The Period of Waiting After Submitting
The relief of finally hitting the submit button is cause for celebration. The process of writing has been made so much easier by utilizing Hardly.
But what about the days and weeks of waiting after? Puttering around the house and waiting to hear back is nobody’s idea of a good time. The longer the waiting period stretches, the more room yawns open for anxiety to slip in.
If you’re wondering what to do next, wonder no longer. Hardly has your back (and a few options of what to do in the meanwhile).
Take a Breath and Reset
It’s a lot of pressure to organize everything and apply. Taking a moment to breathe is never going to hurt. Life is always going to be chaotic and full of surprises. One moment of peace is something you shouldn’t begrudge yourself.
While applying, your eyes tend to be locked on a screen for HOURS. Hitting the submit button means screen time can finally be over. Hardly recommends stepping away from all screens, big and small. Especially right before sleeping. That text can wait (all non-urgent ones of course) and so can that new TV show.
Don’t overthink or let yourself join the negativity club. Don’t let yourself spiral into “what ifs.” Easier said than done, right?
What To Do Instead
Once you’ve hit submit, give yourself a minute. Literally.
- Step away from your screens. (Big AND small!)
- Stretch your legs. (Leg cramps from not moving are the worst.)
- Get some air. (10 minutes can make a world of difference).
- Call a friend. (Never a bad idea.)
You’ve done the hard work. Now it’s time to let your brain catch up. Focus on the things you are grateful for and things you are looking forward to.
Track and Organize Your Applications
With Hardly’s job tracker, you can see every single application you have submitted, what stage you are at with each one, and have coaches able to advise you every step of the way. Creating multiple accounts for different job portals, remembering all of those passwords, and hoping that you won’t miss the next email or phone call sounds like a hassle.
I’ve seen people utilize Excel and create gigantic spreadsheets or write down every job in their Notes app. It works for some people, but definitely not for everyone.
Don’t make extra work for yourself. Keeping track of your applications reduces stress and keeps you prepared.
By inputting the company, date applied, and the link to the job description, you’ve already organized your pile of jobs in less than a minute. Once you get an interview, you can change the status of the application to “Interviewing.” If an opportunity doesn’t work out, another click of a button greys it out.
Prepare for the Next Steps
If you’re antsy to get past relaxing and onto the next thing, we have a few tips for you. Use the waiting time to get ready for potential interviews or follow-ups.
Do the research. Companies LOVE when you already know all about the position and the company. If you bring fresh ideas to an interview or personal projects that you completed specifically for that company, that puts you 5 steps above the rest of the applicants.
Practice common interview questions. You can never practice enough. Sometimes you might have to wing it because life happens. It’s not the end of the world BECAUSE you have already spent extra time practicing for whatever might come your way. The research you have done will ensure you’re never caught off-guard with questions related to the company.
Update your portfolio or LinkedIn. Don’t think that interviewing companies won’t look over your portfolio or Linkedin before they even speak to you. You want to show and put your most polished foot forward.
Keep relevant materials (resume, cover letter) handy and polished. Printer paper won’t cut it. Invest in a few copies of your clean and simple resume on white cotton paper. You won’t regret it and your future employers will appreciate it.
Build Up Your Skills
Like I mentioned earlier, personal projects can be huge when interviewing for a specific job. In the design world, a branding project focused on the company you’d love to work at should be included in your portfolio and mentioned.
Online courses and free webinars are abundant. LinkedIn Learning is a huge resource. I highly recommend certificates. They take a few hours to a couple of days to complete, but ultimately highlight your steadfast dedication to a specific skill.
Network, Network, and Network
Friends can refer you to people in that company or industry. Those people can refer to exactly who you need. Six degrees of separation is not entirely unfounded. Everyone knows someone.
If not, sending out a few messages and emails to people in the company or industry for a cup of coffee or a 15 minute call can establish relationships and help you get you where you need to be. Down the road, it could be the tipping point of an opportunity or help create a new opportunity just for you. Make sure you aren’t just asking the person for a job. That’s shallow and transactional. Truly invest your attention in them and then they’ll invest in you AFTER building a strong relationship.
Keep Applying, But Stay Focused
Now that you’re ready to start applying again, I recommend applying to a few every day. Don’t apply to a thousand because that encourages burnout in a wildly short amount of time. Sending out a few high quality applications is worth much more in the end than a thousand half-baked applications. Make sure to proofread and ensure your resume and cover letter are saying exactly what you want them to say.
