal