Résumé Reboot

On November 12, 2024, an insightful workshop titled “Résumé Reboot” was organised by the Placement Cell of Loreto College, Kolkata. The session was conducted by Mr. Soumyajit Mahapatra, Chairman of the Public Relations Society India, Kolkata Chapter. Mr. Mahapatra shared essential techniques for effective résumé writing, providing attendees with strategies to improve their chances of passing the initial stages of HR screening and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Mr. Mahapatra’s presentation began with an overview of common reasons for résumé rejection. He explained that poor formatting and readability are major barriers, as HR professionals prioritise clarity and organisation. Issues such as spelling and grammar errors, which suggest a lack of attention to detail, were underscored as critical rejection factors. Mr. Mahapatra also emphasised the importance of tailoring résumés to each job application, noting that generic résumés typically fail to make a strong impression.

The presentation then delved into the nuances of the résumé screening process, explaining how ATS tools, used by 90% of companies, filter candidates based on specific keywords. Mr. Mahapatra stressed the importance of including job-related keywords to ensure compatibility with these systems. He further recommended focusing on achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities, as this approach demonstrates a results-oriented mindset that appeals to recruiters.

Following the presentation, Mr. Mahapatra conducted an interactive Q&A session. Participants asked questions about specific résumé challenges, addressing issues such as managing online reputations, whether to include a photograph or not, and adapting résumés for various roles. Mr. Mahapatra provided clear, practical insights, helping attendees understand how to avoid common pitfalls and structure their résumés to highlight key accomplishments. The Q&A allowed participants to gain valuable, personalised guidance, helping them approach their job applications more strategically.

After the Q&A, students were encouraged to put Mr. Mahapatra's recommendations into practice by modifying their résumés on the spot. During this hands-on session, Mr. Mahapatra walked around the room, offering one-on-one assistance. His personalised feedback helped students refine their résumés to align with the best practices discussed earlier. Mr. Mahapatra's direct support ensured that students made targeted improvements, adapting their resumes to better appeal to both HR professionals and ATS systems.

The Résumé Reboot Workshop provided participants with practical strategies to enhance their résumés and improve their job search outcomes. Attendees left the session equipped to create compelling, professional résumés tailored to stand out in a competitive job market.