Fairplace

Practical guides

Reference material you can revisit anytime — read each topic and check it off as you go.

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A resume that passes the ATS

Format, keywords, and what to prioritize

What an ATS is, and why it blocks good resumes

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is the software most companies use to screen resumes before a human reads them. It looks for the job's keywords and parses your text into fields — if the format confuses that process, your resume may never reach the recruiter.

Ideal format

Single column (avoid tables and text boxes), a common font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), no icons or images in place of text, clear section headings (Experience, Education, Skills). Save as .docx or plain PDF — never as an image.

What to emphasize

Numeric results outweigh task lists. Naturally repeat the same keywords from the job posting (title, tools, certifications) — that's what the ATS matches first.

Length

One page for up to about 8-10 years of experience; two pages max after that. A too-long resume dilutes what matters.

closeWeak line

Responsible for the sales department at the company.

checkStrong line

Grew team sales by 23% in 6 months, beating the quarterly target in 4 of 6 months.

send

How many applications to send

The right volume, and how to keep the pace without burning out

The number that tends to work

8 to 10 well-targeted applications per week tends to generate consistent responses without turning into a second job. Fewer than 5/week is usually not enough to keep the funnel moving.

Quality over quantity

One application with a tailored resume and a short, specific note gets a far higher response rate than an automated, generic one. Prefer 10 good ones over 50 identical ones.

How to keep the pace

Block a fixed time slot each week just for this — treat it like a real meeting, not something to squeeze in when there's time left. Keep a simple spreadsheet so you don't lose track or duplicate applications.

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How to search jobs on Fairplace

Filters, alerts, and saved search so you don't miss a good one

Use the filters

In job search, filter by category, location and work model (remote/hybrid/on-site) to see only what really fits — this avoids wasting time on applications outside your profile.

Turn on alerts

In "Alerts", set up an automatic notification for new jobs matching your criteria — that way you apply in the first few days, while screening is still open, without checking the site constantly.

Freelance counts too

If you're open to short-term projects, the Freelance tab gathers short-term opportunities that can also help keep income flowing while you look for the right full-time role.

Follow the feed

Fairplace's feed shows jobs and company updates in chronological order — no algorithm hiding anything, so it's worth checking in from time to time.

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LinkedIn and public profile

Photo, headline, and recommendations that actually matter

Photo and headline

A clear headshot, good lighting, no sunglasses. The headline under your name is the most-read line — clearly say what you do, not your internal job title.

Recommendations

Ask for recommendations from people you've genuinely worked with. Two or three good, specific ones beat twenty generic ones.

"Open to work"

Turn this on — many recruiters filter candidates by this alone before looking at anything else.

You are not a number in a queue. You are someone who deserves a healthy environment to take the next step.

Why we do it this way
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Cover letter and application note

Short, specific, and why it changes the game

It doesn't need to be long

3-4 sentences are enough: who you are, why this specific job/company, and one concrete result that connects your experience to what they need.

Always specific

Name the company and something real about the role — a generic note that fits any application signals a lack of care.

Where to use it

Whenever a site allows a note with your application (like Fairplace does), use it. It's what separates a memorable application from one lost in the pile.

closeGeneric note

Hello, I am interested in the position. Please find my resume attached.

checkSpecific note

Hi! I saw the Marketing Analyst role at [Company] and was drawn to the growth focus you describe. In my last role I grew organic traffic by 40% in 5 months — I believe that experience connects directly with what you're looking for. My resume is attached, happy to talk further.

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Interviewing

How to prepare, and what to do afterward

Research beforehand

Product, competitors, recent company news. One good question built on this beats a memorized answer.

The STAR method

To tell examples in an organized way: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This makes your answers concrete instead of vague.

Your own questions

"I don't have any questions" reads as disinterest, even without meaning to.

After the interview

Send a short thank-you email the same day, reinforcing one specific point from the conversation. It stays in the interviewer's memory.

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Offer and negotiation

How not to lose negotiating power

Don't name the first number

Whenever possible, ask what range the company has in mind before answering. Whoever speaks first usually anchors the conversation there.

Negotiating is normal

Most companies already build room into the first offer. Negotiating politely does not burn bridges — it is expected.

The whole package

Weigh benefits, work model (remote/hybrid), hours and career path — not just the salary figure.

In writing

Get the offer in writing before resigning from your current job, even if everything was already agreed verbally.

schedule

After applying — what to do while you wait

Follow-up, parallel applications, and handling silence

Follow-up is normal

No reply in 1-2 weeks? A polite status-check email is well received by most companies, not an annoyance.

Keep applying in parallel

No job is guaranteed until the offer is signed — keep applying while waiting to hear back from others.

A rejection isn't the end

Ask for direct feedback from whoever rejected you. Many companies reconsider months later when a similar role opens up.

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How to stay in your new job

Signs to spot before accepting, and in the first few months

Investigate before accepting

Ask in the interview about culture, role expectations and team turnover. Signs of a bad environment usually show up before you sign, not after.

Give yourself a real adjustment period

The first 90 days rarely reflect how the rest will be — give it time before deciding it's not the right fit, unless something is clearly serious.

Recognize patterns

If you leave several jobs for the same reason (management, culture, expectation vs. reality), it's worth understanding that pattern before your next move — sometimes the fix is in the choice, not the job itself.

Ask for help if you need it

Talking to a mentor or a trusted HR contact about what isn't working can help you decide whether to adjust or move on.