Today, I want to share with you a simple method I’ve created for managing and analyzing resumes or CVs efficiently. With the help of AI and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology integrated into Google Sheets, handling a large volume of resumes(or any data) can become surprisingly straightforward.
Let me walk you through the process of creating a powerful resume analyzer using these tools.
For this I am using our Google Sheets add-on FileDrop. FileDrop is a swiss knife for Google Sheets, helps with file management, translations, AI functions and much more.
Step 1: Bulk Text Extraction from PDFs and Images
The journey begins with extracting text from PDF files or images. Thanks to the new Bulk OCR* feature in FileDrop, I can now do this in a batch which significantly speeds up the initial data processing.
The OCR text extraction can be done one file at a time but this will take a longer time.
How I Use FileDrop for Text Extraction
- Accessing the Tool: I find the ‘Bulk OCR’ tool under ‘Tools’ menu in FileDrop.
- Preparing My Files: I place the resumes in a folder on my Google Drive and copy the folder ID.
- Configuring the Extraction: Next, I paste the folder ID into FileDrop. Here, I’m presented with several extraction options:
- Extract to Google Sheets: This creates one Google Sheet with data from each file in separate cells.
- Extract to Google Docs: Similar to Sheets, but in a Doc format.
- Individual File Extraction: Each file gets extracted into its own Google Sheet or Doc.
- Treat as Table Option: Useful for structured documents like invoices.
Setting Language and Extraction Options
I can specify the language of the documents (I usually stick to English) and choose from different extraction formats according to my needs.
Step 2: Analyzing the Extracted Data
Once the text is extracted, the next phase is analyzing the resumes , and this is where the GPT AI* functions in FileDrop becomes invaluable.
Building the Resume Analyzer in Google Sheets
- Starting the OCR Process: By clicking the OCR button in FileDrop, the text extraction process begins. I receive an email once the file is ready.
- Retrieving the Extracted Data: FileDrop will create a new file with the extracted data, I open the file to view the data.
- Transferring to Resumes Analyzer: I then copy this data into my resume analyzer sheet in Google Sheets.
- Organizing the Data: I adjust cell sizes and remove unneeded columns for clarity.
The resulted sheet will look something like this.
Utilizing GPT-AI for Insightful Analysis
In FileDrop we also have AI functions* that you can use to extract or analyze the data directly in your Google Sheet.
Example:
=GPT_EXTRACT(“extract name from “&B2&”, return the result without other text”)
This function can be used to extract data from a cell like emails, websites, names, phone numbers etc.
With GPTAI, I can:
- Extract key details like names and phone numbers from the resumes.
- Analyze each resume based on specific criteria that matter to me, such as skills or experience.
The results can look like this
Step 3: Optimization and Result Compilation
After setting up the analyzer, sometimes I need to tweak the AI prompts for better precision or troubleshoot minor errors.
Fine-Tuning for Accuracy
- I adjust the AI prompts for more accurate extraction of names and phone numbers.
- I address any errors that pop up during the analysis process.
Saving and Reviewing the Analysis
- With FileDrop, I save all values as text.
- This allows me to view the analysis results directly, bypassing the formulas.
Template
If you want to use FileDrop to create your own resume analyzer tool here is the template I used.
Video Tutorial to create a Resumes Analyzer with AI and Bulk OCR
If you prefer video please view the tutorial below.
Conclusion
Integrating AI and OCR into Google Sheets has utterly transformed how I handle and analyze data. This approach not only saves a significant amount of time but also opens up countless possibilities for efficient data analysis and management.
I hope this guide helps you set up your own resumes analyzer. Keep an eye out for more tips on leveraging technology to streamline your workflows.
*these are paid functions in FileDrop, the bulk OCR function has a file by file alternative, also the AI functions are limited to 5 per month for the free version.