Completely confused and frustrated..
I’m 39 and have 2 kids under the age of 3. My firing in April came as a massive surprise as I was #3 out of 7 sales managers at my last hotel. I was mind blown and now for some unknown reason can’t get a job to save my life. It’s been over 3 months with no work and lots of hospital bills for my younger son, not to mention a ridiculously high COBRA plan for me and my kids that far outweighs Arizona unemployment wages. I’ve tried and tried again to follow up with my more than 80 applications I’ve sent in and just don’t know what else to do. I’m great at my job - was promoted twice in 4 years and was repeatedly an employee or manager of the year nominee. I love working and love the hospitality industry - that’s what my degree is in for crying out loud! This whole finding a new job thing sucks and the toughest part is trying to figure out when it’s all going to end and I’m able to get another paycheck again.
What am I supposed to do - send the applications in while sitting in their HR office to make sure I get noticed?
Hi Bryan Altorfer I have been there and many of us here in the community have as well so you are NOT alone. Are you currently collecting unemployment? Make sure to take advantage of any benefits your state offers! Did you ask for the reason why you were fired? It sounds like perhaps they were downsizing. I am so sorry that happened, but don't let that stop you or let you forget those great accomplishments!
If you are applying and not hearing back, the problem could be that your resume is missing some important information!
If a company uses what’s called a [applicant tracking system] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l61IGZLXRkY) or ATS, your resume will go through a screening process. If it’s missing certain elements it will be pushed aside and not viewed by that particular company.
So, let’s look at some tips on how to use keywords to update your resume and beat the ATS!
Keywords are words that relate to the skills, abilities, credentials, and qualities that a hiring manager looks for in a candidate. When recruiters search for keywords in the ATS, they are looking to match certain concrete skills in your resume to their current needs. Come check out to see how yours match up and a list of keywords [here] (https://www.jobscan.co/blog/top-resume-keywords-boost-resume/ )!
Say for example you are applying for a job as the manager of a hotel restaurant. A recruiter may search for phrases such as “restaurant manager,” “hotel restaurant,” or even for the word “hospitality.” Recruiters will not likely look for words and phrases such as “outgoing," "hard worker,” "team player," etc.
It’s very important to remember that keywords highlight your skills and NOT your traits. Be sure to take some time to make an updated list of your keywords and add them to the work experience section of your resume!
For more tips please make sure to watch [this short clip] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l61IGZLXRkY) as Lenin Pina teaches you how to beat the ATS and turn your resume into an interview!
Keep us posted and good luck! Keep applying and don't give up.