@James Brown Welcome James!

@Corinne Cassell hello! Welcome back to the workforce, and with your State Farm background, you’ve already got a solid foundation in the insurance world. You’ll pick things back up in no time! Excited to have you here. 🌟

@Holly Curtis-Phipps Great question! One of the most important things to know is that your resume often needs to pass through an ATS before a human ever sees it. What’s ATS? ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System — software that companies use to scan and filter resumes before they reach a recruiter. It looks for keywords, formatting, and qualifications that match the job posting. How to Optimize Your Resume for ATS: 1. Use Keywords from the Job Description. Carefully read the job listing and mirror the language it uses. If they want someone with “property claims experience” or “Xactimate proficiency,” make sure those exact terms appear naturally in your resume. 2. Avoid Fancy Formatting. Stick to a clean, simple layout. Avoid tables, columns, or graphics that could confuse the software. Use standard section headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” 3. Save as a Word Document or PDF. Most ATS systems handle .docx and PDF files well, but double-check if the application page suggests a preferred format. 4. Be Specific and Measurable. Include numbers and outcomes when possible: “Handled over 200 residential claims with an average settlement time under 14 days.” Final Tip: Even if your resume looks great to the eye, it needs to sound right to the software. By aligning your content with the role you’re applying for, you increase your chances of getting past the digital gatekeeper — and into the hands of a hiring manager. Need a second pair of eyes? I’d be happy to take a look at your resume and give feedback if you’d like.