Microsoft and LinkedIn Launch New Feature to Help Job Seekers Tailor Their Resumes

Squeezing one’s entire work history onto a single piece of paper is challenging, and tweaking said CV for specific jobs adds to the struggle. To simplify the resume-crafting process, The Verge reports, Microsoft and LinkedIn have joined forces to launch a new feature called Resume Assistant.

For the uninitiated, Microsoft purchased LinkedIn last year for $26 billion, with plans to link the employment-focused social networking platform to its suite of apps. Making good on their intentions, Resume Assistant will allow Office 365 subscribers to pull data straight from LinkedIn into Word to help them create a better CV.

Open a resume in Word, and Resume Assistant will instantly pop up, according to USA Today. Based on your desired job or industry, the program will present a sidebar filled with skills and experiences listed by LinkedIn users with similar titles. This information will guide you in figuring out how to portray yourself to prospective employers.

In addition to user data, Resume Assistant will load other potentially applicable skills and job listings to ensure writers are paying attention to (and including) key buzzwords and phrases. It also lets users directly visit job openings online, privately notify LinkedIn recruiters if they're looking for a different job, or connect with pro resume coaches through the social network’s freelance hiring marketplace, ProFinder.

Resume Assistant will roll out gradually beginning November 9, 2017, although it will initially be available for members of Microsoft’s Insider program. Eventually, it will be freely available for all Office 365 subscribers.