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The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Doesn't Have to Be The Boogeyman

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
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Navigating Uncertainty: Recent College Graduates and the Job Market

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, employers are anticipated to hire approximately 4% more new graduates in 2023 than in the previous year. However, this encouraging statistic comes with a caveat. Hiring plans have slowed down recently, a contrast to projections from the previous fall, which predicted a 15% increase in graduate hiring.

Despite this slowdown, the demand for fresh graduates remains strong in many sectors. The career center director at San Jose State University noted that many companies are eager to re-engage with students on campuses.

Nevertheless, the tech industry has seen a decrease in job opportunities compared to the previous year. The career center director suggests that this may be due to over-hiring during the pandemic. However, this downturn in one sector is balanced by growth in others. It was also noted that beyond academic proficiency, skills such as communication and leadership are essential for career success across all industries.

Job hunting has proven to be a slow process for some, including a justice studies graduate. Despite facing a slow response rate from employers, the graduate remained hopeful about their career prospects.

Reinforcing this perspective, another graduate highlighted the value of networking and building strong professional relationships. Despite the tech industry reducing its hiring intentions by 17%, sectors such as transportation and pharmaceutical manufacturing anticipate increased graduate hiring.

Career advisors recommend that new graduates stay flexible when considering potential industries for employment. Opportunities often arise in unexpected places, offering diverse avenues for graduates to apply their skills and begin their professional journeys.

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The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Doesn't Have to Be The Boogeyman

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