Here’s why a portfolio is a must-have for job seekers:

1. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Anyone can claim to be “skilled in data analysis” or “experienced in campaign strategy” on a resume. But a portfolio turns that claim into proof. By including real examples like dashboards you’ve built, marketing campaigns you’ve managed, or case studies from past roles, you’re giving recruiters and hiring managers a tangible way to understand your abilities. It makes your skills come to life in a way a bullet point never can.

2. Make a Strong First Impression

A clean, well-organized portfolio instantly sets you apart. It tells employers you’re detail-oriented, serious about your career, and willing to go the extra mile. In a sea of resumes, a portfolio adds depth and dimension to your application, showing that you're more than just another name in the pile, you’re a candidate who takes initiative and knows how to present their value.

Create a portfolio for free with Zeke →

3. Highlight What Makes You Unique

A portfolio allows you to go beyond the standard job description. You can showcase side projects, freelance work, certifications, volunteer experience, or even passion projects. This is your chance to bring out your personality, highlight your problem-solving mindset, and share what drives you professionally. It's where you show how you think, not just what you've done.

4. Boost Confidence During Interviews

Having your portfolio on hand during interviews can be a game-changer. It gives you visual talking points, helps structure your responses, and allows you to walk interviewers through your approach and decision-making process. It also takes pressure off having to "sell" yourself, your work does most of the talking.

5. It’s Your Personal Brand

Your portfolio is an extension of your personal brand. Whether it's a Google Drive folder, a Notion page, or your own website, it reflects your style, professionalism, and communication skills. It’s a living document that evolves with your career, giving potential employers a sneak peek into not just what you've done, but who you are and what you care about.

Create a portfolio for free with Zeke →

Conclusion

In today’s job market, a strong portfolio can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked. It’s not just a showcase of your work, it's a tool that builds trust, tells your story, and opens doors.

Whether you're new to the workforce or making a career shift, investing time into creating your portfolio is one of the smartest moves you can make. Start small, keep it updated, and let your work speak louder than words.

So, how do you ensure your resume is ATS-friendly? Let’s dive into the essentials of crafting a resume that passes the ATS test.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system is software used by employers to streamline the hiring process. It automates tasks such as sorting resumes, scanning for keywords, and ranking candidates based on predefined criteria.

While this technology may save time for recruiters, it also means there are certain steps job seekers need to take to ensure their resume passes the ATS check.

Common Reasons Resumes Fail ATS Checks

1. ✅ Lack of Relevant Keywords: ATS software scans for specific keywords related to the job description. If your resume doesn’t include these keywords, it’s likely to be rejected.

2. ⚠️ Complex Formatting: Avoid using images, graphics or other design elements on your resume. Restrict the formatting to plain text only.

3. 📄 Unsupported File Types: Most ATS systems prefer .docx or .pdf formats. Submitting an unsupported file type can result in automatic rejection.

4. 📝 Missing Essential Sections: Omitting standard sections like “Experience” or “Skills” can make it difficult for the ATS to parse your resume.

How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly

1. Use Keywords Strategically

Review the job description and identify the primary keywords. Incorporate these terms naturally into your resume, especially in sections like “Work Experience” and “Skills.” For example, if the job description mentions “project management” or “data analysis,” include these phrases in your resume.

Sign up for Zeke today to automatically incorporate keywords into your resume: Join Waitlist

2. Stick to Simple Formatting

Avoid using graphics or other image elements in your resume. While it may look good on the eyes, the goal is to get past the ATS first. Always opt for a clean and professional design with clear section headings such as:

• 📃 Summary

• 💼 Work Experience

• 🛠 Skills

• 🎓 Education

Use bullet points to make your resume scannable and ensure consistent formatting throughout.

3. Optimize for Readability

Use standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Avoid overly small fonts, sizes between 10 and 12 points are generally best. Use standard headings to make it easier for the ATS to parse your resume.

4. Include a Skills Section

Many ATS systems focus heavily on skills when ranking candidates. Create a dedicated “Skills” section to list relevant skills for the job role you are applying for.

5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Generic resumes are less likely to pass ATS checks. Customize your resume for each application by aligning it with the specific role and industry.

Tailor your resume in minutes using Zeke: Join Waitlist

1. "Can you help me assess my key strengths and areas for improvement within the context of my current role and the broader industry landscape?"

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is the biggest part of applying for a job, as they determine if you're a good fit for a certain position or not. This prompt could help you to better understand which experiences and skills you've had in the past so you can:

• Emphasize your key strengths for your resume.

