Career Warrior Podcast

Share

cover art for #132) Jobscan | Benefits & Drawbacks

#132) Jobscan | Benefits & Drawbacks

Season 1, Ep. 132

Today, we’re going to talk about Jobscan. This is a good episode to introduce you to the tool if you haven’t heard about it already. And I’m going to offer you my take on what some potential benefits and drawbacks may be of the tool. 


What we'll cover:


What are applicant tracking systems?


Applicant tracking systems are a tool used by companies to keep track of applicants. And if you’re a larger company, it probably makes sense that you are using a tool like this because you’re probably attracting a large number of applicants. Well that’s exactly what applicant tracking systems do for companies -- they organize and sort through a large pool of applicants so as to save them time. 


What are keywords?


Keywords in an application and on a resume are what make most of that sorting possible. Since these systems can sort through your resume look for relevant keywords, it would behoove you to optimize your resume for keywords, which has been past advice on this podcast. 


What is Jobscan?


Jobscan is a tool that will scan your resume and give you an percentage score on a scale of 1-100 of how well your resume does based on some job postings that you submit for. Jobscan recommends hitting that 80% mark in order to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems. 


Now it does a match rate based on these priorities in order:

  • 1. Hard skills
  • 2. Education level (only when an advanced degree is included in the job description)
  • 3. Job title
  • 4. Soft skills 


Heart of the Podcast:


Benefits

  • Sound metrics: After reviewing it, the things that it looks for are very sound (compelling accomplishments, having a decent word count, relevant skills that are a match for the position). 
  • Great interface: The interface is just beautiful. I could look at that thing all day, and it makes it really easy to understand what the tool is trying to communicate with me and how to use it. All you have to do is copy and paste and you have a score you can work with from the start. 


Drawbacks 

  • Sensitivity to job posting accuracy: You are only as good as the job postings you give it. Which means if I give some job postings that are not truly representative, then I am just going to mislead myself as I write my resume.
  • This is really a guessing game: The biggest thing: not all applicant tracking systems -- and not all recruiters are the same. I will go back to what I’ve said from the start -- it is a guessing game. And the score you get using one system may not be the same for Bullhorn as it is for Taleo. And most importantly, it may not be the same for Taleo in 2020 in the spring as it is for Taleo in 2020 winter. algorithms are constantly evolving. 


The verdict: it’s okay and probably useful to work with Jobscan if applying mostly online. But please take it with a grain of salt. Don’t let this guide your resume strategy, but use it as a supplemental tool to gain insights and boost your creativity.



More Episodes

View all

  • 299. #299) 1 Thing Most People Don't Include On Their Resumes That They SHOULD

    10:30
    Welcome to the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast. If your goal is to transition to more meaningful work, achieve better pay, or reach that flow state at work – this is your podcast. I am Chris Villanueva, the founder of Let’s Eat, Grandma, the resume-writing service that puts customers first. Today, I’m telling you 1 Thing Most People Aren't Including On Their Resumes That They SHOULD. Listen: You’re going to want to listen to this episode if you want your resume to stand out. Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInCheck us out on Instagram

  • 298. #298) Top 3 Mistakes in Mid-Level Resumes

    15:04
    Our company has combed through countless resumes, spoken with hiring managers, and analyzed industry trends to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date insights. So, if you're ready to take your resume from ordinary to extraordinary, you've come to the right place!Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInCheck us out on Instagram

  • 297. #297) Gain Better Visibility in Your Job Search NOW | Janine Esbrand

    08:16
    First, we'll dive into the “Visibility Effect” and discuss some of the best ways to get noticed in the workplace. We'll explore strategies such as creating a personal brand, networking, and taking on leadership roles. Our expert guest will provide actionable advice on how to increase your visibility and make a lasting impression.Next, we'll discuss the challenges that many individuals face when trying to gain the confidence and respect of their colleagues and managers. We'll explore strategies such as building relationships, speaking up in meetings, and seeking feedback. Our guest will share tips on how to communicate effectively and assertively to gain the respect of your peers.Our amazing REPEAT guest is Janine Esbrand, the founder of Career Change Makers, TEDx Speaker, Podcast Host and former lawyer. Since stepping off the corporate lawyer treadmill, life looks very different for Janine. She has spent the past 7 seven years helping female professionals take ownership of their careers. It is her mission to help women to transition into work that they want to do rather than coast along doing work that they feel they should do. Janine has blended her expertise as a career and executive coach with her 10 years' experience as a professional working woman to guide clients through a simple and impactful process to loving work and life.Whether you're looking for a new job or seeking to advance in your current role, gaining visibility is key to achieving your career goals. Join us as we explore the world of career empowerment and discover how to gain the visibility you need to succeed. Tune in to our podcast for actionable strategies and insights that can help you take charge of your professional journey.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Career Change MakersConnect with Janine on LinkedInFollow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInConnect with Chris on LinkedInCheck us out on InstagramSubscribe to Let’s Eat, Grandma’s YouTube channel for video podcast highlights

  • 296. #296) Pushing Past Barriers: Non Traditional Education, Low Income | Career Building as a Minority | Nitzan Pelman

