ATS is a common term in the job application space. You have probably heard before. But do you know exactly what it is and how it affects your ability to get a job? ATS is a software that scans job application documents like cover letters and resumes. When you apply for a job, your documents do not go directly to the recruiter. They are stored in the ATS database. To save time, the recruiter then searches for resumes with certain keywords. If yours does not have those keywords, it will be lost in the abyss of the ATS. So, how can you avoid this? Read this article to find out.
Applicant Tracking System Explained
ATS is programmed to filter out applications based on the criteria set by recruiters. This includes knockout questions that applicants must answer in their resumes. For instance, the skills they have, job experience, educational background, or certifications. Inability to answer these questions results in automatic rejection, and your resume will be sent to the trash.
If the job position requires candidates with a degree in economics and you have a degree in hospitality, the ATS will automatically reject you. Or if the company is looking for applicants with over five years of experience, and your resume indicates you have two, your application will be rejected even before the recruiter has a chance to review it. So if you are wondering why you have been stuck in the job-hunting phase for years, this might be the culprit.
How To Craft An ATS-Friendly Resume
1. Read each job description carefully: This will help you understand what the recruiter is looking for. You should never use the same resume for every job application. Tailor your resume to fit each job description by using relevant keywords. If the company is looking for a research assistant, indicate that you are one in your professional summary. If the company is looking for someone with 3 years of experience, ensure you have exactly that or more.
Include the skills listed in the job description under the Core Skills section. Make sure you adjust the positioning and add a few more skills that are relevant. Do not just copy and paste things. Remember, passing the ATS scan is only the first step. The recruiter will manually review the resumes that pass the ATS scan. If they detect a low-effort resume that has a lot of copy-pasting, they will simply reject it and move on to those that seem authentic.
2. Use standard section headings: Avoid weird headings like Why Hire Me. Standard headings include:
1. Contact Information
2. Headline (Placed under your contact information)
3. Professional Summary
4. Skills
5. Work
6. Education
7. Certifications
8. Projects (Depending on the position you are applying for)
Do not use graphics: Graphics like photos or charts may be aesthetically pleasing as you design your resume. However, after going through an ATS scan, these portions of your resume will look messy because the ATS will convert them into garbled characters. The ATS may then reject your resume as it may mistake it for a corrupt file.
Save your resume using an ideal file type: It is common practice for job applicants to save their documents in PDF form. However, PDF documents are not very ATS-friendly. Some ATS software is incompatible with PDF files. If the company does not explicitly ask you to send your application documents in PDF form, it is best to send them in Word form. Using a PDF
Conclusion
I bet you have had an aha moment at least once while reading this article. You might have realized why you never get invited to job interviews. It is not that you are unqualified; it is that you do not create ATS-friendly resumes. Follow these tips while creating or editing your resume to ensure you do not remain stuck in rejections. To scan your resume and see if it is ATS compliant, use the following link: https://topresume.com/resume-review
