Help! My CV/ Resume Is Getting Rejected!

 It's June and, during pre-pandemic times, it's the start of the school year. It's generally also the time when fresh graduates start to apply for jobs. Bakasyon muna after graduation. It's the reason why I thought of writing a blog post on how you can up the chances of your CV/ Resume getting reviewed.

Tip #1 - KISS  Keep It Simple, Sweetheart!

A lot of companies nowadays make use of recruitment management systems or applicant tracking systems. Why? The more advance the platform is, the less time the recruiter has to spend on filtering the applications. These platforms, unfortunately, are subject to the same rules as any software application - Garbage In, Garbage Out. 

Having very artsy CV can actually work against you especially if the Company happens to be using a platform that allows them to parse resumes. Pansin mo may mga companies who direct you to a site where you can upload your resume? These sites can actually parse the resumé so that you don't have to manually type in all the details.

If your resumé makes use of a very unique, artsy layout, the recruitment platform or system might not readily identify which text is your name and which one is actually the address and, worst, which ones actually refer to your skills. Now, imagine the recruiter doing a search for "Technical Recruiter" in their database. E dahil hinde na-capture nang tama yung details mo, the platform will not include your profile in the results that will be displayed.

So, again, keep it as simple as possible. It's the details that are important, not the layout.

Tip #2 - It's All In the Details

Yes, it's all in the details so please make sure that you write down what you have done in your previous work. This makes it easier for the platform (and the recruiter as well) to see if you meet the minimum requirements for the position. I usually work with hundreds of resumés and, since I do not have all the time in the world, I am more likely to prioritize those profiles or applications that are complete.

E kaso hahaba na yung resumé ko!

There is no need to write down all of the things in your job description especially if it is not something that you have actually done. 

Your resume is your chance to market yourself so, iyabang mo na ang mga nagawa mo! 

Highlight your accomplishments and make sure that you quantify what can be quantified. Madali ito pag sa mga sales and business development people. For HR, this could be in the form of changes in the attrition rate or the time it takes to fill position. This allows your prospective employer to see just how good you are with what you do (also shows attention to details and a data-driven mindset).

Nasa details na rin lang naman tayo, when writing your employment history, start with the latest and then work backwards. Huwag mong unahin yung years-ago mo pa na work experience.

'Wag mo na isama hobbies mo especially if it's not something that's needed for the job. Recruiters will not care if you know how to cook sinigang or if you are a plantita.

Tip #3 - Internships/ OJT Matter

Wala pa akong work experience, pano yun?

Don't stress yourself out and rant, pa'no magkaka-work kung ayaw nyo tanggapin? Everyone started at zero (except if you have a business handed down to you by your parents). How were they able to get a job if everyone started at zero?

They played to their strengths and leaned on their OJT experience.

This highlights the fact that, when looking for an OJT experience, wag sa allowance ang tingin. Instead, look at what are the tasks that you would be required to do. May allowance nga pero filing lang, sayang lang! The aim of OJT programs is to give you a glimpse of what it's like working in a company. Take advantage of that and learn all that you need to learn. Tapos, include that in your CV or resume, including the details of the tasks that you have handled.

Handled any major project while at school? Indicate that in your CV as well and, in 3 to 5 sentences, discuss what your role was and what was the result of that project. Again, quantify!

Tip #4 - Keywords Matter

It also pays to put yourself in the shoes of your recruiter. If you were the recruiter, what keywords would you use to search for the right candidate? For example, if I am doing a resume search for a Compensation and Benefits Specialist, it is only natural that I would use the keywords, "payroll", "timekeeping", "attendance", "benefits", "SSS", etc. in order to get profiles that have experience in such. That means, if you are the applicant, you should use these keywords in describing what you do in your past work.

Again, make sure that your CV/ resume has a simple layout kasi baka hinde mabasa yung details nung previous work mo.

Tip #5 - Edit, Edit, Edit!

Check, double check and make sure walang maling spelling and wrong choice of words. Check if your sentences make sense or if it is grammatically correct. Your CV/ resume is your chance to impress someone.