ICYMI, there is a silent gatekeeper standing between you and an interview: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Most companies are now using this software to scan, rank, and filter resumes before a person gets a thorough look at them. If your resume isn't formatted to be "readable" by these systems, it might be passed over — regardless of your qualifications. 

The goal isn't just to have a great-looking resume; it’s to have a resume with specific content sought out by the software. By making a few strategic updates, you can ensure your hard work gets the visibility it deserves. Here’s how.

Prioritize Simple Formatting
While it’s tempting to use programs like Canva to develop creative layouts, columns, or complex graphics for your resume, these elements often confuse an ATS. Adding fancy sidebars or tables can cause your text to get scrambled or ignored entirely by the software. Stick to a clean, single-column layout with plenty of white space. In the world of the ATS, simplicity equals momentum forward in your job search. 

Strategic Keyword Alignment
The ATS can also be seen as a search engine for recruiters. To rank highly, your resume needs to closely mirror the language of the job description. If the posting asks for “Project Management” and “Data Analysis,” make sure those phrases appear in your skills section or experience descriptions. Industry jargon is best, and variations or synonyms of keywords also count, so don't feel like you need to change wording every single time. 

Choose the Right File Type
There is a long-standing debate between uploading a .docx vs. .pdf with an ATS. While most modern ATS platforms can read both, a good rule of thumb is to use whatever file types are listed in the application instructions. If you do use a PDF, ensure it is searchable (i.e., you can highlight and copy the text) rather than a flat image file. If the system can’t read the text, it won’t be able to rank your information. 

Focus on Standard Section Headers
The ATS looks for specific markers to categorize your information. Using “clever” titles like “Where I’ve Been” instead of “Work Experience” or “My Toolkit” instead of “Skills” can prevent the software from correctly identifying your background. Consolidating two sections into one with headers like "Research Experience & Extracurricular Activities" also won't work. Stick to the traditional headers that the software is programmed to recognize. This ensures your data is parsed correctly into the recruiter’s database. 

Put This Into Action
Want to know more about how to optimize your resume for the ATS, especially when it comes to AI? Join the UMBC Career Center virtually on Monday, April 20th, at 12 PM for a Keys to Success workshop where we break down exactly how to format your documents for modern hiring technology. Hope to see you there!

Your education gives you the foundation to succeed — but what you do beyond the classroom can set you apart. Employers look for candidates who not only understand concepts but also know how to apply them. That's where gaining career exposure comes in. Whether you're developing technical skills, growing your network, or exploring industries, there are countless ways to build experience before landing your first full-time role.

1. Explore Micro-Internships for Real-World Experience

Short-term, project-based experiences — known as micro-internships — offer a flexible way to test different industries and build your portfolio. These experiences can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, giving you a chance to explore without committing to a full semester-long internship. They're especially helpful for discovering what you enjoy (and what you don't) early in your career journey.

2. Boost Your Skills Through Online Learning

Online platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Google Career Certificates make it easy to develop professional and technical skills at your own pace. Completing a course not only strengthens your resume — it also signals to employers that you're proactive about your growth. You may even want to consider sites like The Forage that offer job simulations as practice. Even dedicating one hour a week can lead to major progress over time.

3. Get Involved On Campus

Your campus is full of opportunities to gain hands-on experience. On-campus jobs, student organizations, and research roles all provide valuable skills in teamwork, leadership, and communication. Whether you're leading a club project or assisting in a lab, these experiences show initiative and responsibility — traits employers love to see.

4. Showcase Your Passion Through Personal Projects

Don't underestimate the power of your own creativity. Personal projects — like developing an app, designing a website, writing a blog, or conducting independent research — demonstrate your motivation and curiosity. Employers notice when you take the initiative to build something meaningful outside of class.

Stand Out and Step Ahead

In today's job landscape, distinguishing yourself from a sea of applicants requires more than just a polished resume. It's about strategic branding, proactive engagement, and showcasing your unique value. Here are some strategies to help you shine:

1. Define and Own Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand helps communicate your strengths, passions, and what you bring to an organization. Crafting a compelling personal brand involves identifying what you’re good at and aligning them with your career goals. A well-articulated brand can set you apart and make you memorable to potential employers.

2. Go Beyond the Application Portal

While online applications are standard, they often place you among countless other candidates. To stand out, engage in proactive outreach by connecting with professionals in your desired field through networking events, LinkedIn, and Retrievers Connect. Personal connections can lead to referrals, which has shown to increase your chances of being hired significantly.

3. Master the Art of Storytelling

Employers are drawn to candidates who can effectively communicate their experiences and achievements. Utilize techniques such as STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your interviews to convey how you've overcome challenges and contributed to previous organizations. This approach makes your experiences more relatable and impactful.

4. Demonstrate Your Value Before You're Hired

Showcasing your skills through tangible examples can leave a lasting impression. Consider creating a portfolio of work, writing industry-related articles or blog posts, or developing digital content that highlights your expertise. By providing evidence of your capabilities, you position yourself as a proactive and valuable candidate.