Never forget to celebrate your progress!
Conclusion: Own the In-Between
It might feel empty, just waiting for people to get back to you. Fill that time and space with things that can only help you move forward. Rest and being proactive are qualities that will serve you well, even outside of job applications.
Staying positive makes all the difference. That time between submitting and hearing back doesn’t have to feel empty. With Hardly’s tools like your resume, your tracker, and your next steps, it all becomes part of the bigger picture you’re building. You’re not just waiting. You’re moving forward.
1. Clean Up What's Collecting Dust
Let’s start by clearing out what’s no longer working. We want your career story to be told and catch the attention of those who need to hear it.
For my young professionals out there, keep your resume clean and clear with a one page maximum.
The same goes for your cover letter. It’s tempting to fit every experience into your resume — believe me, I’ve been there and done that. In the words of one of my former teachers, you don’t want the person reading it to be in a bad mood because it’s too long. When it’s too long, most people will skip through it even faster. That’s not ideal.
💡 Career experts agree; cover letters aren’t always required, but a strong one can make all the difference in your job search.
For everyone else, it’s always good to keep the most recent and relevant experiences on your resume and highlight specific instances in your cover letters. Understandably, some people have significant gaps in time in their professional careers. In those cases, prioritize relevant experiences. If there happen to be other jobs or professional experiences since then that can be highlighted, let that job you had straight after your last year of school take a backseat.
Now that we’ve got the main bullet points in place, it’s time to make sure that your resume sounds sleek and modern.
Here are some examples of tired and dated sentence phrases:
- “Responsible for handling customer inquiries." (Translation: I answered lots and lots of phone calls.)
- “Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. (Every office job ever.)
- “Hard worker with a positive attitude.” (Yawn.)
- “Participated in team meetings and contributed ideas.” (Basically, I showed up.)
These tired phrases are holding your career story hostage. It’s time to kick them to the curb and make space for what really counts. We’ll give an example about how to revitalize phrases like this in the next section, so keep reading.
2. Keep the Gems
What’s still working for you? That introduction might have been collecting dust for a few years, but at one point it accurately described your abilities and career story. Take the tone or a certain word and refresh it.
🕰 Have you always been good with time-management? Update the wording so that strength finally gets the credit it deserves.
Before (dusty old intro):“I am a detail-oriented professional with strong time-management skills and a commitment to teamwork.”
After (much better):“A natural multitasker who thrives in fast-paced environments, I balance deadlines, projects, and collaboration with ease. Busy days become my success stories” (a perfect segue to an example of such a success story)
Of course, there isn’t anything wrong with the first introduction. It gets the job done with no extra fluff. In full transparency, the AI that reads it first won’t notice anything amiss. The only thing missing?
(It’s kind of important.)
It’s your voice. Once your resume and cover letter make it past the initial rounds, which it will, a real person will be scanning cover letter after cover letter. You want to make it stick in their minds. This is your chance to stand out in a clean and memorable way! Make it count.
For more on how to make your resume and cover letter ATS-friendly, click here.
3. Rewrite the Script
I have an even easier solution for you.
Imagine not going through your cover letter and resume and rewriting every little thing about your career.
You don’t have to imagine it. With Hardly, input your old cover letter and resume along with some key words about what you want your new cover letter or resume to sound like into our cover letter and resume builders. Within minutes, you’ll have a brand-new, clutter-free, and ATS-friendly cover letter and resume ready to submit.
Worried about tone? You don’t have to be. Our AI enhances all text to sound exactly how you want it to. And guess what? All of Hardly’s tools are customizable to your needs. Use what you want, leave behind what you don’t.
4. Clear the Way for Change
Here’s your Hardly toolkit:
- Resume Builder – Match resumes to job descriptions instantly so you can apply with confidence and clarity. Hardly tailors the structure and content to position you for success.
- Cover Letter Builder – You can pick any job description, and generate a cohesive and polished cover letter within seconds that tells your career story. Enhance the cover letter with Hardly’s AI button.
- Job Application Tracker – Track applications, identify next steps, and coach with confidence using Hardly’s real-time job tracking tool
- Interview Practice Tool – Hardly’s Interview Practice Tool helps job seekers like you get ready for interviews by practicing responses and improving their delivery. It is an excellent tool to simulate the basic interview process.
- Messaging – Stay connected with quick, secure messages, all within the platform.
