The job market is tough, and you need to find a new job. On top of that, you are a busy mom that needs resume updating guidance to figure out the best way to land interviews.

Have you applied for different jobs and keep receiving rejections? Did you know that there are many companies that use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters? ATS software track, filter, and may rank applications and resumes based on how well they match the job description and requirements needed for a job opening. According to the 2024 Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Usage Report, 98.4 percent of Fortune 500 companies used an ATS in 2024.

How can you beat the ATS software and land interviews faster? Let’s learn about Jobscan.

Why use Jobscan?

Jobscan is a powerful tool that optimizes your resume increasing your chances of getting an interview. Jobscan compares your resume with the job description and highlights keywords related to the experience and skills that are needed for that specific job. In other words, it helps you tailor your resume to the job you are applying for.

I learned about Jobscan a few years ago and it has been a valuable tool when I am in the job search process. It is simple and easy to use. There is a free version and a paid version, which will be explained below.

Cost of Jobscan

Jobscan offers free and paid options. For the free account, you get 5 free resume scans. If you email friends and they sign up, you get additional resume scans.

The cost of using Job Scan Premium is $89.95 every 3 months after a 2-week free trial or $49.95 monthly. Some of the additional features include the following:

•       Unlimited resume and cover letter scans

•        Automatic phrase suggestions

•        LinkedIn optimization

•        Tracking of LinkedIn profile improvements

•        eBooks

•        ATS friendly resumes and cover letters

Are you ready to try to learn how to use Jobscan? Do not be afraid. Jobscan is a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate. Let’s look at some of the steps!

Steps to Use Job Scan

     1. Click on Create an account.

2.  2. Type in your email and password. Then, select Create Account.

3. Click on New Scan.

4. Click on Drag & Drop or Upload and select your resume.

Note: You can also copy and paste your resume in the Resume box provided.

5. Copy and paste your job description in the Job Description box. Then, click Scan.

6. Look at your score. If you score is under 75%, you need to keep making updates.

7. Go to Report. The report will provide input for the following 5 categories:

•         Searchability

•         Hard Skills

•         Soft Skills

•         Recruiter Tips

•        Formatting

Note: The number beside each category determines the number of updates needed per Job Scan.

8.  8. Select the drop-down menu for each category.

Note: A green checkmark means the information is complete. A red X means information is missing.

9. Read the tip provided and update the information as needed. Then, click Update Details.

10. Select another category and go to Skills Comparison to view the exact skills missing in your resume.

11. Select the Highlighted Skills to view the skills missing on the resume highlighted in the job description. Update your resume per your experience.

12. Scan the updated resume to view your new score when you finish making the necessary changes to each category.

See the side-by-side comparison of your resume and the job description. Remember the following:

•         If the highlighted skill is green, it means that you are good to go.

•         If the highlighted word is yellow, it means that you have the skill written in a different way.

        If the skill is highlighted red, it means that the skill is missing.

13. Go to Jobs and search for positions using your updated resume.

14. Select the position you want to apply for. Then, click on Apply.

Note: Before applying, check if the position is still available or accepting applications. You can also use your updated resume to apply for jobs on company websites or on the job board sites.

Final Thoughts

Many job seekers hire resume writers or job coaches, but not every working mom can afford to use those services. If that is your case, I highly recommend using Jobscan to help optimize your resume. Using Jobscan does not guarantee that you will get all the interviews you want, but it will give you higher chances of landing interviews.

Let’s begin or continue the job search process with hope and determination.

Best wishes,

Mel