Frequently asked questions

JobQuest’s Job Match Score provides an assessment of alignment between your resume and a job description, helping you understand your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human review.

JobQuest Job Match Score is calculated based on metrics that mimic the evaluation process of a human recruiter when assessing a candidate’s resume. It also incorporates the keyword match aspect, which is commonly utilized by Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

The score is ranged from 0 to 100 and indicates the level of alignment between the resume and a job description. The score can roughly indicate a relative chance that the resume can pass keyword screening test by ATS and how well it can be perceived by a human reviewer.

It’s important to understand that the Job Match Score is purely based on the information from your resume and a job description, in a similar way to how human reviewers would evaluate your qualifications.

Score band 0 – 50

The resume does not match the job description. It’s better not to pursue after the position

Score band 51 – 59

The resume minimally matches the job description. If you’re confident that you’re a good match for the position, customize the resume by AI to boost your chance of getting an interview opportunity. However, be prepared to spend more time tuning up the AI-customized resume for human reviewers

Score band 60 – 75

The resume fairly matches the job description. Many job seekers with less than 3 years of experience may fall into this score range because of the broad spectrum of job opportunities they chase after. This score range represents a sweet spot to leverage the JobQuest AI Customization feature to enhance your chances of securing an interview

Score band 75 – 100

The resume matches the job description and may be viewed as a qualifying one by a human reviewer as well as ATS. The resume is ready for submission. If you wish to further improve the resume, try AI customization

A Job Match Score of 75 or above is recommended. There is a diminishing return on customizing your resume to achieve a much higher score.

Remember, the goal of the resume is to get you an interview opportunity – nothing more, nothing less. You’ll not be hired due to your resume but you can be rejected.

JobQuest’s AI Customize tailors your resume to a job description by optimizing the Professional Summary and the most recent job position listed in your Work Experience section. This feature is most effective for Job Match Scores ranging from 60 to 74.

If your score is below 51, we do not recommend using AI Customization. While it can boost your score, you may find that the customized resume does not accurately reflect your professional authenticity. Additionally, the resulting write-up may lack coherence, depending on gaps between your resume and the qualifications required for the position.

If your score is higher than 74, you have the option to try the feature and review an alternative version of your resume. Although this may slightly lower your score, you could be pleasantly surprised by the resulting write-up. Remember, the final judges of your resume are human reviewers, not automated systems or ATS.

If your Job Match Score is lower than you hoped for, it’s important not to be disheartened. This score is a tool to help you understand how your resume aligns with a specific job description, and a low score simply indicates your resume, not you, does not match the job description.

If your score is below 60, don’t waste your time on that job. Consider this an opportunity to reject the job with confidence!

Maximize JobQuest’s benefits by following a strategic 7-step process, outlined in detail on our website. From generating Job Match Score reports to using AI Customize, optimize your job search efficiently and effectively.

Here is the recommended process.

• Find 10 jobs that interest you and add them to the Jobs menu.
• Generate a Job Match Score report for each job using your base resume.
• If you have less than 3-5 years of experience, remove jobs that score below 60 on the Job Match Score.
• If you have more than 5 years of experience, remove jobs that score below 65 on the Job Match Score.
• Use AI Customize to tailor your base resume for each job and generate a new score report.
• Review the AI tailored resumes and edit if necessary.
• Apply for jobs with resumes that score 75+.

In the U.S., HR experts suggest submitting 10-15 job applications per week. Aim to apply for 2-3 jobs per day. Take a rest during the weekends and recharge! Focus on quality and make every job application count.

On average, it takes 6-27 applications to secure a chance for a phone interview and 50 – 120 applications to land a job. These average numbers can significantly increase, depending on the industry and years of experience. Early career positions are usually more competitive, requiring more effort and time to get hired.

Lastly, never give up! There are plenty of jobs out there for everyone. They’re just waiting to be discovered by eager job seekers.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that recruiters and employers use to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications among other house-keeping items. If you’ve submitted a resume online, it likely went through an ATS.

ATS sorts applications by scanning for specific keywords, skills, past employers, years of experience, and education. If your resume doesn’t fit what they’re looking for, it can get ranked low, and recruiters may not even see it in high-volume online application cases. The resumes that match well are ranked higher and are more likely to be reviewed by a recruiter.

Optimizing your resume for ATS doesn’t have to be a hassle or time-consuming. JobQuest makes it easy. Just upload your resume and a job description. We take care of the rest.

Typically, your resume should be one to two pages long, depending on your experience level. For most professionals, a one-page resume is sufficient. However, if you have extensive experience or are applying for a senior position, a two-page resume may be appropriate.

The best format depends on your experience and the job you’re applying for. Common formats include chronological (listing work experience in reverse order), functional (focusing on skills and experience), and combination (a mix of both). Choose the format that best highlights your strengths.

To ensure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), use relevant keywords from the job description, maintain a clean and simple format, and avoid using complex graphics or fonts. Tools like Jobscan can help you optimize your resume for ATS.

Typically, you don’t need to include references on your resume. Instead, have a separate list ready to provide upon request. Simply mention “References available upon request” at the end of your resume if desired.

Keywords are often found in the job description. Look for repeated terms and phrases related to skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Focus on tailoring the professional summary, work experience, and skills sections. Ensure these areas closely match the job description.

Spend enough time to ensure your resume is closely aligned with the job description. This investment can pay off significantly in increasing your chances of getting an interview.

Review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your professional summary, work experience, and skills sections.