Assessments – Use built-in assessments to identify strengths, gaps, and job readiness.
Final Thoughts
Your career story is not fixed. It grows as you do. Whether you are just starting out or re-entering the workforce after time away, you already have what you need. What matters now is how you tell it.
Clear the clutter. Say what you mean. Let Hardly help you bring your next chapter into focus.
How To Own Your Growth At Every Stage
Growth isn’t a straight line to the top. It also isn’t defined by job titles or degrees.
Growth begins the moment you decide to move forward.
If you’re working with a workforce development center to find your next step, growth might mean rebuilding your confidence or figuring out how to talk about everything you’ve learned outside of a traditional job. It might mean navigating a completely new direction. And no matter where you are in your journey, Hardly is here to help you take that next step.
Who Are The People Utilizing Workforce Development Centers?
- Recent High School Graduates
- Someone looking to pivot into a different industry
- Veterans readjusting to the job climate
- The ones who decided to forgo the college experience for real world experience
- Formerly incarcerated individuals
- Displaced workers
- Anyone rethinking what meaningful work looks like for them
- Parents getting back into the workforce after years
Everyone’s path is different, and that’s the point. Every experience teaches you something worth bringing to your next role.
The First Stage
This section is mostly for our high school graduates, but this advice applies to anyone without a degree looking further their careers without one.
Many of the most successful business men and women in the world don’t have a college degree. Their success didn’t come from a diploma. It came from the skills they built and the way they showed up.
Career success today depends far more on real-world experience than formal education. Every experience you have had has impacted you, whether that’s positively or negatively. It’s up to you to figure out how to channel the growth that each experience has sparked in you into your next steps.
Working in retail or at your local diner has value. It means you know how to work with people, even in difficult situations. If you had a side hustle in high school, it shows entrepreneurship and the ability to take risks responsibly. Volunteering at your local nursing home shows compassion, willingness to give back to the community, and most importantly, dedication.
These experiences matter and important to build true character alongside your foundation. You’ve already built the skills you need. Now it’s time to make sure employers see them.
Hardly works hand-in-hand with workforce development centers. Our tools, like our resume builder, help you tell your story clearly and professionally. If your experience doesn’t look traditional, that’s okay. Tell us where you’ve been, and we’ll help you present it in the best way possible.
Reentering The Workforce
Coming back to work after time away can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve been raising a family, serving in the military, or navigating a major life change, reentering the workforce requires courage and support.
For some, it’s been years since they’ve had to update a resume or apply for a job. For others, like formerly incarcerated individuals, the gap in employment might feel like a wall. And for veterans, the transition into civilian life can be jarring.
You’ve developed highly valuable skills that aren’t always written in the language employers expect to see. These types of skills could never have been gained by someone in academia. That’s your advantage. You have lived a different life, and have grown skills that are necessary for our society.
If you’ve kept people safe, followed detailed protocols, or learned how to make fast decisions in unpredictable environments, you already have what so many employers are looking for. Adaptability. Leadership. Attention to detail. Teamwork.
Can you work well in a high-pressure environment? The question doesn’t even need to be asked with certain jobs under your belt.
The key is helping employers recognize those strengths. That is what Hardly does best. Our resume and cover letter builders help you translate your story into a format employers understand. And this time, you don’t have to spend hours staring at a blank screen.
Pivoting To A New Industry
The job search is grueling, especially when you’re trying to pivot into a new field without a traditional background.
It’s a time filled with uncertainty.
You apply to dozens of jobs, rewrite your resume over and over, tailor your cover letters and still hear nothing back. Eventually, it starts to feel personal. But it’s not.
Rejections left and right are NOT a commentary on the value you can bring to the table. Forbes states that 70% of people are finding it harder to get a job this year than in years past. You’re not imagining things. The market is tough.
Hardly lets you update your resume as you grow, build custom cover letters for every job you apply to, and track all your applications in one place. We help you stay organized and focused so your effort doesn’t go to waste. Our tools make your growth visible to employers.
Don’t make it harder than it needs to be, right?
Action Steps
Here’s a few steps to get you started:
1. Use Hardly’s resume builder to tell your story clearly and confidently.
A well-crafted resume is your first impression. Use our tools to highlight your strengths, your experiences, and your goals in a way that speaks to employers.
2. Track your applications with the job tracker.
Staying organized during your job search helps you stay focused. Hardly’s job tracker lets you see where you have applied, follow up with confidence, and celebrate each small win.
