A Christmas Resume Rescue Gift--Reb MacRath
I found myself in dire straits when a second source of income ran out a month early--with my move to a lovely new place scheduled for January 8. I'd have to pay movers, cleaners and junk removers. And after a four-month job search I'd not had a single interview.
Working against me: my age, my lame right knee, a two-year writing and knee-recovery sabbatical, and a long stint in retail as a cashier when what I really wanted was a security guard job.
Working for me: my receipt of a state security guard card, a half-dozen certificates for continued studies, my refusal to accept the prospect of eviction from my new studio apartment, and my fierce hatred of ageism.
Decision: my resume was killing me. And the first 'resume builder' I'd tried had done nothing for me. I wasn't being rejected--worse, my resume wasn't even being seen...blocked by the monstrous AI behemoth at the gate. ATS (the Applicant Tracking System) decided which applicants recruiters even got to see. What if there were a way to pit AI against itself? I set out to learn.
Result: Just the facts now, just the facts.
--I compared several AI job finders online and found one that looked best to me: terrific selection of templates...online editorial feedback and tailoring of resumes to specific jobs...automatic submission with a customized cover letter for a little extra money...
--I chose a template with a sidebar feature, containing my profile, skills, main experience, and education. And with my lowly cashiering history, I chose to highlight my experience with high theft and de-escalation of conflicts. Fine, but the most relevant job was over ten years ago and my resume led with a two-year sabbatical.
--My AI coach led me to present my job chronology in reverse. And in every line it presented a positive picture of a disciplined, dynamic, organized man with a passion for protecting a client's assets, image, and people.
Okay, then, What's in the box above? One week later--after four months of failure, I received an enthusiastic request for a live interview. A day later brought another. I put the second off until I'd met with the first. And I'm glad I did.
I was hired yesterday. The interview called for a different set of skills that I won't get into now. I'll sign off with hopes that you give AI a chance to get you past any ATS monster.
Merry Christmas.
This is my report.
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