As the leaves change and the job market heats up post-summer, it's been a bustling period since our last update. At The Talent Co-op, LLC, we've been navigating the uptick with a keen eye on how technology impacts your job search—specifically, the much-misunderstood Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Far from the menacing figure some make it out to be, the ATS is a navigable aspect of job hunting, if you know the ropes. It's a tool designed to manage the flood of applications, not to arbitrarily discard them. Let's debunk the myths and offer you a lantern to guide you through this digital maze with ease. Tips and Tricks to Make the ATS Work for You: Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Use keywords from the job description and mirror the language they use. Qualifications Are Key: Apply only if you meet the essential criteria. Stretching too far might just stretch your application thin. Keep It Simple: Use standard fonts and formatting to en
As another academic year comes to a close, students nationwide celebrate their achievements. In the Bay Area, thousands of new graduates are set to enter the workforce, adding their newly-acquired skills to various industries. However, excitement and accomplishment mingle with apprehension as these graduates face an uncertain job market. San Jose State University has recently seen over 7,000 students earn their degrees in diverse fields, including political science, psychology, sociology, urban and regional planning, and justice studies. As these new graduates embark on their professional journeys, they experience a complex blend of excitement and uncertainty. One graduate, now holding a degree in forensic chemistry, expressed a keen interest in securing a job in a crime lab. While acknowledging the challenges and unknowns of this new chapter, they also found thrill and enjoyment in stepping out of their comfort zone. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, emp