• Tackle possible weaknesses during an interview

Example Prompt: "Can you help me identify my core strengths as a digital marketer, especially in content strategy and data-driven campaigns, and point out areas where I might need to improve to stay ahead of industry trends?"

2. "Based on my skill set and professional background, what are some emerging or lesser-known job roles that might align with my experience, especially in [Industry]?"

There are so many different job roles, it may be tough for you to guess which titles might fit your skills. The above prompt helps you brainstorm all sorts of possibilities that might be related to your skillset, bringing new ways to pursue careers or opportunities you may not have thought about.

Example Prompt: "Given my background in e-commerce logistics and digital content creation, what are some unconventional or upcoming roles in the logistics tech space that I should explore?"

3. "Could you draft a professional yet personalized cover letter tailored for [Job Title] at [Company Name], incorporating key achievements and aligning them with the company’s goals?"

This is very important in creating a good first impression. With this prompt, ChatGPT can help craft the outline of the cover letter. However, a little human touch is required as you know your qualifications and interests best.

Example Prompt: "Can you draft a compelling cover letter for a data analyst role at Locad, incorporating my experience in e-commerce data analysis and how it aligns with Locad’s focus on optimizing supply chains?"

4. "Can you provide a list of both technical and behavioral interview questions specific to [Job Title] that I should prepare for, and suggest thoughtful responses that will make a strong impression on the interviewer?"

Interview preparation is one key to success, and knowing what to expect can put you at ease. This prompt allows ChatGPT to provide common interview questions, as well as industry-specific interview questions, for your target role and give you tips on how to answer them effectively.

Example Prompt: "What are some common interview questions I should expect as a business analyst, both technical and behavioral, and how can I structure my answers to stand out during the interview?"

5. "Could you provide effective networking strategies for connecting with professionals in [Industry] on LinkedIn, including tips on crafting personalized outreach messages and building long-term relationships?

The job hunt requires a serious networking tool, and the best application for getting you in touch with other professionals is LinkedIn. This question will guide you through the strategies of networking-the stages of contacting people, what to say to them, and how to stay in touch afterward.

Example Prompt: "What strategies can I use to connect with and build relationships with professionals in the data analytics field on LinkedIn, including what to say in initial outreach and how to follow up?"

Conclusion

Finding a new job doesn't have to be so intimidating-at least, not as intimidating as trying to read what's in recruiters' heads. But with GenAI, you can streamline your job search, make sure you prepare better for interviews, and get an understanding of how your career is going to go. And, hey, if that's not enough, you'll have a cover letter written and some interview answers queued up, even if the universe still surprises you with curveballs.

Try any or all of these five prompts to turbocharge your job search and propel your career forward. Happy job hunting—and may the hiring gods be ever in your favor!

About Zeke
We are on a mission to help job seekers navigate the job search journey. We are building a platform that’d be the one stop shop for job seekers. Click the link below to join the waitlist and get early access!

Imagine this: you have just spotted your dream job, and the thought of drafting a cover letter sends you spiraling into dread. Then there is AI your friend in the job application process. You can use AI for structuring your letter and professional language.

AI can help you get started right away by creating a framework for a great cover letter. Plug in your job title, company name, and a few of your key achievements, and voilà.—right in front of your eyes, AI can create a solid base for you. This happens because all the nitty-gritty details associated with formatting and using the appropriate language are taken care of, thus leaving your concentration to the personal touch.

Why Does Your Personal Touch Still Matter?

Though AI can come in as a handy supporting system, one needs to remember that a cover letter is a personal document. Here is where you can focus to ensure that your cover letter stands out from the rest:

1. Content Personalization

AI may generate a well-groomed letter, but it's up to you to give it a soul. Tell a story through your experience, elaborate on how you’d ace the job and be sure to point out specific examples from the past.

2. Inject Your Personality

AI can help with grammar and style, but it can’t infuse your cover letter with your unique voice. Make sure your personality shines through. Whether you’re witty, serious, or somewhere in between, let your tone reflect who you are as a professional.

3. Highlight Your Motivation

AI can't capture your passion or enthusiasm for the role. Take the time to articulate why this particular job excites you and how it aligns with your career goals. Your motivation is what makes you stand out, and it's something AI can't replicate.

4. Review and Refine

AI is a brilliant starting place, but it is not without flaws. When you have the finished product, view the content created within, then modify to be more accurate about you and your achievements. You may have to look over the document for a few subtleties that AI will probably have missed.

