Do Employers Really Keep Resumes on File

Do Employers Really Keep Resumes on FileDo Employers Really Keep Resumes on File4Yes they do, says Tiffany Kuehl, a senior account executive in HR consulting with Versique (find them on Twitter Versique), an award-winning executive search and consulting firm.Do Employers Really Keep Resumes on File?While it may seem as though your resume goes into a black hole, never to see the light of day again, it is typically kept in an employers database, also known as an applicant tracking System (ATS), says Kuehl, who has also held talent acquisition leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies, where applicant tracking systems are commonplace to manage large volumes of applications for job openings.An ATS is designed to notlage only post jobs and collect resumes, but is set up to store applicant information and be accessed by the recruiter at any time, adds Kuehl.How to Make Your Resume ATS-FriendlyThis is often the first place a recruiter will look when they are identifying potential candidates , says Kuehl. Your resume is not going to get schwefelyperit in an ATS, but to ensure it can be easily found, use resume keywords that are relevant in your industry or function.Also avoid using text boxes, shapes, pictures, logos, and multiple colors when uploading your resume into an ATS.Its important to make your resume visually stand out on paper, but when it is scanned into an ATS those cool enhancements can get lost and may cause your resume to become disfigured, says Kuehl. Bottom line, keep your resume crisp, clean, and current with pertinent job, skill, or industry-related keywords.Why Employers Dont Always Follow UpKeep in mind, given the volume of applications recruiters receive, it just isnt feasible to call everyone who has expressed interest in an open position, adds Kuehl. While it is not ideal, nor warm and fuzzy, most companies using an ATS have automatic messages sent to applicants confirming his/her application has been received and is under review. Additionally, m any systems now allow applicants to log into a portal to view the status of their submittal.Will a Career Changers Old Resumes on File Be Used in the Future?If a job seeker applies for another role with the same company at a later date, they could have the option of selecting the resume on file or providing an updated version. If this option does not appear, it doesnt mean the information is lost, it just means the company configured their ATS without that option. Either way, candidates are able to provide current information.The next question then is, do recruiters really go back into that database and look through resumes on file for potential candidates who have already applied for various positions when hiring down the road?Yes, they really do, says Kuehl.Looking to change careers? Start your job search here