As you can imagine, resumes have changed drastically over time. For example, chronological resumes used to be extremely popular. However, as we know firsthand, more and more employers are looking for skills-based resumes. This is due to the focus on your value and future, rather than simple lists that outline your past. Also, with the introduction of ATS software, resumes have had to shift drastically to successfully include keywords that score high on this system. Today, we’d like to chat about why choosing a skills-based resume is a more successful option when job hunting.
In an article from Forbes, they state that: “hiring managers want people who have kept up with the speed of changing technologies and platforms; so what becomes more important than degrees and job titles is what you can do.” There has been a shift in what companies are looking for in a resume, and that is your skill set. Chronological resumes can be limiting as they simply list your experience, rather than on the value you can bring to a position. It is important to think about what you have done, whether it be work related or not, and how that fills a gap or helps solve a problem. This is where you will stand out from the competition.
“That’s the great part about the world we live in now—it doesn’t matter that your skills (possibly your best ones) are those you’ve acquired naturally throughout the course of your life.”
–Forbes
The Impact of Applicant Tracking Systems
The development of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) has also played a significant role in the functionality of the chronological resume. Prior to ATS, HR departments took the time to read through every resume, looking for information that saved a resume from the discard pile. Parsing software is the core of the ATS, and when a company, or organization, is ready to send out a job posting, they will include certain keywords they are seeking in a resume. However, they may also choose keywords that don’t make it into the initial posting, which means expertise and skill is required to pass the discard pile.
A chronological resume is no longer effective because when using a parsing system, if a keyword doesn’t match, the hiring manager will not be shown your skill set. In many cases, the hiring manager only looks at the results of the parsing system, and never lays eyes on your resume. So, if a chronological resume does not include the right keywords, it will immediately be discarded.
“In some cases, an ATS scanning for keywords will only recognize and count exact matches. So, if you have the correct experience, but you wrote it using language that’s different than what the system is looking for, you might not come up as one of the most qualified applicants.”
–The Muse
This is where skills-based resumes are beneficial as they not only work when read by a human being, but they also perform successfully with ATS software.
When you invest in your resume, why not invest in a product that will grow with you, and help you move forward in your career?
Have questions? We would love to chat with you! Contact our team today.