Candidates and fellow job seekers often rant to me about the resume submitting process and how it seems unfair or biased. They feel like they have the skills and experience for the job. However, the instant rejection, and typically the “Thank you for your application, unfortunately, we won’t be proceeding with your application at this time.” email that follows creates the feeling that the recruiter never even looked at their resume. That is probably because the recruiter or hiring manager never did look.
The First Barrier
The majority of job postings online will use what is called an ATS to sort and filter all incoming resumes. This ATS is a candidate’s first barrier to getting an interview with whatever company they are hoping to join. So what exactly does the ATS do? The technical definition is applicant tracking system (ATS) centrally and electronically facilitates the recruitment and hiring processes. ATSs are complete turnkey systems for the entire hiring process. Its functions range from posting open jobs and serving as a central collection point for all relevant documentation to onboarding newly hired employees. To simplify, ATS software is the hub for recruiters to use when recruiting. When submitting a resume, the ATS looks for keywords, location, and whether you fit the general job description. The ATS then says whether that resume includes what that particular company is looking for in a candidate. A.I is never perfect, and recruiters should not take the ATSs with 100% certainty. However, when a job opening has hundreds or thousands of resumes, Applicant Tracking Systems are heavily relied on to sort and move resumes on to the next stage.
How to Beat the ATS
Getting your resume past the ATS is crucial in today’s hiring market. By beating that first barrier, you significantly increase your chances of a recruiter or hiring manager taking a peek at your resume. Here are some ways to “Beat the ATS.”
1. Tailor your CV / Resume to the job description
It would be best if you customized your CV / Resume for each job to give you the best chance of being identified as the perfect fit. Tailor and tweak your CV / Resume headline to match the role, edit job titles, and prioritize your most relevant skills and experience.
2. Customize the file name and metadata
Include your full name in the file name and add relevant keywords to the resume metadata.
3. Pick ‘Upload’ over ‘Copy and Paste.’
Uploading will decrease the likelihood of your submission losing its formatting.
4. Use long-form and acronym/abbreviation versions of keywords
Short forms and acroym will confuse the ATS and potentially may have your resume rejected.
5. Use standard CV/Resume section titles
Section headers like “Where I’ve Been” in place of “Work Experience” may confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS), causing them to organize information incorrectly.
6. Submit the correct type of file
Pick either a PDF or word file.
7. Use resume keywords for the skills found in the job description:
Look at the job posting, and use the exact keywords in your application to naturally highlight your experience and skills. Consider looking up similar jobs to get ideas for other terms you can include that may pique the interest of the applicant tracking system and hiring manager. To determine the most important keywords, note specific software, education, certifications, and methodologies that a job posting mentions.
8. Don’t use tables :
Even though tables can improve readability for human readers, they may cause database parsing errors in most applicant tracking systems. If using MS word columns, ensure it’s within one section, so the information stays together under one title. Avoid splitting pages in half or using fancy sidebars.