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Jobscan.co Software Review: What Jobseekers Should Know
Recruiter tested to provide real pros, cons, and tips for jobseekers using Jobscan.co
In the current competitive job market, individuals seeking employment are constantly striving to enhance their job applications. Effective resume writing is crucial, especially considering that applicant tracking systems (ATS) screen applications before they are reviewed by recruiters. Therefore, having a resume that aligns well with ATS requirements is essential. Jobscan.co is a software tool that says it can optimize your resume for the ATS. But, does it work? And, what doesn't it do well? We tested it and here is what we found that every jobseeker should know if they choose to use Jobscan.co as a tool in their job search.
What is Jobscan.co
Jobscan.co is an AI resume tool that claims to increase interview chances by 50%. Jobscan.co looks at job descriptions and compares them to your work experience. It gives you tips on how to adjust your application for specific jobs based on its existing algorithms and language models.
How Jobscan.co Works
Jobscan.co has a simple process for you to use. First, you make an account and upload your resume or cv in PDF format, along with the job description you are aiming for, including the relevant job listing URL. Then, the software checks your resume against the job description. It finds matching keywords, says which skills are missing, and shows areas where your resume writing can improve.
The site also looks at how your resume is formatted. It scans the information to make its determination about whether your information meets the ATS requirements. It checks things like font size, headings, and the file type. These can all influence how well an ATS reads your application.
Apart from analyzing resumes, Jobscan.co gives you extra tools. You can optimize your cover letter and use a job application tracker.
Jobscan.co Resume Score
A key part of Jobscan.co is its "Match Rate" score. This score shows how well your resume fits the job description. It does this by looking at important keywords and the layout. A higher match rate means a better chance of your resume getting by an ATS and grabbing a recruiter's attention.
Still, a high match rate does not mean you will get a job interview. Your skills, experience, and how well you present your qualifications in your resume writing are very important in the hiring process. Plus, who you know can also make a huge difference in whether or not you get an interview at the organization.
What Jobscan.co Does Right
Jobscan.co has important features for job seekers who are trying to get past the ATS software. Here are the things we found Jobscan.co does well.
Parsing the Words Provided
One of the good things about Jobscan.co is how well it can read your resume and the job description. Jobscan does a good job of scanning the information provided by the user to determine the important keywords and phrases. Keywords are essential to getting through the applicant tracking system to be seen by the hiring manager.
The software then shows this info in a clear way. It points out where your resume matches the job description and where it falls short. You can see exactly what keywords are missing and how your skills compare to what the employer wants.
By knowing which keywords to add, you can improve your resume to fit the needs of employers better. This focused way can really boost your chances of getting noticed.
Provides a New Perspective on Job Descriptions
Jobscan.co helps you take a closer look at job descriptions. Most people aren't experts in the ATS and Jobscan does a great job of providing a new perspective on essential concepts identified in the job descriptions provided by users. Having this additional perspective to find the concepts you may have missed when reviewing countless job descriptions can be huge to expediting your ability to apply for a job.
The software also points out key terms and action verbs often used in job descriptions. You can use these in your resume and LinkedIn profile. This makes your application more relevant and easier to find. By focusing on job descriptions, Jobscan.co helps users find good chances to show their qualifications effectively.
Educates Jobseekers in the ATS
Applicant Tracking Systems have been around since the 90s. But, the complexity of these systems and the way they work is still a mystery to most people. Employers are also increasingly customizing these systems to filter out the ever-growing number of applications they receive for each job that is open. Thus, Jobscan.co does a great job of sharing initial insights on how many ATS work.
The app explains why resume keywords matter and how ATS algorithms look for them. It clears up common misunderstandings and gives practical tips for improving your resume. This helps increase your chances of passing the first screening.
Helps Jobseekers Capture Missed Keywords
One main function of Jobscan.co is to help you find and add important resume keywords. It checks your resume against the job description. It shows you terms and phrases related to both hard skills and soft skills that you might miss.
Many job seekers do not notice the right keywords when they write their resumes. They usually just focus on listing their skills and experiences. Jobscan.co pushes for a more careful method. This way, your resume includes the exact words that ATS algorithms look for.
By using these often-missed keywords, you can greatly boost your chances of having your resume seen by a human recruiter.
What Jobscan.co Could Do Better
Jobscan.co has many useful features, but it can get better. One of the issues is that it depends a lot on what users provide. The accuracy of its analysis closely relies on the quality and detail of the job description given.
Also, Jobscan's focus on keywords is important for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). But, it doesn't account for the 900+ ATS that exist commercially or those that are highly customized. Moreover, it fails to capture the need to stand out for the people who will be skimming the resume throughout the hiring process.
