What are your thoughts/beliefs about the civilian application tracking system?

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:24:45 -0400

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Sep 13 at 2014 5:09 PM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:09:00 -0400

Most people think of it as the black hole of large computer programs that seek and eliminate applications and resumes that don't have certain keywords associated with the job descriptions.

Is that what your thought and belief is?

If so what are some suggestions that you believe would increase your probability of your application reaching the hiring manager?

Dylan

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 17 at 2014 11:48 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:48:22 -0400

CW2 Raymond,

First and foremost, thank you for your service.

I have experienced the Federal "resumix" system which in fact evaluates your resume based on an "unknown" word or phrase and counts the number of times that word or phrase is repeated. Is the system fair, not necessarily as if you use the right words again and again throughout your resume but don’t have the experience to back it up then you may get an interview that a more qualified candidate should have received.

I have even experienced this in my current Federal job. I apply for positions outside my agency, and am referred on the best qualified list, but apply internally and am told I am not qualified. The position descriptions are virtually identical, but for my Agency I fail to have the qualifications.

In my estimation, the practice of customizing your resume for each position description helps to set your resume apart through the computer screening. If applying for a Human Resources position make sure your resume over emphasizes your human resources roles, etc.

Do a cover letter. Most Federal jobs do not ask, but this should be a synopsis of why you are a viable if not the best candidate for the position.

Call the person listed and ensure they received your application, thank them for reviewing, and be nice! Personal connection MAY make a difference. This may be more of a hope statement than anything else, but I do HOPE people still make a difference.

Those are my thoughts and suggestions. Thank you for your insightful post.

Joseph M. Finck
SFC, USA (Ret)