Looking for a job? 4 ways to create a winning resume that will get past bots

Some believe first impressions are everything. It’s especially true when you’re looking for a new job or thinking about changing career paths — which is why it’s vital to have a resume that stands out from all of the other applicants. Tap or click here for over 100 free resume templates to help you create a killer resume.

But what good is it to have a great resume if you make a couple of simple mistakes that get it rejected by robots before it even makes it to human eyes? Yes, that is a real thing. Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to eliminate applicants who don’t appear to be qualified. A bot could reject your resume before the hiring manager or recruiter even sees it.

We will give you some simple ways to help your resume get past job application bots. This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, LinkedIn. Hiring? Post a job for free today and find your next great employee.

1. Choose your words wisely

One reason ATS bots reject resumes is your document could be missing keywords related to the job you’re applying for. Keywords, or short phrases, can usually be found in the posted job description for what a company is looking for in an employee.

These may include skills, certifications, credentials, degrees and other qualifications a hiring manager is looking for in a candidate.

When creating your resume or cover letter for a specific job, look at the job requirements for keywords and add the ones you possess. If the company is looking for someone with a college degree, include yours.

And don’t use abbreviations. For example, if you have a Master of Business Administration, be sure to spell it out in its entirety. Do not use the acronym MBA for the degree. A bot might not recognize it and reject your resume by mistake.

2. Don’t drone on about career goals

A good rule of thumb is to not focus on your career goals but rather on what you can bring to the company. Generic career goals could be flagged by the ATS and move your resume to the “No, thank you” pile.

Be sure to highlight specific achievements and skills related to the company you are applying for — this builds on the previous tip dealing with keywords.

Not only will it help get your resume past the bots, but once it’s in the hands of a hiring manager, they will understand what a valuable addition to the team you will be. Remember, you need to sell your skills in a way that emphasizes why you’re the right candidate for the job.

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Your shirt may be able to check your heartbeat in the future.

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Want to make some extra cash? 15 best-paying side jobs for seniors

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In cases like these, many seniors will dip their toes into the working world. After all, the right job can teach you new skills and even fulfill you. Plus, it can bring in some much-needed money.

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Giving up Kaspersky? Get a year of Kim's antivirus pick for only $19

With tensions mounting across the world during the Russia-Ukraine War, cybersecurity experts warn not to use Russian-owned Kasperksy antivirus protection. Here’s why.

A question I get time and time again is, “What’s your antivirus recommendation?” Whether you’ve never used antivirus, stopped years ago, or want to get rid of Kaspersky, I can help.

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Is your ISP throttling your internet speeds? Here's a fast test to find out

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Web pages seem sluggish, while downloads and uploads seem to take forever. It’s very frustrating — especially when you’re paying for high-speed internet. Many potential issues are causing the slowdown, including problems with your device, browser or even a website you’re trying to visit.

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Own a business? 3 places to run ads

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Your ISP is watching — Here's what it knows about you

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Free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals

The internet is a crazy place. Not only do marketers and advertisers follow your every move, but there are also hackers and scammers lurking in the dark corners, ready to pounce on your personal information.

At least marketers and advertisers want to make money off of you. The hackers and scammers we’re talking about want to flat-out steal your money by hijacking your personal information.

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8 tax deductions that may save you some cash in 2022

Spring is just around the horizon. Soon, the snow will melt from the landscape and flowers will pop up left and right. Tax season is also popping up, so it’s time to take out your paperwork and prepare for drudgery.

Here’s some good news, though. You don’t have to brace yourself for Uncle Sam snatching away your hard-earned money. Tax deductions can do you a world of good if you qualify for them, that is.

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Don't make the same mistake that cost me $90K

I’ve been a small business owner for 25 years. Along the way, I’ve had some great successes, along with my fair share of mistakes.

Sometimes those mistakes are easy to recover from. You recognize what went wrong, regroup and try something new. And sometimes you realize, “Uh oh. This is something I can never let happen again.”

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The one thing that kept airlines afloat

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What's on the Dark Web? These are the top 5 sites in 2021

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5 budgeting worksheets to keep you on track in the new year

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Money-saving tool you need before you start holiday shopping

Have you ever had the strange feeling of being watched when you’re browsing online? Well, the truth is you are. Shopping sites track you.

In some cases, you may see prices for certain things go up every time you check. A rental car might be $50 per day the first time you check prices, but it bumps up to $55 when you go back to book it. The same thing happens with hotels and airline tickets.

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3 clever ways to cut your business expenses

American entrepreneurs are in for a huge year. Nearly 4.5 million new business applications were filed in 2020, the highest number on record and up almost 25% from the year before.

Whether you’re starting your own company or have been your own boss for years, the fact doesn’t change: The money you bring in has to exceed what you spend. In other words, when you own a business or work for yourself, profit is king.

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5 common VPN issues and how to fix them

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