Introduction
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a recruitment software that screens resumes by scanning them for keywords, skills, and qualifications before they reach human recruiters.
According to Capterra, over 75% of recruiters screen resumes using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). To optimize your resume for ATS, use standard formatting, relevant keywords from the job description, clear section headings, and appropriate file formats like .docx or PDF.
To help you surf the tide and stay afloat in the job market, we will look into the world of ATS and provide expert tips to optimise your resume for these systems. Understanding how they work and tailoring your resume accordingly will increase your chance of landing interviews and ultimately securing your dream job.
So let’s get started.
1. What is an ATS?
ATS is a software application used by companies to manage the recruitment process. From initial job posting to candidate hiring, ATS looks after it all and has emerged as a cornerstone in the evolving world of recruitment. It not only screens resumes but also helps recruiters track candidates or communicate with them.
Tracing back to history, ATS emerged in the early 1990s to manage the growing volume of resumes and applications. Initially, they were simple databases that stored resume information. However, they evolved to incorporate more advanced features like keyword matching and candidate scoring.
With the popularity of the internet, ATS became increasingly sophisticated, integrating with job boards and online application platforms. Presently, ATS is a standard tool in most organisations, especially the Fortune 500s, playing a crucial role in recruitment.
2. Why Do Employers Use ATS?
Gone are the days when people looked into resumes manually. Presently, employers use ATS to streamline the hiring process. Around 97.4% of Fortune 500 companies use application tracking systems. Here is a list of the Fortune 500 companies that use ATS systems.
The software helps them manage large volumes of job applications sufficiently and sort resumes based on specific keywords and qualifications. Additionally, scheduling interviews and tracking candidates with potential has reduced the workload of recruiters. Therefore, not only does it save time and resources for employers, but it also allows them to focus on finding the best candidate for their openings.
3. How Does an ATS Work?
The mechanism of sorting out candidates is generally straightforward. The recruiter includes job titles, skills, certifications, and experience levels, and the system ranks candidates based on their ability to meet these criteria. Here is a quick glimpse of the process:
| Step | Process |
| Job Posting | The employer creates a job posting and uploads it to the software |
| Applicant submission | Job seekers submit their resumes and covered letters through the ATS |
| Resume parsing | The software scans the resume for keywords and relevant information, categorising them based on predefined criteria. |
| Applicant screening | The ATS automatically filters applicants based on their qualifications and skills, creating a shortlist |
| Candidate communication | The software can send automatic email responses to applicants, informing them of their status in the interview process |
| Interview scheduling | Not only does it help them schedule interviews with the shortlisted candidates, but it also coordinates availability with the hiring manager |
| Candidate tracking | It also keeps track of all candidate information, including interviews, assessments, and feedback |
| Hiring decision | The manager makes the final decision based on the ATS-generated information and candidate interviews |
| Offer extension | The software can also be used to send job offers to selected candidates |
| Onboarding | It can also be integrated with the HR system to facilitate the boarding process for new recruitment |
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4. What is an ATS Optimised Resume?
More than 90% of employers initially filter or rank potential middle-skills (94%) and high-skills (92%) candidates, as per a survey conducted by Harvard Business School: They look into criteria like credentials, skills, and years of experience. Additionally, the report states, “A recruiter will never see that candidate’s application, even though it might fill all of the employer’s requirements.”
While going through this data, one can easily assume how vital the function of an ATS-optimised resume is.
ATS resumes usually don’t follow white fonting, so the software easily understands and processes them. However, the systems use algorithms to scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases. Therefore, it is important to include these terms in your CV. Additionally, using a consistent format, clear headings, and bullet points will help your resume stand out and be more readable by humans and ATS.
5. Expert Tips for Optimising Your Resume for ATS
With these tips and tricks, you can easily craft a resume compatible with the ATS software.
1. Use Standard Formatting
The primary tip we want to focus on is keeping your formatting simple.
Why It Matters: Clear and consistent formatting enhances readability and ensures your resume looks professional. Additionally, do not use complex formatting or extra spaces between letters, as the software cannot “read” them.
How to use:
- Using easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, Georgia, Verdana, or Times New Roman can make all the difference. Additionally, by sticking to 10-12 point sizes for body text, you can make all the difference to your resume.
- Organise information with bullet points instead of dense paragraphs. This makes it easier for hiring managers to skim your resume.
- Avoid tables and text boxes, as these can confuse ATS and may lead to misinterpreting your information.
2. Incorporate Relevant Keywords
Secondly, using relevant keywords in the job description is important to stand out in the ATS software.
Why it matters: A one-size-fits-all approach is unsuitable if you write an ATS resume. To make your CV stand out, incorporate targeted keywords and relevant phrases. However, it must also be gracefully integrated so that your resume does not look difficult to “read.” for instance, if you are applying for a content writing position, use terms like “SEO.”
How to use:
Identify common terms and phrases used in job postings that match your skills and experiences.
Finally, integrate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in the skills, work experience, and summary sections.
3. Use Clear and Consistent Headings
Thirdly, these softwares place great emphasis on headings. By making them more readable and eye-catching, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Why It Matters: Headers, footers, templates, borders, lines, symbols, or shading are not well-read by the ATS. Therefore, using such formatting will not make your resume stand out. In such cases, a candidate must use consistent headings containing keywords. Additionally, use full-spelled-out version terms besides using acronyms or abbreviations. For instance, Certified Public Accountant (CPA)].
