There’s an article on the BBC website today, about applicant tracking systems and how to play them at their own game.

Here’s the link:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20255387

It’s true that there is more and more use of technology when hiring staff, but it’s not an especially recent phenomenon. In the recruitment world we have been using these techniques for cv database searching for the last 10 years or more.

The cv is just a tool to get you an interview, but following these basic rules will make a big difference to your hit rate:

• Make your cv easy to find, read, and understand;
• Do a spell check and get a second opinion before sending it anywhere;
• Minimise the number of assumptions that the reader of the cv has to make;
• Only apply for roles for which you are potentially suitable;
• Tailor your cv to the role;
• Add a covering letter that gives details of your situation, availability, earning expectations, motivation, and why you are good for the job;
• Don’t give up!

And don’t worry – every single application we receive at Blues Point is read by a real person. You can automate the process to some extent, but you can never eliminate the human element.