How Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Affects Your Resume/CV

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that employers use to manage the whole application process.

This system collects, scans, and ranks all apps. ATS was initially designed for larger businesses. And the facts show it: 75% of large organizations utilize an ATS since they receive hundreds of applications every day.

However, currently, businesses of all sizes (including over 98% of Fortune 500 organizations) use an ATS.

How applicants can ‘beat’ applicant tracking systems

Applicant tracking software systems are primarily intended to assist the recruiting team in streamlining its operations. As a result, a candidate’s resume may never be seen by a person, or may only be seen for a few seconds.

Previously, applicants may use tactics such as colored paper to make their applications stand out. There are new tactics available today to try to defeat the system and boost the chances of a successful application.

• Tailor your resume to the job description. It takes more time than using one resume for every job you apply to, but if the company is using an ATS that ranks resumes based on keywords, you have a better chance of ranking high if the terminology in your resume matches what the company requires.
• Avoid stretching the truth and including keywords where you have no experience. Your resume might get to the top of the pile, but the recruiter will quickly spot the embellishment.
• Include both the acronym and long form when using a phrase for the first time in a resume. Often, recruiters are not specialists in your field and may not be well versed in its terminology.
• Avoid using images to share information about yourself. If the organization is using resume parsing, the information will not be read and will leave your ATS profile with missing data.
• Ensure your resume is saved as readable text. The easiest way to do this is to submit a Microsoft Word-compatible document or PDF file.
• Use standard section headers that a resume parser will recognize. For example, use “Education” as a header to list the programs you’ve completed.
• Use a simple font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, rather than one that looks artistic but the resume parser may not be able to read properly.
• Watch the junk mailbox in your email software to ensure you don’t miss an email, since the correspondence will often be automated and may look like junk mail.
• Ensure your resume looks professional by correcting spelling and grammar, using headings and ensuring that sections line up correctly.
• Start your resume with a strong summary that emphasizes your contributions rather than your demands (what you bring to the organization and not what you want from it). If a recruiter opens your resume, they’ll likely start there.
• Remember that some resume questions may be knockout questions. If you don’t answer their questions, you’re out. Remember that they can see your answers, and if you lie to pass the questions, you may have to explain why in an interview.
• The ATS records all your job applications. Focus on jobs you’re qualified for. If you apply for both individual contributor and director positions, recruiters may have trouble assessing your experience.
• Even if a friend submits your résumé, apply online. Most recruiters want all resumes in the system for tracking. If you don’t submit the resume, the recruiter may enter it and leave out important information.
• Some companies always recruit for high-turnover positions. Evergreen opportunities may remain on organizations’ websites after candidates are hired.
• Finally, remember your username and password to update your resume, profile, or apply for another job.

Key Takeaways
Let’s quickly sum up what we’ve learned:

• An application tracking system (ATS) automates the hiring process.
• Recruiters type keywords into the ATS to search for candidates.
• These keywords are usually job titles or specific skills.
• You can find these keywords in the job description.
• Try to include the job title in your resume headline.
• The more your resume matches the job description, the higher your match rate.
• Your ATS resume format should be simple and easy to read.