3. Set one new growth goal each week.
Small goals lead to big changes. Whether it is updating one section of your resume, learning a new digital tool, or attending a workshop, consistent progress builds momentum.
4. Keep showing up.
Growth is not about having everything figured out. It is about taking one step at a time, no matter what stage you are in.
Hardly makes those steps easier. We are here to help you stay on track and own your growth with clarity and purpose.
Growth Looks Different on Everyone
Here’s a fun fact about me: I’m a perfectionist at heart. However, being perfect is not what growth is about. We’re all running the same race but from different places. Your next step will look different from mine. The most important thing to keep in mind is that we’re both moving forward.
Feeling sad? Take a step forward. Feeling tired? Take another step forward.
Each step forward facilitates more growth and more character.
You have to own each step.
Hardly has your back every step of the way.
You Don't Need A Degree To Succeed, Just Skills
Today, employers are looking for skills over degrees.
Ask around. Chances are someone in your circle took an untraditional route from high school to their now successful career. If you don’t know someone like that yet, Hardly is here to help you become that person or support others.
The Job Market
The job market is challenging, even on its best day. You scroll through LinkedIn or Indeed and see job postings with qualifications for entry-level jobs like this:
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field
- 5+ Years of relevant experience in digital marketing
- Proven track record of managing multi-million dollar ad campaigns
- Expertise in Google Analytics, SEO/SEM, CRM platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Demonstrated leadership and team management skills
- Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- Salary: $40,000/year
That overwhelming spreadsheet of applications rejection emails and recruiter names that I know you have (don’t worry, we’ve all been there) can be simplified with an effortless job tracker designed by Hardly to keep you organized and focused.
Let’s dive into why skills are outweighing degrees these days.
When Everyone's Skills Look The Same on Paper
Some fields like medicine, law, or engineering will always require formal education and hard skills. That’s fair. In recent years, many qualified people have gravitated toward other paths, like those in the trades or other fields like marketing, business, entrepreneurship, and design.
The downside for hiring professionals? Thousands of applicants look nearly identical on paper. They have the same:
degree.
internships.
cover letter rewritten over and over to fit the qualifications.
How do you stand out and differentiate yourself when everyone checks the same boxes?
Skills Speak Louder Than Diplomas
Employers are shifting their focus from just degrees to actual experience. It’s heartening to see employers begin to focus on hiring the right skills, drive, and passion. Instead of where you went to school, they want to know what you can do.
What have you built, led, designed, managed, or solved? Experience and demonstrated capabilities are what matter in today’s job market. Hardly’s resume builder helps you highlight your skills clearly and use the right keywords to catch recruiters’ attention.
Companies like Google, IBM, and Delta have already removed degree requirements for many roles. Likewise, more are following, because they’ve realized what we’ve always believed:
💡 Your experience matters more than a diploma.
Organizations are finally starting to recognize that traditional education is not the only path to job readiness.
This change didn’t happen overnight. It’s driven by many factors. Here are the top 2 overall factors:
Technology Evolution
Tech evolves faster than most college programs, so degrees can become outdated in record time. Many new job positions today didn’t exist 10 years ago. Equity and access have become central conversations. College isn’t affordable or accessible for everyone. Employers are realizing that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not.
Changing Nature Of Work
Freelancing gig work side hustles remote jobs and entrepreneurship have expanded how people develop and prove their skills. Someone who started a small business managed a family schedule or ran social media for a nonprofit might bring more relevant experience than a recent graduate without hands-on training.
Why This Shift Is Happening
Skills-first hiring also changes how we think about career paths. Gone are the days of climbing one narrow ladder for forty years. Today’s workforce is built on pivots, growth, and reinvention. You can move between industries, start over in a new city, or explore a different role without returning to school each time. That freedom can feel intimidating but it is also incredibly empowering. Your career doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s template. You are allowed to build it your way.
More than anything, this movement puts the spotlight back on people. It recognizes that value does not come from a piece of paper. It comes from action. Value comes from showing up, figuring things out, making progress and learning as you go. That mindset matters more than a transcript ever could.
Let's Talk About the Trades
Electricians, welders, plumbers, and carpenters are all professionals with serious skill sets, and their work is more essential than ever. These are smart, valuable, and often high-paying career paths that deserve the same level of respect as any corporate job. People in the trades build and maintain the world we all rely on. And right now, there is real opportunity. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, skilled trades are among the industries most impacted by the labor shortage, which means demand is high and growing.
