Optimise your resume - How to get your application picked up by an ATS

This post came out from The Straits Times (11 September 2015)
Title - Optimise your resume

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Pay attention to spelling
2. Try resume optimisation tools
3. Stick to the basics
4. Replicate keywords used in the job description
5. Place your contact information at the top
6. Tailor each resume

On Pay attention to spelling

• Not only are misspelled words sloppy, but an ATS may not recognise them. Use spellcheck, but do not rely on that alone - have a friend, teacher, or mentor to proofread your resume with you.

On Try resume optimistion tools 

• An online resume and CV optimisatio tool can help you optimise your resume keywords by analysing your resume. It does this by comparing your application to the job description of your choice, and calculating how well you match the job. The results also tell you which keywords your resume is missing, and what other jobs you match. Such tools allow you to be better prepared and have a competitive edge over other applicants. 

On Stick to the basics

• Fancy borders, shading and strange typefaces, along with pictures, special characters or other graphics, all stand a good chance of confusing an ATS. 
• Your best bet is to stick to a common typeface, and use the traditional bullet-point format when listing your achievements. 

On Replicate keywords used in the job description

• Exact keyword matches can send an application to the top of the candidate heap. Direct, relevant resumes will catch a hiring manager's eye too. Resume keywords can be one of the applicant's biggest advantage. 
• Be sure to use only relevant information. Employers are less interested in your life history and more interested in seeing if you have the required skills and experience for the job. A professional summary that mentions your qualifications, achievements and notable skills is also useful in providing employers with a relevant summary at a glance.

On Place your contact information at the top

• You do not need to include your full street address, but you do need to include your phone number and email address.

On Tailor each resume

• Every ATS and employer wants something a little different. An online resume and CV optimisation tool can make the keyword selection process quick and easy. 
• A career management document means you won't have to start your resume from scratch each time. 

Yours,
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