There are companies looking for someone just like you, but does your resume provide enough evidence for you to be identified? It all starts with the following basic concept:

Make It Easy For Companies And Recruiters To Identify And Contact You.

The first step is to put a Title at the top of your resume which indicates the position(s) you are qualified to fill. Using a title is the first step in passing ATS screening. A title is the one of the very first things a recruiter will look for on your resume. It may be easy for you to identify the title, if not, you need to do whatever is necessary to find out what it is.

(1) Figure Out A Title For Positions You Qualify To Fill

Many entry-level candidates send in a resume with no title, and expect recruiters to select an appropriate position for them. However, unless you are lucky, recruiters only look long enough at a resume to figure out if it matches an open position. A missing, or vague title signals that the resume will require extra work to read. Recruiters can look at 20-50 other resumes in the same time it takes to understand one cryptic resume. It is 100% in the control of the candidate to eliminate this problem by figuring out their title.

(2) Do The Recruiter's Thinking For Them...

If you studied software development, use a title such as: "Entry Level Software Developer". A resume title of: "Entry Level Position in the IT Industry" is too vague.

If you studied Data Analysis, use a title such as: "Entry Level Data Analyst". A resume title of: "Graduate in Mathematics and Computer Science" is too vague.

Make your title simple and understandable so even the most junior recruiter will understand what position you qualify for.

(3) Use A Resume Title Which Fits The "Real You"

ATS systems and recruiters identify authentic candidates whose experience and educational history matches a target position. Tailored resumes will never beat a well-written authentic candidate's resume. However, there are endless articles on "How to trick ATS systems and recruiters". People end up out-smarting themselves by focusing on gimmicks and advanced techniques such as branding and resume graphics without taking care of the basics.

I suggest the following approach: Learn how to write an authentic, value-filled resume and how to get it in the hands of the people who appreciate your skills. You will likely end up with a higher quality, higher paying, more fulfilling position and career. Unfortunately there is only enough room in this article to address the title of your resume. For more information on this and moving ahead in your career, please contact me.