After reviewing the comments, the general sentiment among users is as follows:
Candidates Are Following Recruiter Advice: Many commenters point out that job seekers include metrics and action verbs like "spearheaded" in their resumes because recruiters and hiring managers encourage this format. It's a way to stand out in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords and quantifiable achievements.
Frustration with the Hiring Process: There's a shared frustration about the hiring practices that prioritize buzzwords and quantifiable metrics over actual skills and experience. Users mention that this approach forces candidates to exaggerate or fabricate numbers to get noticed, which doesn't necessarily reflect their true capabilities.
The Game of Resume Optimization: Commenters acknowledge that job seekers are "playing the game" by tailoring their resumes to meet the expectations of recruiters and ATS algorithms. This includes using specific formats like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or XYZ (Accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z) to structure their achievements.
Ineffectiveness of Metrics Without Context: Several users note that including percentages or metrics without context is meaningless. They prefer resumes that focus on actual responsibilities and skills rather than vague or unverifiable statistics.
Impact of ATS on Resume Writing: The reliance on ATS by many companies means that resumes lacking these keywords and metrics may never reach a human reviewer. This creates a dilemma for candidates who must choose between an honest resume and one optimized for automated systems.
Suggestions for Improvement: Some commenters suggest that hiring managers and companies should adjust their screening processes to focus more on genuine skills and less on buzzword-filled resumes. This could involve clearer job descriptions and more effective filtering methods that don't rely solely on keyword matching.
Networking Over Applications: A point raised is that personal connections often outweigh the resume content. Networking can help candidates bypass the impersonal screening process and get their resumes directly into the hands of hiring managers.
Advice for Job Seekers: Despite the frustrations, some users advise job seekers to continue using metrics and action verbs in their resumes because it's currently an industry norm and increases the chances of passing through initial screening stages.
In summary, the commenters express that while they understand the original poster's frustration with resumes filled with buzzwords and unverifiable metrics, they recognize that the job market often necessitates this approach due to recruiter preferences and automated screening tools. The underlying issue seems to be with the hiring practices rather than the candidates' attempts to adapt to them.