Getting Best Of All Worlds

Using AI in your cover letter creation is like engaging a strong assistant to do most of the heavy lifting. But this really gets magical when you marry AI's efficiency with personal effort and creativity. You will be able to create a remarkably standing piece that clearly represents the uniqueness of your qualifications.

About Zeke

You can create customized cover letters for every job application using Zeke! Get started for free today and take the first step towards your dream job.

Picture this: You've just nailed that interview. Your witty banter had the hiring manager laughing, your technical skills impressed them, and you bonded over obscure 90s cartoons. You leave the office on cloud nine, dreaming of your future corner cubicle. But then... silence. Days turn into weeks, and your inbox remains as empty. Welcome to the twilight zone of post-interview ghosting, where promising candidates vanish into the ether and recruiters seemingly enter the witness protection program.

In this digital age of instant gratification, where we can order tacos at 3 AM with a single swipe, why are we still stuck in this communication black hole when it comes to job applications? Let's dive into this perplexing phenomenon, explore its dark underbelly, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to exorcise these job-seeking demons.

A Deep Dive

The Anatomy of a Ghosting

It starts innocently enough. You refresh your email every 30 seconds, convinced that your dream job offer is just a click away. But as the days drag on, hope turns to anxiety, then to frustration, and finally to a resigned acceptance that you've been ghosted harder than a Tinder date who discovered your extensive collection of garden gnomes.

According to a recent survey by TalentBoard, a whopping 63% of candidates report receiving no feedback whatsoever after an interview. That's right, folks – you're more likely to hear back from that Nigerian prince who emailed you about his inheritance than from the company you just spent hours preparing for.

Why Do Companies Pull a Houdini?

1. The "Too Many Fish in the Sea" Syndrome: With hundreds of applications flooding in for each position, some companies treat candidates like those free samples at Costco – try one, move on to the next, and forget about the rest.

2. The "Oops, We Forgot" Excuse: In the fast-paced world of startups and tech giants, sometimes following up with candidates falls lower on the priority list than deciding which flavor of kombucha to stock in the office fridge.

3. The "It's Not You, It's... Actually, It Is You" Situation: Sometimes, you're just not the right fit. But instead of crafting a gentle letdown email, recruiters opt for the "if we ignore them, maybe they'll go away" approach.

4. The "We're Waiting for Our First Choice to Respond" Limbo: You might be their backup dancer while they wait for Justin Timberlake to RSVP. Spoiler alert: JT's not coming, but they'll keep you hanging just in case.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: A Candidate's Journey

Stage 1: Optimism - "They're probably just drafting my offer letter!"

Stage 2: Doubt - "Did I accidentally call the CEO 'Mom' during the interview?"

Stage 3: Bargaining - "If I check my spam folder one more time, the offer will appear."

Stage 4: Anger - "I spent 3 hours on that take-home project, and this is how they repay me?"

Stage 5: Acceptance - "Well, I guess I'll just add 'Professional Ghost Whisperer' to my LinkedIn skills."

Real-life Horror Stories from the Ghosting Graveyard

"I had five rounds of interviews, including a full-day on-site. They even showed me my future desk. Two months later, I'm still waiting for that 'We'll be in touch soon' to materialize."

-- Sarah, 28, Software Engineer

The Tables Have Turned: When Candidates Ghost Companies

Plot twist! Sometimes, it's the candidates who vanish faster than free food at a meetup. According to a survey by Indeed, 28% of job seekers have ghosted an employer, up from 18% in 2019.

Why do candidates pull this reverse Uno card?

1. The "Better Offer Came Along" Shuffle: When a hotter, richer company slides into their DMs, some candidates ghost their current prospects faster than you can say "stock options."

2. The "This Job Isn't What I Signed Up For" Bait-and-Switch: Sometimes, the job description is more creative fiction than reality. When candidates realize they've been catfished, they might just swim away.

3. The "I'm Too Awkward to Say No" Escape: For some, the thought of rejecting an offer is more terrifying than explaining the plot of "Inception" to their grandparents.

HR's Perspective: Confessions from the Other Side

"Look, we're not proud of it. But sometimes, between juggling 50 open roles, appeasing hiring managers, and trying to decipher what 'culture fit' actually means, following up with every candidate falls through the cracks."

