It happens when you are looking for a new job. You spend hours filling out applications on line, revising the resume to match the qualifications required, only to find no one calls you back. You wonder if your resume went into a black hole. Why doesn’t someone call just to learn more about you and your talent? You know you would be an excellent fit and can help their business in some way. What’s the deal? Are companies really getting inundated with resumes and have no time for just a courtesy call?

To some extent that IS what is happening in the world of Human Resources. While we hear in the media that the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in years (4.2% in September 2017), there are many jobs that are being advertised and, still, you aren’t getting a call. Well, that little something that is impacting the “human element” of recruiting is called ATS. An ATS is a software application that handles the recruitment process, namely by sorting through thousands of resumes, to determine which ones are the best fit for the positions for which they were submitted. It helps employers save time and helps them stay organized. Essentially, it scans your resume and matches it to the key words in the job description. So, if you haven’t mastered ATS, you aren’t a “match.” (The rejection can feel like dating again).

There are many articles highlighting how to “embrace applicant tracking systems” (I’ll share some ideas in my next blog), but, they don’t necessarily give you ideas on how to manage your frustrations as you pursue the ultimate job, awaiting that elusive phone call or any type of human contact! Here’s an article that provides some food for thought: How To Maintain a Positive Attitude During a Frustrating Job Search.

Keep thinking positive! Keep Networking and know I’m here to help! Here’s to SOARING!