Doesn't Account for All the ATS Variations
Jobscan.co focuses on analyzing how well your resume works with ATS systems. However, it does not account for all of the different ATS that exist. In fact, there are over 900 commercially available applicant tracking systems that are sold globally. There are countless more proprietary systems built by companies to filter out their talent. Plus, there are many more customizations that these programs offer their users. Although it can be a useful tool to capture fundamental ATS keywords, Jobscan.co does not capture all of these different programs or customizations of the ATS. And, it misses that all ATS systems are not the same. Companies use different ATS software, and each one has its own way of looking for keywords.
The job market is always changing. New ATS technologies come out often, making it hard for one platform to stay updated with everything.
So, while Jobscan.co gives helpful information about how ATS generally works, keep in mind that it might not show the unique features of every ATS you face in your job search.
Relies on User Inputs
The accuracy of Jobscan.co's analysis greatly relies on the information you give. If the job description you enter is missing details, the software may not find all the important keywords or formatting styles. This is why it's important to carefully read through the job description and ensure you are inputting all relevant information into the text fields.
Additionally, Jobscan.co analyzes your resume based on the keywords and phrases you provide. If your resume does not accurately reflect your skills or experience, it may not receive a high match rate with the ATS. Moreover, Jobscan.co won’t know what information is missing from your resume as it simply scans the data that you provide. As such, if you feel like your resume isn’t capturing all of the important details, then Jobscan will not be able to provide relevant insights to improve your resume.
Customization and Adaptation
As mentioned before, every ATS is unique in its own way. This means that what works for one company's ATS may not work for another. Jobscan.co provides general tips and advice on how to optimize your resume for ATS, but it's important to also research and understand the specific ATS used by the company you are applying to.
In addition, it's crucial to customize your resume for each job application. This means tailoring your skills, experience, and keywords to match the job description and requirements. By doing this, you increase the chances of your resume receiving a high match rate with the specific ATS used by that company.
Keep in mind that even if you have a great resume that passes through an ATS with flying colors, it's still important to impress the hiring manager during the human review process. Your resume should be visually appealing, well-written, and showcase your unique qualifications and achievements. By combining both optimizing for ATS and presenting a strong overall resume, you can greatly increase your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview.
Score Doesn't Translate to Action for Most People
While Jobscan.co's match rate can help you see how well your resume fits a job description, a high score does not guarantee you will get an interview. Some users may think that a good match rate means they can rely only on the software's advice, especially if they have had a hard time getting interviews in the past. They might ignore other important parts of the job application process.
It is easy to focus too much on the numbers. Just adding keywords is not enough. Your resume needs to be well-written, convincing, and specific to the company and role you want.
Jobseekers should use the match rate to see where they can get better. They should also work on telling their story, showing their experience, and pointing out skills that fit the company's values.
Forgets the Human Side of Hiring
While Jobscan.co is good for helping with ATS optimization, it's important to remember that people make the final hiring decisions. If you only try to please the system, you might create a resume that feels flat and does not connect with the hiring manager.
A resume should do more than just list your skills and keywords. It should share a clear story about your work experience and what you want for your career. Adding the right terms is important, but it is also key to keep it sounding natural and show your unique voice.
A well-written resume that speaks to a hiring manager has a better chance of getting a positive response, even if it does not have a top Jobscan score. And, a strong personal connection or network referral to a position will play a bigger role in landing the interview than any ATS-optimized resume can ever do.
Overly Keyword Focused
To improve your jobscan reviews for the applicant tracking system (ATS), do not focus only on keywords. It's important to use relevant job keywords, including your contact details, but too much attention to keywords can lower the quality of your application materials.
Aim for a balance between using specific terms for your industry and naturally showing your skills and qualifications. Keep in mind that ATS also checks the quality and relevance of your content. A well-written resume with a good match rate is more likely to catch the eye of hiring managers and get positive replies.
Conclusion
Jobscan.co can be a great resource for job seekers. It helps improve resumes and understand how applicant tracking systems work. The site gives users a new view of job descriptions. It also teaches about the details of ATS. However, Jobscan.co can get better if it covers different ATS types more thoroughly, leaves less room for human error in its utilization and adds features that account for the people who make hiring decisions after the ATS. With the help of Jobscan.co, you can test your resume. Give it a try and see if it helps your job search.
Already using Jobscan.co and still not landing interviews? It could be time to humanize your message, adapt your resume for use with a particular ATS, or reassess the types of roles you are pursuing. Whatever it may be, our team would be happy to help you land your next job. Claim a free consultation today to see how we may be able to assist.