Integrative Learning: Scanning Your Resume

Recruiters receive hundreds of applications for a small number of open positions. In order to sift through the "hay" to find the right "needle," an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a tool that is often used. Much like Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) systems, ATS search functions are used to screen out applicants that lack the vital skills and education required. The remaining applications may finally be briefly visually scanned by the recruiter. As part of this week's Project and Portfolio class at Full Sail, we were tasked with using Jobscan to help us better understand how an ATS works.

I originally received a 31% match rate for the below listed position, but after a bit of tweaking I was able to reach 51% and then 68% match rates. Some of the feedback provided included simply rephrasing my job skills to more closely match. One example was including using the specific keywords, "Communication Skill" together instead of "using my skills in communication." Often when trying to shave a resume to one page, skills can be overlooked as well. By reviewing the recommendations and including specific keywords an application can make it past the gatekeeper software and warrant a visual review by a recruiter. Jobscan recommends a match rate of 80% or higher. Although I did not bring it to that level, a 68% match is significantly higher than my initial 31% match.

Initial Scan

Second Scan

Final Scan

Below is the position I used for my Jobscan:

Marketing Coordinator, Nibbi Brothers General Contractors, San Francisco Bay Area

NIBBI SUMMARY

Nibbi Brothers is a dedicated team of construction professionals servicing our clients and community by building with integrity, innovation and quality. Nibbi upholds the highest standards in job site safety, safe building practices, and employee safety education. Our core markets include commercial developments, community based education facilities, mixed use and multifamily housing, seismic upgrades, historic upgrades, and waterfront projects; we also have a structural concrete division. Over 95% of our projects are negotiated, ranging in size up to $150 million.

At Nibbi we provide dynamic career opportunities and mentoring for our employees. We are proud of our emphasis on fostering a strong sense of family through caring, mutual respect, and promoting a strong work / life balance. We encourage leadership training and continuing education at all levels. We continuously strive to recruit, develop, and retain the best talent.

POSITION SUMMARY The Marketing Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to support the Marketing Manager and the VP of Business Development. This position reports to the Marketing Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Support marketing day-to-day operations.
Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Successfully work in collaboration with others.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with advertising and direct mail campaigns, internal publications, and social media.
Assist in creating materials used for proposals, correspondence, presentation materials, recruiting, and reports.
Research and maintain data in support of various marketing campaigns.
Assist in the coordination of special events.
Assist with maintaining CRM software.
Other related duties as assigned or needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or related field, and at least two years of experience in a marketing or related role. Construction or relevant A/E/C industry experience preferred.

Key competencies are initiative, communication, teamwork, and dependability.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

MS Office Suite
Adobe Creative Suite; primarily InDesign
WordPress
Social Media
CRM Database Management

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: