Resume Software Key Terms

Become familiar with key terms before purchasing resume software

By Michele Vrouvas

It’s hard to resist buying software that promises to take the stress out of preparing a resume. There is also software that lets you post multiple job openings on the web and then parse through them for a candidate who matches your needs. If you know how to find the right program, you won’t need to hesitate before buying it. Do your homework before you invest in resume software and learn some basic terms.

Resumes and cover letters

The goal of resume software is to produce resumes and cover letters that get noticed. The resumes outline your background and experience, while the cover letters let you introduce yourself to a prospective employer.
Try: Learn what’s involved in creating standard resumes and cover letters at Individual Software. Notice how some software makes use of wizards to catch mistakes and how the program lets you start with an existing resume.

Types of resume software

Consider the different types of resume software available before you make a final purchase, such as low priced resume software, full-featured software and resume examples.
Try: Resume Software goes into detail about difference in price depending on the number of resume examples the program provides.

Resume tracking software

Resume tracking software is used by companies as part of their standard recruiting process. It allows you to advertise availabilities on the web and screen the responses that come in.
Try: You’ll understand how resume tracking software can be used to find employees with the right background by checking out the discussion at Taleo.

Downsides

Before purchasing resume software, you might want to consider some of the downsides of depending on these programs, such as potentially not being able to show a potential employer how you stand out from the rest.
Try: e-Resume’s explanation of downsides to resume software suggests that people are individuals and their resumes should reflect their unique characters.

Resume parsing software

Resume parsing software is used as a recruiting tool by employment agencies. It can import details from an applicant's resume into a staffing firm's database.
Try: Akken clearly explains how resume parsing software streamlines the recruiting process.

Resume tracking module

A resume tracking module is available as an add-on to some resume software programs. The module enhances a program's ability to extract information from resumes that is then put into a more readable format for retrieval later on.
Try: Hire Ground Software explains how a resume tracking module makes resume scanning more cost-effective.