How to use:
- Use common headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” to help ATS categorise your information easily.
- Keep heading styles uniform throughout your document to enhance clarity.
4. Save Your Resume in the Right File Format
If you send your curriculum vitae to an organisation that uses ATS, then a PDF or a .dox will be your best bet. A candidate can easily write their resume in Google Docs or Microsoft Word and save it in a PDF format.
Why It Matters: apart from professional presentability, the right file format ensures that ATS can accurately read your resume. If the software correctly parses them, it will increase your chances of being selected for review by hiring managers. Apart from this, certain file formats like .docx preserve your formatting better than others. It ensures that you hear bullet points and that the overall layout remains in text, making your resume easier to read. Lastly, naming your file appropriately is also an important step.
How to use:
- Save your resume as a .docx or PDF (if specified in the job description) to ensure ATS compatibility.
- Ensure that the file format you choose is readable by most ATS software.
5. Customise Your Resume for Each Job Application
As mentioned above, a one-size-fits-all approach is not ideal when making an ATS resume. Submitting a generic curriculum vitae will cause the algorithm to screen your resume.
Why It Matters: Tailoring your resume allows you to highlight the specific skills and experience that match the job description. This alignment increases your relevance as a candidate and proves your interest in the position. As most ATS systems scan for keywords specific to the job, incorporating keywords will improve your chances of getting past initial screenings. Thus, tailoring your resume encourages you to reflect on your experience, achievements, and more, helping you present the strongest possible version of yourself.
How to use:
- Adjust your resume to reflect the specific job requirements listed in each job posting.
- Highlight relevant experience by emphasising the skills and experiences that are most pertinent to the role you’re applying for.
6. Focus on Quality Content
Your resume is often the first point of contact with potential employers. Although ATS might screen it, crisp content with structured data will help you to stand out in the algorithm.
Why It Matters: A clear and well-organised resume helps ATS categorise your information correctly. Standard headings and bullet points ensure that your skills and experience are easily parsed. In addition, focusing on concise and straightforward language reduces the risk of misinterpretation by ATS in contrast to complex wording or jargon.
How to use:
- Use straightforward language to convey your qualifications effectively.
- Include numbers and statistics to showcase your achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in one year”).
7. Limit Length And Complexity
By limiting the complexity and length of your resume, you not only enhance its effectiveness but also increase the likelihood of positively impacting both ATS and human reviewers.
Why It Matters: A concise resume is easier for ATS and hiring managers to read. By keeping the content clear and straightforward, you can ensure that key information stands out. Limiting length ensures you prioritise the most relevant experience and skills, making your resume more targeted and impactful. As ATS softwares may struggle with longer resumes, a shorter and crisp format is less likely to confuse the system.
How to use:
- Aim for a one-page resume (or two pages for extensive experience) to maintain clarity.
- Avoid unnecessary details and focus on relevant information that supports your candidacy.
8. Include Contact Information
Additionally, a well-organised resume optimised for ATS will include contact details and reflect the candidates’ professionalism. By providing such trivial yet important details, the software can sort the CV better.
Why It Matters: Clear contact information ensures that hiring managers can easily reach you for interviews or follow-ups, increasing your chances of being considered for the position. Most ATS resumes require contact information to be easily identifiable. Thus, including it prominently ensures that the system correctly parses your details. A LinkedIn profile can provide recruiters with additional insights into your professional background, helping them better understand your qualifications.
How to use:
- Place your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) at the top, ensuring it’s easy for both ATS and hiring managers to find.
9. Use Action Verbs
Finally, to optimise your ATS resume, you must use strong action words to highlight your accomplishments and capture the software’s attention.
Why It Matters: by beginning each bullet point in your experience section with a strong action verb, you can set the right tone for your resume. For instance, instead of ” responsible for managing a team,” you can use “led a team of 5”. Although using such phrases is great, avoiding repetition by using various action words throughout your resume is important.
For example, one can include turns like “Developed,” “Implemented,” “Improved,” “Achieved,” and “Coordinated.” In addition, it is necessary to be mindful of the tense and other grammatical errors while crafting strong statements.
How to use:
Start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., “Developed,” “Led,” and “Managed”) to convey your accomplishments more effectively.
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Conclusion
In the present job market, understanding ATS is essential for job seekers. With over 75% of resumes screened by this softwares, ensuring your CV is optimised can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews.
By implementing the expert tips outlined above, you can create an ATS resume that stands out to both software gatekeepers and human eyes.
FAQs on ATS Resume Writing
Q1: What does ATS check for?
A1: Recruiters used applicant tracking systems to manage the hiring process more efficiently. ATS searches for specific keywords and job titles in the applicant’s resume to match the job description.
Q2: How do I make sure my resume is ATS-friendly?
A2: Here is what you can do:
- Avoid graphics.
- Create clear and standard headings.
- Make 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Use single spacing between text.
- Use an appropriate font.
Q3: What is a good ATS score?
A3: Although the ATS score will depend on the employer, it is usually about 80%.
Q4: Can ATS read PDFs?
A4: Yes, Applicant Tracking Systems can read PDF files.
Q5: What are ATS keywords?
A5: ATS keywords prove you match the company’s job description. They are usually the basic skills and experiences that recruiters look for.
