More often than not, the days of submitting an online application to a human are long gone. Instead, your job application will go through a filtered process, where a robot will see it before the hiring manager. That robot has a name: Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Don’t let that scare you away, though. There’s a way to make sure your job application passes through that robot with flying colors to get you to the next stage, human interaction. Here’s everything you need to know about the ATS.
What Exactly is an Applicant Tracking System?
The applicant tracking system (ATS) was created to help filter through online job applications, which assist job recruiters and hiring managers find the best fit for their business.
Many companies will get hundreds of applications and unfortunately, these days, they simply don’t have the time to sort through each individual job application or resume.
ATS will filter out any spam or applicants who just aren’t a good match for the positions.
However, sometimes technology can get a glitch or two and a perfectly good job application or resume doesn’t meet the required criteria and it goes into “no no” land when it should float into the “yes, please” world. You’re in luck though. There’s a way to keep your job application or resume from slipping through the cracks.
How Do Applicant Tracking Systems Work?
When you submit your resume or application through an ATS, you’ll be ask some screened questions that decide whether you stay or go. Many times these are simple yes/no questions.
For example, you may be asked if you’re willing to travel. If the answer is no, you’ll automatically be kicked out because that’s an important requirement for the position.
If you pass the questions, or if the company didn’t use these screeing questions and you’re still compatible, you’re information (resume, contact info, cover letter, etc.) is then uploaded into the system for recruiters to see and continue to narrow down.
Need some assistance finding your next career pathway? We’re ready to help! Learn more today…
How Do You Beat the Applicant Tracking System?
If your application makes it to the next level in the database, there are still a few things that can keep your application or resume from making it to a human.
Here are five tips to take your resume to the next level:
1. Use keywords from the job description.
This is so important. If you don’t make this a priority, you’ll probably never get through. Keywords represent the hard and soft skills the company is looking for.
For example, the hiring recruiter may be looking for someone with experience using a tape measure. Pay attention to those keywords. If you can use a tape measure, put that on your resume. The ATS will filter someone with that exact experience.
Note… If you don’t have the skills, don’t pretend like you do.
2. Make your resumé simple and clear.
Thought getting creative with your resume is fun, unfortunately, the ATS doesn’t feel the same. You want to do the least amount of formatting possible.
- Your best bet is to save your resume in a .docx or .doc file, unless otherwise specified. Sometimes they will require a pdf.
- Avoid using artsy stuff, charts and graphics.
- Use standard fonts and bullet points.
- Be clear with your job titles.
3. Follow instructions.
If you’re given specific instructions in the application process, make sure you follow them. If they’re asking for a specific format, use that format. If they are requesting a cover letter, provide them with one.
If you want to get through the ATS, follow instructions. You’d be surprised by how many people try to cut corners. It won’t work.
4. Edit your resumé to fit the job you’re applying for.
Your resume will be tailored around keywords, so depending on the job you’re applying for, you’ll have to edit your resume accordingly. Don’t submit the same resume repeatedly to multiple companies.
Again, it’s so important to make sure your keywords are appropriate. The less generic resume, the better. Don’t just create a cookie-cutter resume.
5. Don’t apply for too many roles in the same company.
Do not apply for multiple different roles within the same company unless the positions are similar. If your experience is in welding, don’t apply to be copywriter. If you’re great at marketing, don’t apply to be a bookkeeper.
You may have the skillset in all of these positions, but it tells the company you’re not sure what job you want to do and they may get the viewpoint that you’re wishy/washy.
How Do you Test to See if Your Resume Will Pass an Applicant Tracking System?
Though there’s no specific way to make sure your resume would pass the test because every ATS is different, there are a few ways to check for some technical issues.
One way to do this is to copy and paste your resume content into a plain text document. You can do this in Microsoft Word. If you’re missing any details from the original file, your formatting is most likely not compatible with an ATS and you’ll need to fix that before sending.
Another way is to upload your resume into an online ATS scanner. There are free ones available, including Jobscan. (We are not an endorser of this website, but it is free.)
It might seem like some extra work, but if you want to get on the career pathway of your dreams, sometimes that’s exactly what it takes, especially if you want to beat the ATS and get your resume to a human.
If you need assistance with your resume or job searching needs, call or visit one of our Central Region Job Centers today!