Hardly was built with that in mind. Whether you are fixing engines, framing houses, designing websites, or running your own landscaping business, your work has real impact.
Final Words
Hardly helps you turn hands-on experience into language that speaks to employers. Whether you have been working for twenty years or you are just starting out, Hardly makes it easier to identify your skills, frame your story, and stay organized throughout your search. You don’t need a business degree to prove that you are capable and ready. You just need the right words.
Workforce development nonprofits play a crucial role in bridging the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities. Between helping job seekers overcome barriers to employment, gain new skills, and secure meaningful careers, they often have their plates full to the brim. Add in other challenges such as limited staff capacity and/or outdated processes, and things really get dicey.
That’s where Hardly comes in. Our AI-powered career platform helps workforce development organizations automate job search tools, streamline resume and cover letter creation, track application progress, and provide career assessments—freeing up staff to focus on personalized coaching and long-term career success.
Let’s explore the different types of workforce development nonprofits that can benefit from Hardly’s technology.
1. Job Centers
Who They Are: Non-profits that provide job search assistance, skills training, and employer connections to job seekers in their communities.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Automates resume and cover letter optimization for job seekers
✅ Offers job seekers AI-driven career recommendations and job tracking tools
✅ Reduces administrative burden, allowing staff to focus on coaching
📍 Example: A job center in Indiana uses Hardly to help job seekers quickly generate ATS-friendly resumes, ensuring they stand out to employers. Check out their website here.
2. Reentry Programs for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Who They Are: Organizations that help individuals transitioning from incarceration rebuild their lives and find stable employment.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Translates nontraditional work experience (prison jobs, training programs) into professional resumes
✅ Provides AI-assisted career tools to reduce stigma in applications
✅ Helps reentry case managers track job applications and employment outcomes
📍 Example: A nonprofit supporting justice-involved individuals uses Hardly to create skill-based resumes, helping participants secure jobs in industries open to second-chance hiring. Check out their website here.
3. Youth Workforce Development & Job Readiness Programs
Who They Are: Organizations that help young adults (ages 16–24), especially those facing barriers like poverty or homelessness, enter the workforce.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Provides easy-to-use resume builders for first-time job seekers
✅ Helps career coaches guide youth through job searches with structured tools
✅ Tracks job applications and progress, making it easier to report success metrics
📍 Example: A youth employment program uses Hardly to help teens with no prior job experience create professional resumes as they train in a variety of tech fields.
4. Workforce Development Organizations Supporting Immigrants & Refugees
Who They Are: Nonprofits that assist immigrants and refugees in securing employment by helping them navigate language barriers, credential recognition, and cultural differences.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Helps those that may have a tough time “bragging” about themselves in a professional way
✅ Simplifies cover letter writing for non-native English speakers
✅ Generates applicable skills for job titles
📍 Example: A refugee assistance program uses Hardly to help newcomers tailor resumes for U.S. employers, making their overseas experience more marketable in the American job market.
5. Veteran Transition and other Military Workforce Development Programs
Who They Are: Organizations that assist military veterans in transitioning to civilian careers by translating their skills and experience into job-ready applications.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Translates military experience into civilian job qualifications
✅ Helps veterans articulate leadership, teamwork, and technical skills in applications
✅ Connects job seekers with employers actively hiring veterans
📍 Example: A veteran career center partners with Hardly to create skill-based resumes that showcase military leadership in ways that appeal to civilian employers.
Why Workforce Development Nonprofits Choose Hardly
Workforce nonprofits are on the front lines of economic mobility, and Hardly ensures they have the right tools to support job seekers faster and more effectively. By automating tedious career preparation tasks, providing AI-driven job search support, and streamlining case management workflows, Hardly helps nonprofits scale their impact without overburdening staff.
Ready to Empower More Job Seekers?
If your organization is dedicated to helping people find, secure, and grow in their careers, Hardly can help. Let’s transform workforce development together.
Hey there! If you’re diving into the tech world and need to whip up a resume that rocks, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make your resume stand out:
1. Keep It Simple and Straightforward
Tech folks love things clear and concise. Your resume should be easy to skim, with no fluff. Stick to bullet points for your skills and achievements, and keep your sentences snappy.
2. Flaunt Those Tech Skills
Your tech skills are your superpowers. Don’t just say you’re into programming; name the specific languages you’re good at, like Python or Java. The more specific, the better!
