Applicant Tracking System Explained
Have you ever applied to a large company, carefully crafted a cover letter, submitted your resume, only to receive a rejection email just minutes later? If so, you may have fallen victim to their Applicant Tracking System (ATS). But what exactly is ATS, and how can you use it to your advantage?
ATS is software designed to help companies manage and automatically screen job applications to identify the most suitable candidates. If your resume doesn’t meet its criteria, it may trigger an automatic rejection response. In fact, according to Jobscan, 97 percent of Fortune 500 companies use ATS in their hiring process. Understanding how ATS works and how to optimize your resume for it is a critical step when applying to large companies.
How Can You Optimize Your Resume for ATS?
The most important aspect of optimizing your resume for ATS is ensuring the software can accurately read and interpret your information. Unlike a human, ATS scans your resume from top to bottom and left to right, so proper formatting is essential.
For example, it’s crucial to list your job title, company name, location, and employment dates all on the same line, followed by a brief description and notable achievements in bullet points. This helps the ATS accurately link your role to the relevant information, ensuring that your experience is captured properly. One common mistake is using columns that run vertically down the page. While this may help you fit more information onto one page, ATS systems often struggle with this format, which can lead to misread or misplaced details—and likely, rejection.
Additionally, avoid using images, graphics, or logos, including headshots. ATS software cannot interpret visual elements, and these could cause your resume to be skipped or misinterpreted. Stick to a clean, text-based layout to ensure the system reads your resume correctly and doesn’t overlook important qualifications or achievements.
Typically, it’s also best to avoid using PDFs, as many ATS systems have difficulty reading this format. Instead, opt for a Microsoft Word document (DOCX or DOC), unless the job posting specifically requests another format. (Only do this if you know it will likely go through an ATS system as PDFs are easier to read if being directly sent to a person) These formatting choices can make all the difference in passing the initial ATS screening.
Leveraging Keywords for ATS
One of the most effective ways to optimize your resume for ATS is by ensuring it contains the right keywords that the system is programmed to detect. These keywords usually relate directly to the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the role.
Using Job Descriptions for Keywords
A great strategy is to carefully review the job description on the company’s hiring page and look for specific terms that stand out. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, the job description might highlight skills like “SEO,” “content strategy,” “social media management,” or “Google Analytics.” If those skills match your experience, include them naturally in your resume.
Example:
- Job description excerpt: “We are looking for someone with experience in SEO, social media management, and content creation.”
- Resume keyword usage:
- “Managed social media platforms to increase engagement by 30%.”
- “Developed a content strategy that improved SEO rankings by 15%.”
Researching Industry-Specific Keywords
Additionally, it helps to research common terms and jargon specific to your industry. For instance, in IT, terms like “cloud computing,” “network security,” or “agile development” are likely to be key. Incorporating these terms into your resume ensures it aligns with the ATS filters and increases the likelihood of your application being forwarded to a human recruiter.
Online Resources for ATS Optimization
There are several online resources that can help you optimize your resume for ATS. Resume scanners, for example, allow you to upload your resume alongside a job description. These tools analyze your resume, compare it to the job posting, and provide feedback on what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
Tools like Jobscan and ResumeWorded can identify missing keywords, suggest formatting improvements, and even give you a match score based on how well your resume aligns with the job description. Using a resume scanner is an effective way to fine-tune your application and avoid common mistakes that could prevent it from being seen by a recruiter.
The Basics Still Matter
While optimizing for ATS is crucial, the basics should not be overlooked. Grammar and spelling errors should be nonexistent on your resume. This document reflects the kind of worker you are, and mistakes can leave a negative impression. Proofread thoroughly to ensure that your resume is polished and professional.
Also, avoid generic clichés like “attention to detail” or “team player.” These phrases are overused and do little to make your resume stand out. Instead, focus on demonstrating your skills through concrete examples. For instance, rather than stating that you’re a “team player,” you could mention how you collaborated with colleagues to achieve a specific project milestone or team goal.
Balancing ATS Optimization with Human Appeal
Remember, while optimizing for ATS is important, a real person will eventually read your resume. Striking the right balance between tailoring it for the system and showcasing your unique qualities as a candidate is key. Use clear, concise language and highlight your accomplishments in a way that speaks both to the machine and the hiring manager.
In the end, crafting a resume that is both ATS-friendly and compelling to human recruiters will greatly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Conclusion:
By understanding how ATS works and applying the tips mentioned above, you can greatly improve your chances of moving past the initial screening process. Optimize your resume with proper formatting, relevant keywords, and a balance between ATS optimization and human appeal to make sure you stand out as a candidate.
Useful Links:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2022/12/12/5-resume-hacks-to-pass-ats/
https://www.jobscan.co/applicant-tracking-systems
https://app.skillsyncer.com/dashboard
