Recruiters Reject 9 Out of 10 Resumes: What's Missing and How to Fix It

Why Recruiters Are Ignoring Your Resume (And 3 Fixes That Work) In a surprising revelation, research has shown that recruiters spend only 6-7 seconds reviewing resumes before making a decision. This means that the majority of applicants are being rejected due to a lack of attention-grabbing content. According to Colleen Batchelder, an expert on hiring and managing Generation Z, "the average recruiter receives over 250 resumes for each advertised job, making it essential for candidates to stand out from the crowd." Batchelder's research revealed that almost 75% of resumes get completed in the first few seconds of review. This is because recruiters are looking for specific keywords and phrases that match the job requirements. However, many applicants fail to include these key terms, resulting in their resume being ignored. One reason for this oversight is the increasing use of applicant tracking systems (ATS) by companies. These systems scan resumes for relevant keywords before sending them on to human recruiters. However, if a candidate's resume does not contain the required keywords, it may never reach a human reviewer. To avoid this pitfall, Batchelder recommends three fixes that work: 1. Tailor your resume to the job: Make sure to include specific keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume. 2. Use action verbs: Use strong action verbs such as "managed," "created," and "developed" to describe your achievements. 3. Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize the skills you have that can be applied to the job, even if they were gained in a different context. Batchelder notes that these fixes are not only effective but also essential in today's competitive job market. "With the average recruiter spending only 6-7 seconds reviewing each resume, it's crucial for candidates to make their application stand out from the start." The implications of this research are significant, highlighting the need for job seekers to be more strategic in their approach to applying for jobs. As Batchelder concludes, "by incorporating these simple yet effective fixes into your resume, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and landing an interview." Background and Context The use of ATS has become increasingly common in recent years, with many companies using these systems to streamline the hiring process. However, this has also led to concerns about bias and discrimination in the recruitment process. Additional Perspectives According to a study by Glassdoor, 60% of recruiters believe that AI-powered tools can help reduce biases in the hiring process. However, others argue that these systems can perpetuate existing biases if not designed carefully. Current Status and Next Developments As the job market continues to evolve, it's essential for job seekers to stay ahead of the curve. Batchelder recommends staying up-to-date with the latest developments in ATS technology and adjusting your resume accordingly. "By being proactive and adapting to these changes, you can increase your chances of success in today's competitive job market." *Reporting by Forbes.*