clt Alumni Unit Hosts Webinar on Constructing ATS-Optimized Résumés
On November 25, 2020, Hassan Costello hosted an insightful webinar for 48 participants, focusing on the vital aspects of creating an effective résumé. The webinar, titled "Constructing a Resume That Will Get Noticed," was organized by the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation. Under the guidance of Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, and coordinated by Alumni Unit Coordinator, Mohsin Khan, the webinar was designed to aid the professional development of Bachelor of Arts in English program students and alumni. It aimed to align their learning outcomes with current labor market trends, drawing from the experiences of alumni who had successfully secured employment using strategies provided in prior résumé training sessions.
Following introductions by Vice Dean Almosa and Mohsin Khan, Costello delved into the necessity for English majors to effectively communicate to potential employers how their skills can be applied in work environments. He emphasized that employers value skills such as writing, editing, communication, critical analysis, research, problem-solving, collaboration, and information management, to name a few. Costello underscored the importance of an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)-optimized resume, given that employers typically spend only 20 seconds reviewing a résumé initially.
The Applicant Tracking System, explained Costello, is a tool used by recruiters that ranks résumés based on their alignment with the job position. To craft a resume that stands out, one must focus on keyword optimization, a crucial element of an ATS-optimized resume. Tailoring résumés to the job description, incorporating relevant titles, skills, and keywords can ensure a high match rate.
A robust discussion followed, with participants keen to understand how to articulate their skills and abilities despite the lack of professional experience. Costello cited the example of successful alumnus Hasan Al-Qahtani, currently working as an English teacher at BAE Systems in Dhahran. Al-Qahtani's résumé featured his volunteer work, involvement in the English Club, and his role as a student leader in the Language Enhancement Program. Costello stressed the importance of including such activities in résumés, ensuring the use of nouns and keywords that align with the job description. Volunteer work or internships, he noted, reflect real-world experience and showcase abilities.
The webinar concluded by addressing all comments and queries raised during the session. Participants who attended the entire webinar were offered a résumé review opportunity via email by the presenter.
The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation continues its commitment to engaging its alumni, including them in various events and activities.
