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Help the computer pick you for the job

Dear Readers: In order to streamline the process of sorting through potentially hundreds of resumes for one job posting, companies can use artificial intelligence to pull out the best resumes. How can you be sure the computer picks yours? Here are some hints:

≤ Use succinct, straightforward language. List your skills and the years of experience you have.

≤ The computer likes to read that you’ve saved a previous employer money. If you streamlined a particular process within that company, or found a way to save time, and read those results. “Revenue,” “income” and “money” are all good words.

≤ The computer also looks for the length of time spent at each previous job, job title flow (promotions) and education. — Heloise

P.S. Make sure your resume is stored so as to apply for jobs on the go or on your cellphone or tablet during a lunch break. Don’t apply for a new job on your employer’s time.

Blind transfers

Dear Heloise: It irks me when a receptionist “blind transfers” me to a person in the company. The correct tiquette: Place me on hold, find out if that person is in, and if the person is not, come back on the line and ask me if I’d like to leave a message.

Calling a business can feel intimidating anyway, and then to be transferred to an answering machine? Not acceptable. — Deanna R. in San Antonio

Freeze!

Dear Heloise: In The (East Liverpool, Ohio) Review, you discussed children’s Social Security numbers being stolen and the major problems that happen as a result.

I would put a freeze on my minor child’s credit record permanently, and don’t lose the username and password! To be igilant, I’d request a credit report every few years. — Rose M., via email

(Heloise is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. Send a hint to P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or E-Mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.)

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