-- Anonymous HR Manager

Breaking the Curse: How to Deal with Ghosting (And Avoid Being a Ghost Yourself)

For Candidates:

1. Set expectations: Ask about the timeline and next steps at the end of your interview.

2. Follow up (within reason): A polite check-in email is fine. Fifty consecutive LinkedIn messages are not.

3. Don't put all your eggs in one haunted basket: Keep applying and interviewing until you have a signed offer.

4. Closure is overrated: Sometimes, the best closure is realizing you dodged a bullet.

For Companies:

1. Communicate, even if it's bad news: A template rejection email is better than radio silence.

2. Set realistic timelines: Don't promise feedback in 48 hours if you know it'll take two weeks.

3. Use technology to your advantage: Automated updates can keep candidates informed without adding to your workload.

For Both Sides:

1. Remember the human: There's a real person on the other end of that email or application. Be a better human.

2. Be honest and transparent: If circumstances change, just say so.

The Future of Hiring: A World Without Ghosts?

Imagine a world where job seekers and companies communicate openly, feedback flows freely, and the only ghosts are in cheesy horror movies. It may sound utopian, but with the right tools and attitudes, we can make hiring less of a horror show.

Technology is making job applications easier. AI-powered platforms help candidates tailor resumes to job descriptions, fill experience gaps, and quickly create custom cover letters. These tools save time and help job seekers present themselves better, reducing the chances of being overlooked.

Speaking of tools, have you heard of Zeke? It's a platform that's revolutionizing the way job seekers approach applications, using AI to tailor resumes and craft custom cover letters. It's like having a friendly ghost (think Casper) whispering the perfect words into your application, helping you stand out in the job-seeking labyrinth.

Conclusion:

In the end, ghosting in the job market is a symptom of a larger communication breakdown in our hyper-connected yet somehow disconnected world. But fear not, intrepid job seekers and well-meaning recruiters! By embracing transparency, leveraging technology, and remembering the human element in hiring, we can exorcise these ghosting demons once and for all.

Remember, whether you're a candidate or a company, communication is key. Don't leave people hanging in limbo like a abandoned chat in a dating app. Be clear, be kind, and for the love of all that is holy, hit that "send" button on that follow-up email.

Take a deep breath. Channel your inner Ghostbuster. Face those spectral silences. You might just turn a potential haunting into a happy hiring.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some emails to send and a LinkedIn graveyard to resurrect. Happy job hunting, and may the workforce be with you!

Why do companies use an ATS?

Companies these days receive thousands of applications, if not more, for each job they post. While it may be ideal to review each resume, it's not practically possible. To tackle this efficiently, companies use an ATS to manage the applications they receive. You may have encountered several ATS systems while applying for jobs, such as Greenhouse, Workday, and SmartRecruiters.

Apart from collecting and sorting resumes, an ATS can also host job listings and integrate with CRM (Candidate Relationship Management) systems. This integration helps store candidate details for future use and facilitates communication with candidates through scheduled emails.

What Does an ATS Actually Do?

An ATS mainly filters out candidates based on certain keywords set by the hiring manager, while hiring for a particular role companies would want to interview candidate who fit the bill i.e those with certain skills or experiences listed on the resume. An ATS does the heavy lifting of looking for these keywords and provides a shortlist of candidates who can possibly be interviewed for the job.

1. Keyword Filtering: The ATS screens resumes for specific keywords set by the hiring manager, typically related to skills, qualifications, or experiences relevant to the job.

2. Application Sorting: It organizes and ranks applications based on predetermined criteria to move them to the next stage which is usually a human review of the candidates.

3. Candidate Communication: Many ATS platforms integrate with Candidate Relationship Management (CRM) systems to facilitate communication with applicants.

4. Job Posting: ATS often includes features for creating and distributing job listings across various platforms.

What can you as a candidate do?

Applying for jobs can feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to getting your resume past the dreaded Applicant Tracking System. As a job seeker, one of the most important things you need to do is create an ATS-friendly resume.

Tip: Checkout this blog for tips on how you can create a resume that will help you get past the ATS.

We recommend avoiding graphics and keeping your resume plain and simple. One mistake candidates make is stuffing their resume with keywords, hoping to pass the ATS. While this may seem smart, it can backfire, especially when human reviewers examine the resume.

Increase your chances of getting past the ATS

One of the best strategies to get past the ATS and land interviews is to customize your resume according to the job description. We understand that this can be a time-consuming and tedious process. To help candidates customize their resumes quickly, we built Zeke. Give it a try and apply to jobs with customized resumes and cover letters!

Resumake

Resumake offers a hassle-free resume builder that is simple, straightforward, and effective. While it provides limited design options, all templates are ATS-friendly. It's best practice to keep your resume design minimalistic to pass ATS screening.

