How to Fool the HR Bots

It’s hard to trick the “applicant management” software, but here are a few tips that might get your resume to the top of the pile.

1. Lift key phrases from the job listing on the website and put them in your resume. Also be sure to use them when filling out online questionnaires.
2. Be sure to mention your critical job skills early and often. That way, your key selling points are read by the HR software as both recent and frequent experience.
3. When the site asks if you were told about the opening by a company employee, always check yes. It’s a little white lie that can give you a big leg up.
4. HR software can be programmed to favor local applicants, so if you’re applying for an out-of-town job, use a friend’s address or rent a post-office box.
5. The best way to beat the bots is to circumvent them. If you see a job listing that intrigues you, log off, pick up the phone, and network like mad to find a back channel.

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