    31:20
    If you feel like you’re trapped – whether that be through not having the “perfect background” or feeling like your economic situation is holding you back, you need to listen to this episode. You may be struggling right now because you believe more strongly in the barriers right in front of you. Or you may (like many others) believe that there is a straight highway to success, and you don’t see yourself on that road. You feel like you’re in the grass on the side. This episode is going to shift your mindset and provoke thought to help you succeed. Nitzan Pelman is a three-time social impact entrepreneur whose life mission is to create economic opportunity for hidden and overlooked talent. She founded Climb Hire in 2019 as a way to generate upward mobility for people earning below livable wage. Climb Hire’s program model is based on Nitzan’s first-hand research as an Entrepreneur in Residence at LinkedIn, where she studied the powerful role that social networks can play in securing living wage jobs. Early in her career she worked at the Department of Education in New York City, KIPP, and Teach for America.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Climb HereConnect with Nitzan on LinkedInFollow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInConnect with Chris on LinkedInCheck us out on InstagramSubscribe to Let’s Eat, Grandma’s YouTube channel for video podcast highlights

  • 295. #295) Become the CEO of Your Career | Janine Esbrand

    41:11
    We'll talk about how this mindset can help you take control of your career trajectory and set yourself up for success.We'll also explore some strategies to start taking ownership of your career. We'll cover topics such as networking, skill development, and personal branding. Our expert guest will share tips on how to create a career plan that aligns with your values and goals.Finally, we'll dive into how to help clients set clear career goals and develop a strategy to achieve them. We'll discuss the importance of identifying your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Our guest will provide actionable advice on how to create a roadmap to achieve your career objectives.Our guest is Janine Esbrand, the founder of Career Change Makers, TEDx Speaker, Podcast Host, and former lawyer. Since stepping off the corporate lawyer treadmill, life looks very different for Janine. She has spent the past 7 seven years helping female professionals take ownership of their careers. It is her mission to help women to transition into work that they want to do rather than coast along doing work that they feel they should do. Janine has blended her expertise as a career and executive coach with her 10 years of experience as a professional working woman to guide clients through a simple and impactful process to loving work and life. Join us as we explore the world of career empowerment and discover how to become the CEO of your own career. Tune in to our podcast for actionable strategies and insights that can help you take charge of your professional journey.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Career Change MakersConnect with Janine on LinkedInFollow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInConnect with Chris on LinkedInCheck us out on InstagramSubscribe to Let’s Eat, Grandma’s YouTube channel for video podcast highlights

  • 294. #294) Here's What Your LinkedIn About Section Should Say

    11:20
    On today's episode of Let's Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast, we're diving into the world of LinkedIn and discussing what your About section should include. As a member of the LinkedIn Podcast Academy and have helped thousands of people with their LinkedIn profiles, we have a wealth of knowledge to share on this topic.The About section on your LinkedIn profile is arguably the best section to showcase who you are and engage with potential connections. Unfortunately, many people fall into the trap of simply listing their current job and skills, missing out on the opportunity to share their unique stories.From sharing your journey to highlighting your passions and values, we explore all the elements that make a great About section. So, whether you're looking to transition to more meaningful work or simply want to make a stronger impression on LinkedIn, this episode has everything you need to know.To wrap things up, we offer a call to action for listeners to hop on LinkedIn, connect with us, and ask for an honest assessment of their own About section. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level!Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInCheck us out on Instagram

  • 293. #293) Are Cover Letters Dead In 2023?

    09:53
    Are cover letters dead in 2023? While many may argue that cover letters are no longer necessary, I believe that they can be one of the most powerful parts of a job application if written exceptionally well. Cover letters can provide a platform to showcase soft skills, which are important in any job application. I also advised job seekers to research the company they are applying to and find creative ways to show their soft skills rather than just stating them. Cover letters can also give more context to career transitioners and explain why they are making the switch. I provided two examples of cover letters to illustrate how to make them stand out. So, if you're looking to make your job application stand out, this is the episode for you.Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInCheck us out on Instagram

  • 292. #292) What Skills Should I List On My Resume?

    10:59
    We start with a fun analogy, likening your resume to a taco with various ingredients. Our host shares some valuable insights from John and Katy, leaders on his team, on how to think about your skills. They emphasize the importance of recent, relevant, and required skills. They advise omitting skills that you learned a long time ago and haven't applied in a decade. Our episode today also stresses the importance of focusing your resume on one target job description and ensuring that all the skills on the job description are also in your resume. He suggests tweaking your resume to include all the skills related to the job you want.Finally, we discuss how to include skills on your resume. While it's best to have a skills section that includes the required skills for ATS purposes, it's also important to provide evidence of how you used your skills to accomplish a specific goal that made a measurable impact on the company in your Professional Experience bullet points.To learn more about crafting a winning resume, tune in to this episode of the Let's Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our show and stay tuned for upcoming episodes on topics like cover letters and LinkedIn about sections. If you need more help with your applications, visit Let's Eat, Grandma and leave us a review.Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInCheck us out on Instagram

  • 291. #291) Human Connection is More Important than Ever

    08:33
    Human connection is more important than ever. In a chaotic job search landscape that's becoming increasingly digital, it can be easy to rely solely on online job boards and applications when looking for a job. However, research has shown that personal connections can play a significant role in landing your dream job.If you're currently job hunting or looking to take your career to the next level, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in to the Career Warrior Podcast to learn how to use human connection to your advantage in your job search.Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInCheck us out on Instagram