The ‘black hole’ of online applications
It’s a scenario that happens all too often. A job seeker submits their resume online to an employer and waits for days, weeks, or even months without a response. When this happens, it seems like your application has reached the ‘black hole,’ the figurative space where job applications get lost in the system. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Avoid the black hole and get noticed by employers by learning how the application system works.
Understand applicant tracking systems. Many human resources departments are now using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to reduce workload and automate the recruitment process. Companies use the ATS software to scan, screen, and rank job applications before they ever make it to a person’s eyes. So how do you get an ATS to take notice of your resume? The software searches for key words in your resume that match the original job description. If your resume doesn’t have enough of these words, it may be automatically discarded. This means the ATS will remove those candidates perceived as least qualified from the pool, whether or not they are truly the best for the job. So, read the job description closely and pepper your resume with some of the same verbiage to work with the system.
Format your resume. A resume is not the space to showcase your design creativity. This should be an easy to read, succinct overview of your work history and qualifications. Stylized options can detract from the message. Leave special symbols or charts off your CV and make sure to use normal fonts, such as Calibri or Arial, for the text. Use typical headers for the various sections of your resume, such as Work History, Education, and Skills. This is particularly applicable if your resume will go through an ATS, which requires special formatting. ATS do not pick up these extra characters and could immediately reject your application. Also, when it comes to uploading your resume, stick to a Word document because ATS software may have difficulty reading PDFs and could omit information from your resume.
Create a unique cover letter. If your resume passes the ATS test, you have an opportunity to get your application noticed by recruiters. At this point in the process, your resume will be reviewed by a person and not a machine. This is where a stellar cover letter comes into play. Think of your cover letter as an elevator pitch and not just a place to relist what's on your resume. Use this opportunity to let your personality shine through. Show aspects of your expertise, integrity, and interest in the company you’re applying. And remember to be concise and honest. Hiring managers have many applications to go through and appreciate when a candidate can get their message across succinctly. It’s a good practice to keep your cover letter to a single page.
Follow up with the employer. If you haven’t heard from the employer within the two weeks after you’ve applied, make it a point to contact the recruiter about the position. If the job was posted on a site like LinkedIn, reach out to the person who published the post. Avoid leaving multiple messages for a hiring manager. You may even find it helpful to get a hold of someone in the department where the job would be filled and send a thoughtful message about your interest. It’s a bold, aggressive step, but it could pay off.
You work hard on your employment applications. So, don’t get stuck in the black hole of online applications. Create resumes and cover letters that speak to who you are and what you can offer to the employer. Pay attention to the formatting and vocabulary of your resume, and don’t forget to follow up. This is a sure way to make your application stand out from the pack and send you on the path to land your desired job.
Careers at valley
Current openings
Take a look at our current openings and see if a position seems like the right fit for you.
You may also be interested in
About Valley Bank
As a mid-sized regional bank, we’re proud to offer you all the advantages of a large financial institution with the personalized service of a small one.