Summary:

• Free

• Simple interface

• Quick

• Limited designs

GetyourCV

Similar to Resumake, GetYourCV also offers a free resume builder. It provides more design options, but we suggest avoiding colorful designs as they can reduce your chances of getting past the ATS.

Google Docs

Yes! Google Docs offers free resume templates to help you get started, and it is completely free if you already have a Google account. To view and edit the templates, simply sign in to docs.google.com and click on the template gallery at the top of the page.

Canva

Canva is another option to design your resume for free. There are many free resume templates available on Canva which can edited quickly using their drag and drop design interface. However, it should be noted that certain features of Canva can be paid.

Read.cv

While read.cv is not exactly a traditional resume builder, it allows you to create a personal portfolio website for free. The design is neat and minimalistic making the sites attractive and friendly on the eyes. This can be helpful for designers and other creatives who wish to showcase their work through an interactive website rather than a static resume.

Building a professional resume does not have to be a daunting or expensive task. By utilizing the free resume builder tools highlighted in this guide, job seekers can easily create an ATS-friendly resume without spending a dime.

Tailoring your resume according to the job description

While building your resume, it's crucial to tailor it to the job description to improve your chances of getting a callback. With Zeke, you can easily modify and customize your resume to match the given job description. Using the power of AI, you can now submit a tailored resume for each job you apply to! Stand out from other applicants using Zeke – give it a try today.

Ah, the mysterious world of startup job descriptions! It's like trying to decipher an ancient scroll written by a caffeinated octopus using a typewriter. But fear not, fellow code warriors and pixel pushers! Your friendly neighborhood tech Guy is here to break down these cryptic messages and reveal what startups really want from us mere mortal engineers.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a fresh-faced newbie, navigating the treacherous waters of startup job descriptions can feel like trying to debug a production issue while blindfolded and riding a unicycle. But hey, that's why we're here, right? So strap in, grab your favorite Bev, and let's dive into the wacky world of startup JDs!

The Anatomy of a Job Description: A Wild Ride Through Startup Land

The Basics: What's in a JD?

Let's start with the building blocks, shall we? A typical job description is like a seven-layer burrito of information:

1. Job Title: The flashy headline that's supposed to make you go "Ooh, shiny!"

2. Company Overview: Where they try to convince you they're the next big thing since sliced bread

3. Job Summary: A brief teaser of what you'll be doing (spoiler: it's usually way more than this)

4. Responsibilities: The laundry list of tasks they expect you to juggle like a circus performer

5. Requirements: The wishlist that makes Santa's look like a post-it note

6. Nice-to-Haves: The cherry on top that they secretly hope you'll bring to the table for sure.

7. Benefits: The carrot they dangle to make you forget about points 4 and 5. Always incomplete.

Reading Between the Lines: The Art of JD Interpretation

Now, here's where it gets fun. Interpreting a startup JD is like trying to understand what your cat is thinking – it requires a mix of intuition, experience, and a healthy dose of skepticism.

• "Fast-paced environment" = Hope you like caffeine and have a time-turner

• "Wear multiple hats" = We're understaffed and you'll be doing three jobs for the price of one

• "Competitive salary" = We'll pay you in equity and dreams of future riches

• "Ninja/Rockstar/Guru" = We have no idea what we're looking for, but it sounds cool

• "Disruptive technology" = Our product is held together with duct tape and wishful thinking

  

• "Collaborative atmosphere" = Hope you like open offices and non-stop chatter

• "Results-oriented" = We don't care how or when you work, as long as you're always working

• "Flat organization" = Everyone's a manager, which means no one's a manager

• "Self-starter" = We have no onboarding process and minimal supervision

• "Flexible hours" = Be prepared to answer Slack messages at 2 AM

• "Unlimited PTO" = You'll feel too guilty to actually take any time off

The Short and Long of It: Dealing with JD Formats

JDs come in all shapes and sizes, kind of like Pokémon. You've got your short and snappy ones that leave everything to the imagination, and then you've got the epic sagas that make "War and Peace" look like a tweet.

For the short ones, think of them as a movie trailer. They're just trying to get you intrigued enough to apply. For the long ones, treat them like a "choose your own adventure" book. Focus on the parts that speak to you and don't get lost in the details.

The JD Time Machine: When Old Meets New

Ever come across a JD that feels like it was written when floppy disks were still cool? Yeah, that happens. Some companies recycle JDs faster than we recycle bad jokes. Here's a pro tip: if the JD asks for 10 years of experience in a NextJS, you know you're dealing with a time traveler.

