10 HACKS for Resume Filters

Have you applied to jobs for which you know you are a fit and did not hear from the company? Optimize your resume to increase the chances an actual person reads it!  

Most recruiters use an Application Tracking System (ATS) to gather and filter resumes that match specific keywords. It ingests your resume and transcribes it into a standardized textual format for filtering and searching.

If you want your resume to get noticed, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind:

1. Use standard fonts: Choose basic, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid using fancy fonts, since the ATS may not recognize the text.
2. Include relevant keywords: Customize your resume by including keywords and phrases from the job description you're applying for. By doing this, you can be sure that the filter will find your resume a strong match for the role.
3. Use clear headings: Clearly label each section of your resume (e.g., "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills") to help the ATS understand your information correctly.
4. Avoid graphics and images: While they may make your CV more visually attractive, they obscure the written content after processing. Communicate in prose to ensure that your information is accurately transcribed.
5. Avoid multi-column formats: It is challenging to predict the handling of columnar information. The system does not know if it is a table or a snaking column. It generally results in out-of-order and jumbled information.
6. Optimize file format: To ensure your resume is ingestable, save it as a .docx or .pdf file. Avoid unusual file types that may not be readable which results in a blank resume inside the ATS.
7. Accentuate relevant experience: Showcase your experience by using industry-specific keywords from the job description. Make sure your work outside the job industry looks relevant. Standardize job titles across roles to be similar to the job you are after.
8. Use bullet points: Present your information using bullet points to make it easier for the ATS to scan and extract relevant details from your resume.
9. Check for spelling and grammar: Review your resume to eliminate any spelling or grammar errors. While the ATS doesn't consider your writing style, inaccuracies can still reflect poorly on your application. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
10. Customize your wording: Tailor your resume for each job application by adjusting your content to use skills, technologies, and keywords mentioned in the job description. The closer you match the job description the more likely you will get seen.

These tips will help optimize your resume for ATS screening and bring you closer to the hiring manager's attention.

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About QDStaff

At QDStaff we know that industry depth is critical to finding great talent. We recruit game studio talent every work day of the year. It is all we do. That means the credibility we have with our clients gets your resume further faster.

We get you past resume filters. We are experts at identifying potential fit and we spend time with you to create a tailored value proposition for each client to whom you are presented.

Follow QDStaff to get the game industry job of your dreams!