In today’s job market, the allure of using search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to craft a resume is hard to resist. Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated resumes promise convenience, and keyword-heavy templates claim to beat applicant tracking systems (ATS). But as a talent recruiter with years of experience, I’ve found these job search strategies often fall short of showcasing what really matters – your unique story and skillset.  

In short, resume storytelling is the way forward. I hope you will consider these recruiter insights to help you more successfully appeal to hiring manager expectations.    

Let a recruiter ease the emotional toll of job searching     

Job searching is an inherently emotional undertaking. So is resume writing. The right talent recruiter gets this. We understand that for you, it’s not just about finding a job; it’s about finding the job that aligns with your career goals, values, and skills.

We also understand how the use of AI or SEO-centric tactics can feel like a quick fix when you’re overwhelmed. However, as mentioned, this approach can strip your resume of authenticity, turning it into a generic document that fails to highlight your real-life accomplishments and specific experiences.

A human touch matters     

As talent recruiters, we don’t just collect resumes and forward them to hiring companies. We look closely at the individual by reading between the lines of a resume. This is how we find potential for the roles we are working to help our clients fill. While a resume teeming with buzzwords may make it through an ATS, it won’t necessarily impress someone who’s looking for substance.    

Often, all it takes is repositioning and a human touch to make a resume shine. A good recruiter sees beyond a poorly written resume, recognizing a candidate’s fit for a role based on their actual experience, achievements, and potential. Job candidates who partner with a recruiter gain an advocate who helps transform their resumes into authentic reflections of their capabilities. You deserve no less.    

Here’s what my process involves in helping candidates fine-tune a resume:   

• Personalized feedback: I provide constructive, tailored advice to make your resume more aligned with your skillset and career goals.    

• Relationship building: Talent recruiting isn’t about filling open jobs. It’s about fostering trust with you and identifying available job opportunities that truly fit your career path.  

• Hand-sourcing talent: Whether your resume is already polished or needs work, I focus on your demonstrated abilities, experience, and potential, and how these attributes match up with open roles that are available – not their ability to game an algorithm. 

The downside of SEO-optimized resumes     

I can’t emphasize enough how solely relying on AI tools like ChatGPT and SEO tactics can reduce a job seeker’s resume to a collection of keywords associated with a particular industry role, job description, or job posting.  

While this might increase your chances of being noticed by an ATS, it can fail to capture the attention of a talent recruiter or hiring manager looking for depth and character. Worse, it may misrepresent your experience, leading to mismatched job opportunities.   

Choose a better way forward for your career   

As you contemplate your next career move, keep these things in mind:  

• A great resume is more than a ticket past an ATS algorithm. It’s your professional story. 

• Shifting the focus from AI-generated resumes and SEO tricks to striking meaningful relationships is what opens doors to achieving career goals that truly matter.   

• Our goal as talent recruiters is to connect you with right-fit opportunities, build trust with you and potential employers, and ensure long-term success for you and the organization you ultimately choose to join. This starts by giving you insider expertise and support in crafting a resume that resonates with hiring managers on a personal level (the human touch).

Reach out to me and let’s get you on a good, solid path for your job search and career journey. I am a recruiting partner with Goodwin Recruiting and will work with you to focus your resume on your strengths, address any employment gaps, and ensure your experience, accomplishments, and skillset are authentically framed for the job opportunities you choose to pursue.