The JD Hall of Fame (or Shame?): When Job Descriptions Go Wild

The "Unicorn Hunter" Special

You've seen these – the JDs that ask for a full-stack developer with 10 years of experience in 20 different technologies, who can also design logos, manage projects, and make a mean cup of coffee. Oh, and they should be willing to work for "competitive" (read: peanuts) compensation because, you know, it's a "great opportunity."

The "Copy-Paste Catastrophe"

This is when HR decides to play a game of JD roulette. They take bits and pieces from various job postings, throw them in a blender, and voila! You end up with a Frankenstein's monster of a job description that asks for a "Python developer with experience in underwater basket weaving and proficiency in smoke signals."

The "Time Lord" Paradox

Remember our friend who wanted 10 years of experience in a 5-year-old tech? Well, meet their cousin – the JD that asks for "5+ years of experience in a technology that was released last Tuesday." Apparently, some startups are secretly developing time machines and forgot to tell us.

Beyond the JD: Digging for Gold

The Human Touch: Reaching Out

Here's a wild idea – why not talk to actual humans? I know, I know, it's scary.

But reaching out to current employees, ex-employees, or even the HR folks can give you the inside scoop that no JD ever could.

Try messaging folks on LinkedIn, reach out in your college groups, maybe just mail the HR folks or company's support email id. Whatever works for you.

Just don't start with "Hey, is your company as crazy as your job description suggests?" (Or do, if you're feeling particularly brave.)

The 70% Rule: Don't Let Perfect Be the Enemy of Good

Listen up, because this is important: You don't need to be a 100% match for the JD. In fact, if you are, you're probably overqualified and will be bored faster than you can say "startup pivot."

Nowadays, JDs are becoming a filter for candidate applications, by preventing people from applying in the first place (by scaring or confusing, or both). They are the new deterrent that startups never prayed for. You will not see total match with your skillsets /profile.

So, Aim for about a 70% match. It's like dating – you want some mystery and room for growth, right?

The Art of Resume Matchmaking

Now, let's talk about making your resume and the JD fall in love. It's like being a matchmaker, but instead of people, you're setting up your skills with their needs. Here's the secret sauce:

1. Identify the key skills and requirements in the JD

2. Translate your experiences to match those needs

3. Use similar language and keywords (but don't just copy-paste, you sneaky devil)

4. Highlight your achievements that align with their "nice-to-haves"

Remember, it's not about lying or exaggerating. It's about framing your awesome self in a way that makes the hiring manager go "Hot diggity, we've got a winner!"

Conclusion: The JD Decoder Ring

So there you have it, folks – your very own JD decoder ring. Next time you're faced with a startup job description that looks like it was written by a committee of caffeinated squirrels, remember:

1. Read between the lines

2. Don't take everything literally

3. Focus on the core skills and requirements

4. Reach out to real humans for the inside scoop

5. Aim for a 70% match, not perfection

6. Tailor your resume to speak their language

7. And most importantly, don't lose your sense of humor!

Remember, behind every crazy job description is a group of (mostly) sane people trying to find awesome engineers like you. So go forth, apply with confidence, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

P.S. If you come across a JD asking for a "full-stack ninja rockstar guru with 15 years of experience in quantum computing and expertise in herding cats," please send it my way. We are compiling a bunch of these for our newsletter. We all could use a good laugh.

Optimize using the Job Description

Start by carefully reviewing the job description and incorporating the relevant keywords throughout your resume. These keywords are often based on the skills, experience, and qualifications the employer is seeking. By mirroring the language used in the job posting, you increase the chances of your resume passing the initial ATS screening.

Ensure correct formatting

Additionally, ensure your resume is clean, well-formatted, and easy for the ATS to read. It might be tempting to use colorful designs in your resume but that could actually hurt you, avoid using tables, text boxes or graphics, as these can sometimes be misinterpreted by the software. Instead, use a simple, straightforward layout that highlights your most relevant qualifications. Make sure that your resume has clear section dividers, some of the common sections that are included in a resume are — Work experience, Education, Achievements and Skills.

Use a tool to make this process easier

We understand that modifying your resume for each job application can be time-consuming and tedious. That's where Zeke can help you. Zeke makes the process of tailoring your resume to each job application quick and effortless, you can efficiently highlight your qualifications and increase your chances of landing interviews.
Try it out here for free →