Artificial intelligence (AI) has become integral to the hiring process. Recruiters use AI automated filters to sort through the thousands of applications they receive on a job posting. You could be the most qualified applicant in the world, but committing a mistake could cost you the job of your dreams due to the efficiency of AI hiring filters. A mistake could get your resume rejected before it comes across a hiring manager's desk.
In healthcare, where job positions are highly sought after, it is crucial to understand the potential pitfalls that could cause your resume to be rejected by AI filters. To increase your chances of landing that dream job, let's explore the biggest mistakes that can hinder your resume's success in the eyes of AI.
1. Lack of Relevant Keywords:
Keywords are the lifeblood of AI hiring filters. Without appropriate industry-specific keywords, your resume may not pass the initial screening. For healthcare job seeking, be sure to include relevant keywords such as "healthcare management," "direct patient care," "medical terminology," “healthcare sales,” and other related terms. Tailor your resume to the specific job description to maximize your chances of catching the AI's attention.
One excellent way to find appropriate keywords is to look at the job posting. Ask yourself, “What words are they using, and how can I work them into my resume?”
But don’t go overboard! Nothing looks so silly as a resume stuffed to the brim with keywords but does not say anything about you as a candidate. You don’t want to fill your resume with fluffy keywords just to pass the AI filter–remember, a human will see this after the AI has passed it on. Use your keywords strategically.
2. Ignoring Formatting Guidelines:
AI hiring filters often struggle to parse poorly formatted resumes. Using unusual fonts, excessive graphics, or complex formatting can confuse the AI algorithms, leading to rejection. Stick to a clean, professional format with clear section headings, bullet points, and consistent font styles. This approach ensures that your resume is easily scannable and understandable for AI and human recruiters.
When you are creating the layout of your resume, it can be easy to format it in the most aesthetically pleasing way. But this is not always wise. Most AI filters are not programmed to “read” images and might confuse any graphics (colorful headings, margins, or other design elements) or images. Unless you are in a career field where headshots are mandatory, leave your picture off your resume.
Remember that when it comes to resume formatting for AI filters, the simpler it is, the better. Don’t use templates that group the sections in odd ways. Always move down the page using clear headings and bullet points.
And finally, don’t upload a PDF unless explicitly asked to do so. Some AI filters cannot process PDF documents and may reject an excellent resume because it cannot “read” the document. Save your resume as a .doc or .docx and submit it the same.
3. Omitting Important Contact Information:
Surprisingly, some candidates overlook the inclusion of their contact information or provide outdated details. Double-check that your resume includes your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. By omitting these essential details, you risk losing out on interview opportunities, as AI filters cannot contact you if they can't find your contact information.
An important contact point is the company you currently work for. It may seem like a small mistake but do not assume that everyone knows the acronym or nickname of where you work. Failing to write this information clearly could get you rejected from the applicant pool by the AI filter or the HR representative who reads it next.
4. Failing to Quantify Achievements:
AI hiring filters appreciate concrete and quantifiable information. Merely stating your job responsibilities and skills without providing specific accomplishments can hinder your chances of success. When describing your experience, quantify your achievements using measurable descriptions, such as "increased patient satisfaction by 30%," "implemented cost-saving measures resulting in a $100,000 annual budget reduction," or "managed a team of 15 healthcare professionals."
This is an excellent spot to mention any awards, rankings, or special achievements you may have received in your career. Remember, a resume is a sales pitch, and the product is you! Don’t be afraid to mention your accolades. But keep them succinct and quantifiable. These specific details demonstrate your impact and make your resume stand out to AI filters.
When quantifying your experience, use strong verbs and clear data. These bullet points may be longer, but it is worth the extra verbiage to quantify your experience.
5. Using Abbreviations and Jargon Exclusively:
While abbreviations and industry-specific jargon are common in healthcare, relying solely on them in your resume can lead to rejection by AI filters. Remember that AI algorithms may only recognize some acronyms or healthcare terminology, especially if they are less common. Strike a balance by providing explanations or using more commonly understood terms alongside abbreviations to ensure both humans and AI understand your resume.
6. Neglecting Relevant Education and Certifications:
Education and certifications play a significant role in healthcare recruiting. Failure to include these essential qualifications can prevent your resume from making it through AI filters. Clearly list your degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework, paying particular attention to those directly related to healthcare. Mentioning specific healthcare software proficiency, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, can also boost your chances of success.
In professional fields such as healthcare, it is important to remember that software and IT experience is highly valuable. If you are a healthcare salesperson with experience with Salesforce or other CRM platforms, mention this! Remember that the AI filter is trained to recognize keywords; this is an easy place to get more keywords naturally!
In today’s modern job field, finding that perfect job can feel wildly frustrating. You may feel like you are submitting hundreds of applications on Indeed or LinkedIn with no response. If this is you, double-check your resume for some of these mistakes–it could be that your resume was getting rejected by AI filters.
Avoiding common mistakes can greatly enhance your chances of making it past the AI screening process. Remember, while AI may initially filter your resume, human recruiters will ultimately evaluate your qualifications, so make sure your resume appeals to both. With a well-crafted and AI-friendly resume, you'll be one step closer to landing your dream healthcare job.
Are you feeling lost while looking for a new job or career in healthcare? Here at Cygnet Health Recruiters, we pride ourselves on connecting job searchers with the perfect role and company for them. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through thousands of job postings, reach out today and let us help you narrow your search and get you in touch with the perfect job for you!