3. Show Off Your Projects
In tech, what you’ve built says a lot. Got some cool projects? Flaunt them! Add links to your GitHub, personal site, or any live demos you’ve got.
4. Numbers Make You Shine
Got some achievements? Quantify them! Saying “Boosted website speed by 30%” sounds way more impressive than just “improved website performance.” This can make your tech resume stand out.
5. Your Work Experience Counts
List your jobs, but keep it relevant to tech. If you’re new to the game, any internships or even volunteer gigs where you flexed your tech muscles will help.
Need help making your non-tech jobs relevant? Use Hardly’s free resume builder to quickly edit job details to highlight tech-related skills. Suddenly, that retail job can focus on how you were detail oriented.
6. Education and Certifications Matter Too
Talk about your highest education level, and if you’ve got tech-related certifications or courses, definitely include those. They show you’re constantly leveling up your skills.
7. Make It Job-Specific
One size doesn’t fit all. Tweak your tech resume for each job you apply for. Match it up with the job description to sneak past those pesky automated resume filters. Hardly’s free resume builder template is guaranteed to be ATS friendly and you can optimize your resume to a specific job description in seconds!
8. Show 'Em Who You Are
Add a personal touch with a brief professional summary at the top of your tech resume. It’s like your own mini-ad for why you’re awesome for the job.
9. Use Handy Online Tools
There’s a bunch of online resume builders and templates out there, especially for tech resumes. They can save you a ton of time and make sure your resume looks slick. Interested in trying one out? Conveniently, we have an awesome one: Check out Hardly’s free resume builder.
Remember, your resume is just the starting point. It’s your foot in the door, but you gotta back it up with solid skills and a great chat in the interview. Keep updating your resume as you level up your skills, and always give it that special touch for each job you’re after. You’ve got this! 🚀
If you want a way to shortcut your resume to success, use Hardly’s free resume builder. In a few minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping resume that is ready for any ATS. You can also check out our recent article on resume writing tips here.
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2025’s Hottest Skill? Learning Fast.
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Learning agility is 2025’s most valuable skill and most people already have it. It’s not about being the fastest thinker. It’s about figuring things out quickly, under pressure, and making it work.
You’ve Hit Submit. Now What?
09 Jul 2025
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You’ve hit submit. Now what? The in-between can feel uncertain, but it doesn’t have to. With Hardly, you can reset, refocus, and stay organized. Whether it’s tracking applications, preparing for interviews, or building new skills, every step forward counts—even while you wait.
Career Story Refresh: Clear Clutter & Highlight What Matters
22 Jun 2025
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Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!
In the ever-evolving landscape of job applications, adapting to the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become an integral part of the hiring process, streamlining recruitment and helping employers find the best-fit candidates efficiently. As we step into 2024, it’s essential to understand the latest strategies for optimizing your resume to stand out in the digital crowd.
Understanding ATS Technology:
Applicant Tracking Systems use sophisticated algorithms to scan, analyze, and rank resumes based on specific criteria set by employers. In 2024, these systems are likely to become even more advanced, emphasizing the importance of tailoring your resume to align with their requirements.
Keyword Optimization:
Keywords play a pivotal role in ATS success. As technology evolves, so do the keywords relevant to specific industries and roles. Stay updated on industry trends, buzzwords, and the latest terminologies. Incorporate these keywords naturally, ensuring a seamless integration that mirrors the language used in job descriptions. Hardly’s resume builder helps ensure that you have the right keywords where it counts.
Formatting Matters:
While a visually appealing resume is important, ATS primarily looks for well-organized and cleanly formatted documents. Stick to simple, professional templates with standard fonts. Avoid graphics, charts, and elaborate designs, as these can confuse the ATS algorithms and hinder your resume’s chances of being parsed correctly.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Application:
One-size-fits-all resumes are a thing of the past. In 2024, customization is key. Tailor your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role. This not only enhances your chances with ATS but also captures the attention of hiring managers who may review your application after the initial digital screening.
Need help with this? Use Hardly’s free resume builder to quickly edit your resume for a specific job description.
Quantify Achievements:
ATS algorithms are becoming more adept at recognizing quantitative data. Instead of listing generic job responsibilities, focus on quantifiable achievements and results. Use numbers and percentages to highlight your impact in previous roles, providing concrete evidence of your contributions.
