As one of North America’s leading third-party logistics companies, Spot is actively seeking top-tier talent to join our dynamic team. With ambitious expansion goals set, we’re on the hunt for individuals who are not only driven to succeed but also committed to continuous growth. Here are some valuable tips from our professional recruiters to help you create an optimized resume and secure a spot with us:
Did you know that over 98% of Fortune 500 companies, 66% of large companies, and 35% of small companies utilize an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? Spot is one of them! ATS makes it convenient for us to track applications seamlessly. But what exactly is an ATS-friendly resume?
An ATS-friendly resume is tailored specifically to navigate through applicant tracking systems. By utilizing an easy-to-read format and incorporating relevant keywords from the job description, you increase your resume’s chances of making it into the hands of a hiring manager.
Choose an ATS-Optimized Resume Format and Template
The chronological resume format works best with ATS as it organizes your work experience from most recent to oldest in an easily digestible manner.
Avoid graphic elements, tables, or unique fonts in your resume.
Correctly Label Your Sections
Stick to standard resume headings like “Work Experience” and “Skills.” Avoid unconventional headings that might confuse ATS software.
Include Job-Related Keywords
Tailor your resume with keywords from the job description to ensure ATS recognizes your qualifications for the position.
Choose a Common Resume Font
Stick to basic, easy-to-read fonts like Times New Roman or Arial to enhance readability for both humans and ATS software.
Save Your Resume as PDF or .docx
PDF is preferred. Stick to the basics to avoid formatting issues.
Save the file with your name (ex. “Resume_JohnSmith”)
Focus on Accomplishments, Not Responsibilities
Rather than simply listing your job duties, focus on showcasing your accomplishments and contributions in each role.
Use the X+Y+Z formula to structure your bullet points: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].
For example, instead of saying “Managed social media accounts,” you could say “Increased engagement on social media platforms by 25% through targeted content strategies and community engagement initiatives.”
Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Customize your resume for each position you apply for by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
Carefully review the job description and identify key qualifications and requirements.
Highlight your experiences and achievements that directly align with the job’s needs.
Consider rearranging or rephrasing sections of your resume to prioritize the most relevant information for each application.
Quantify Your Achievements
Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers, percentages, or other measurable indicators.
For instance, instead of saying “Increased sales revenue,” specify “Increased sales revenue by 25% within six months.”
Use Action Verbs
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey your proactive approach and highlight your contributions.
Look at the job description and company website to see what verbs the company is frequently using. Find ways to incorporate those verbs into your resume.
Showcase Relevant Skills
Include a dedicated skills section to highlight your relevant technical, soft, and transferable skills.
Tailor your skills section to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for.
Prioritize skills that are most relevant to the position and provide examples or context to demonstrate proficiency.