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Transitioning: No, not that way…
Transitioning, as in, changing careers. I’ve been in education since 1990. Middle schools, high schools, alternative schools, vo-tech schools, and community colleges. That is not going over well with the non-academic employers who get my resume. That’s all they see… last employer? A high school. Before that? A middle school/high school. Before that? A high school. Or that’s what I thought was holding me back.
So, I’d begun to use my interest in infographics to try to help potential employers visualize the connection between my skills and the skills they seek in a new hire. For example, what schools call “information literacy,” businesses call “knowledge management.” My skills also transition well into customer success and onboarding roles.
However, my infographics can’t get past the bots — NOW they tell me! I’m finding that the biggest hurdle in making my transition are the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). You know, the software used to pre-screen the hundreds of resumes a job posting gets, so the hiring manager only sees the “best” candidates. The majority of resumes never get past the bots.
One of the best things to keep in mind is,
“…the best resumes are written with two audiences in mind — the robots pre-screening your application and the live human in HR who will review your resume, should it make it past the ATS…” topresume.com
What’s interesting about the article that includes that quote? IT HAS AN INFOGRAPHIC ON IT EXPLAINING ABOUT THE ATS!
Does this mean I need to forego one of my attributes (infographics) in order to make my resume bot-friendly? I’m going to find out. I’ll be trying out some of the free ATS screening tests that are available. And I’ll report back to you what works, what doesn’t, and even which bots I’d recommend. Stay tuned…