Include Relevant URLs:
In a tech-savvy job market, including URLs to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or online portfolio can add depth to your application. These links not only provide additional context but also offer the ATS a more comprehensive view of your professional persona.
Optimize for Mobile:
As mobile devices continue to dominate internet usage, it’s essential that your resume is mobile-friendly. Use simple, legible fonts and avoid complex formatting that may not translate well on smaller screens. This optimization ensures that your resume is accessible to recruiters on various devices. Hardly’s free resume builder template is guaranteed to be ATS friendly.
As we step into 2024, the job market is set to become more competitive, and understanding how to navigate ATS is crucial. By staying informed about the latest trends in optimization, you can increase your chances of making it through the digital gatekeepers and securing the opportunities you deserve. Remember, it’s not just about impressing humans anymore; it’s about impressing the algorithms first.
If you want a way to shortcut your resume to success, use Hardly’s free resume builder. In a few minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping resume that is ready for any ATS. You can also check out our recent article on resume writing tips here.
Share on Linkedin
Check out our other articles:
2025’s Hottest Skill? Learning Fast.
04 Aug 2025
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Learning agility is 2025’s most valuable skill and most people already have it. It’s not about being the fastest thinker. It’s about figuring things out quickly, under pressure, and making it work.
You’ve Hit Submit. Now What?
09 Jul 2025
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You’ve hit submit. Now what? The in-between can feel uncertain, but it doesn’t have to. With Hardly, you can reset, refocus, and stay organized. Whether it’s tracking applications, preparing for interviews, or building new skills, every step forward counts—even while you wait.
Career Story Refresh: Clear Clutter & Highlight What Matters
22 Jun 2025
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Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!
Your resume is often your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. A well-crafted resume can open doors to exciting career opportunities, while a poorly structured one may close them. In this competitive job market, it’s crucial to master the art of resume writing. Let’s explore some best practices to ensure your resume stands out and effectively showcases your skills and experiences.
Want a shortcut to resume success?
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. This not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also increases your chances of catching the recruiter’s eye.
Create a Powerful Professional Summary
Your professional summary is the first thing recruiters see. Craft a concise and compelling summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This section should provide a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you bring to the table.
Emphasize Achievements Over Responsibilities
Instead of listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements wherever possible by using metrics and numbers. This gives recruiters a tangible sense of your impact in previous roles, making you a more attractive candidate.
Use Action Verbs and Be Specific
Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey a sense of proactivity. Be specific about your contributions and responsibilities, avoiding vague language. This adds clarity and paints a vivid picture of your capabilities.
Organize Your Resume Effectively
Arrange your resume in a clean and organized format. Use headings and subheadings to create a logical flow, making it easy for recruiters to scan your resume quickly. Consistent formatting, font, and bullet points contribute to a polished appearance.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Incorporate a dedicated skills section that aligns with the requirements of the job. Include both hard and soft skills, ensuring a well-rounded portrayal of your capabilities. Tailor this section for each application to emphasize the skills most applicable to the position.
Include Keywords from the Job Description
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To increase your chances of passing through this initial phase, incorporate keywords from the job description. This not only demonstrates your suitability for the role but also helps your resume get noticed by the ATS.
Provide a Clear Education Section
Clearly outline your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates. If you have relevant certifications, list them here as well. Keep this section concise but informative.
Show Your Personality
While maintaining a professional tone, inject a bit of personality into your resume. This can be achieved through your professional summary, achievements, or a designated section for interests and hobbies. This helps you stand out and adds a human touch to your application.
Proofread Thoroughly
Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously to ensure it is error-free. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well, gaining valuable feedback and catching any oversights.
Want a shortcut to resume success?
Crafting an effective resume is an essential skill in today’s competitive job market. By following these best practices, you can create a compelling document that showcases your strengths, experiences, and unique value proposition. Want a shortcut to resume greatness? Try Hardly’s AI Resume Builder!
Remember, your resume is not a static document; update it regularly to reflect your evolving skills and career achievements. With a well-crafted resume in hand, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the job market and land the opportunities you seek.
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You’ve Hit Submit. Now What?
You’ve hit submit. Now what? The in-between can feel uncertain, but it doesn’t have to. With Hardly, you can reset, refocus, and stay organized. Whether it’s tracking applications, preparing for interviews, or building new skills, every step forward counts—even while you wait.
Career Story Refresh: Clear Clutter & Highlight What Matters
Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!