5. Cultivate Resilience and Stay in Motion

The job search process can be challenging, with rejections and setbacks along the way. Maintaining a resilient mindset and continuously seeking opportunities for growth, such as through the Paws & Pivot webinar series, can keep you motivated. Remember, each experience is a stepping stone toward your ultimate career goals.

Next Steps to Stand Out

Ready to put these strategies into action? Attend the Keys to Success virtual workshop on "Standing Out” on Monday, April 28 at 12 noon to learn actionable strategies on how to build exposure and enhance your skills. Register here and take a proactive step toward standing out in the job market!

Your personal brand is more than just a resume — it's the story you tell about yourself through your skills, experiences, and online presence. Whether you’re networking, updating LinkedIn, or preparing for interviews, a strong personal brand can set you apart in a competitive job market.

Here’s how to build a compelling brand that reflects your strengths and career goals.

1. Define Your Unique Value

Think about what makes you stand out. What are your key skills? What industries excite you? What problems do you love solving? Your personal brand should reflect your passions, values, and strengths. To gain clarity, consider writing a personal mission statement that summarizes your career goals and what you bring to the table. Or, you can schedule a career exploration appointment with a Career Specialist at the Career Center. We can help!

2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Presence

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression recruiters and potential employers have of you. Make sure it reflects your best self by:

• Using a professional headshot and a clear, compelling headline that’s aspirational.
• Writing an engaging summary that highlights your skills, career goals, and personality.
• Showcasing relevant work experience with descriptions of your achievements with attached relevant media.
• Incorporating industry relevant keywords and skills throughout your profile as much as possible.
• Actively engaging with the community by commenting on posts, sharing relevant information, contributing industry insights, and connecting with professionals in your field.

3. Tailor Your Resume and Online Portfolio

Your resume and portfolio should be more than just a list of job titles — they should tell a story. Highlight your most impactful experiences and quantify achievements when possible. If applicable, create an online portfolio to showcase your projects, work samples, or even testimonials from colleagues. Think of this all as evidence that ties your accomplishments to your brand.

4. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

You never know when an opportunity to network will arise, so be prepared with a 30-second commercial that clearly states:

• Who you are
• What you do (or what you aspire to do)
• What makes you unique
• What you’re looking for in your career

Practice your pitch so that it feels natural and confident. Consider using Big Interview and practicing in real-time to the question, “Tell me about yourself.”

5. Stay Consistent Across Platforms

Your brand should be cohesive across LinkedIn, resumes, cover letters, and even personal social media accounts. Consider what font styles, colors, and tone you want to incorporate across all your materials so they’re consistent and a clear embodiment of you. Employers often check social media, so ensure that your online presence aligns with your professional goals. If necessary, clean up your profiles by removing any unprofessional content, or consider looking into privacy settings.

6. Build and Maintain Relationships

Networking is an essential part of personal branding. Build authentic relationships by engaging with mentors, alumni, and professionals in your field, using platforms like Retrievers Connect or LinkedIn. The more visible and engaged you are, the more likely you are to be remembered when opportunities arise.

What’s Next

Want to refine your personal brand and maximize your career potential? Attend the upcoming Keys to Success Workshop on Unlocking Your Personal Brand to learn how to authentically showcase your brand and take control of your career journey!

In a job market that feels inundated with candidates, you may feel completely overwhelmed trying to find ways to stand out among your competitors. This can be especially true if you’re starting out in your career and are trying to find ways to add experiences to your resume.

It feels like an endless cycle. You need experiences...to add experiences to your resume...but without experiences...it’s difficult to get experiences in the first place. Internship opportunities fill up quickly within a seemingly narrow window of time.

In other words, how in the world do you get the visibility you need to land that first internship?

Here’s the truth: pursuing and securing an internship can feel like chasing a purple unicorn.

But here’s a secret: there are actually other ways to acquire career-related experience.

Here are a few to help you get started:

• Course Projects – Students are often surprised to find that their course projects count as experience, but they most certainly do! By listing out the class and details of what you did to complete an assignment, as well as the impact of your work, this demonstrates a level of knowledge and expertise that could be considered just as valuable as an internship experience.
• On-Campus Employment – If you find yourself on campus often, getting a job with a campus department could be a viable option. You get bonus points if it’s relevant to your major or career of interest. For more information on how to snag an on-campus position, check out our post here.
• Volunteer – Helping out a local non-profit, community organization, or student organization is another great way to gain experience. You could even tie the work to something related to your major, for example, running social media if you're a Media & Communication Studies major. For even more tips, check out our post here.
• Professional Associations – By connecting with professionals in your industry of interest through professional associations, you’ll not only build your network but also open yourself up to potential opportunities through their organizations or even the association itself. This option does require networking, which can be a source of anxiety for students, but it helps exercise that muscle that will absolutely be needed for the actual job market.
• Micro-internships – Micro-internships are a final great option if you’re still searching for semester-long work and need more experience. Go to parkerdewey.com to find available projects. You can also look into theforage.com to gain experience through their job simulations. 

Want to know more ways you can stand out as a leading candidate outside of internships? Join us for a Keys to Success workshop on Monday, October 7 at 12 PM at The Commons 331 to learn how.