ATS
This term describes the software employers use to scan resumes for keywords before they reach a hiring manager.
What is an Applicant Tracking System?
This interview technique helps you structure responses by describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
What is the STAR method?
In the ARM method, the first step is tacking responsibility for past mistakes or actions that may appear on a background check.
What is Acknowledge?
When applying for jobs, it’s important to understand how far back this process will typically go when checking for criminal history.
What is a background check?
This strategy involves practicing responses to common interview questions to ensure you’re prepared and confident.
What is Interview Preparation?
Including this section in your resume with terms directly from the job description can help you pass the ATS.
What is a Skills Section?
When crafting a STAR response, this step describes the specific challenge or duty you needed to perform.
What is Task?
After acknowledging your criminal background, this step involves expressing sincere regret for your actions and their impact.
What is Show Remorse?
This is a common hurdle faced by people with criminal records, preventing them from getting a job even though they are qualified and experienced.
What is a blanket ban on hiring individuals with criminal records?
Mentioning personal life details, focusing on weaknesses, or discussing salary expectations in response to this common interview question can leave a negative impression.
What is the "Tell me about yourself" question?
This resume format is often discouraged when applying to jobs with ATS screening, as it may confuse the system.
What is a Functional Resume?
This part of a STAR response focuses on the specific steps you took to address the problem or task.
What is Action?
The final step of the ARM method involves discussing this and highlighting the positive changes or actions you've taken since the previous event.
What is Moving on by showcasing positive actions or achievements?
This type of job is typically off-limits for people with certain felony convictions, especially in fields like education and healthcare.
What is a job that requires a professional license?
This type of question is designed to assess how you handle challenges and problem-solving, and you should answer using the STAR method.
What is a behavioral interview question?
This adjustment to your resume ensures your document is compatible with ATS systems that cannot read images or graphics.
What is saving your resume in plain text or .docx format?
This component should be quantified when possible in a STAR interview response to show the impact of your actions.
What is the Result?
ARM is typically used after building this with the interviewer, allowing candidates to speak openly about their background without jeopardizing the rapport.
What is Building rapport?
In Minnesota, this law limits employers' ability to reject applicants based on convictions that are irrelevant to the job.
What is the Minnesota Fair Hiring Act?
Claiming you want to "own your own business" or take on a different role in the company when asked, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" might signal this to employers, making them question your commitment.
What is a lack of commitment to the specific role you're applying for?
These two elements must be strategically placed and worded on your resume to align with ATS algorithms, increasing your chances of a match.
What are Keywords and Job Titles?
The STAR method is most effective for answering this type of interview question that begins with "Tell me about a time when…"
What are Behavioral Questions?
Addressing your criminal history using the ARM method after this step in the hiring process could cause an employer to rescind an offer due to a lack of trust in the candidate.
What is a Background Check?
Some employers may ask you to complete this form to disclose your criminal history before hiring, which could be based on your state’s law.
What is a disclosure form?
This statement, often seen as a red flag during interviews, can lead employers to question your commitment to the role when you say you're only interested in the position as a "stepping stone."
What is saying, "I'm just looking for a job to get my foot in the door"?
This response raises concerns that the candidate might not be committed to the position for the long term.