HOW TO BEAT AN ATS (APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM)?

Preface

I got the Idea to write this article during a chat with my LinkedIn contact Syed Ehtesham uddin ? he asked me this question How to beat ATS ? hence I am Writing this article for all those who may find this useful?.You can read this?article in detail and more in my blog post .

So I believe we’ve all been there , You find the perfect job opportunity, customize your resume and cover letter, submit your application to a job listing online, and then pray it will pass the infamous six-second resume review test. Unfortunately, more often than not, your job application is lost in the resume “black hole” and you're left wondering why the employer or hiring manager wasn't that into you.

What many job seekers don't realize is that 75 percent of job applications are rejected before they are seen by human eyes. Before your resume reaches the hands of a live person, it often must pass muster with what is known as an applicant tracking system.

Below is everything you need to know about applicant tracking systems — and what best practices you can do to optimize your resume and beat these bots.

WHAT IS AN APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM ( ATS )?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that employers use to find the most qualified candidates for a role. These systems help streamline the hiring process and remove resumes that do not meet the qualifications. An ATS is more likely to submit your application to the hiring manager for review if you have optimized your resume and cover letter for the job you are specifically applying for.

WHY DO COMPANIES USE APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS?

The relative ease of submitting an online job application has created a challenge for hiring companies. Online job postings can elicit hundreds of applications, many of which are from unqualified job seekers who figured “it was worth a try.” Instead of sorting through a stack of paper resumes or crowded email inbox, recruiters and hiring managers use ATS to keep themselves organized and efficient. This solution is especially critical for larger companies that are hiring for multiple positions and departments simultaneously.

Among other features, ATS offer CRM-style tools to help streamline hiring pipelines, communication with applicants, distribution of job postings, and proof of government compliance for things like the EEOC. In theory, these systems also save time by automatically surfacing and highlighting top candidates. In reality, ATS do help hiring professionals narrow their applicant pool, but top candidates slip through the cracks.

HOW DO APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS (ATS) WORK?

Applicant tracking systems act as electronic gatekeepers for employers and hiring managers. The ATS parses a resume's content into categories and then scans it for specific keywords to determine if the job application should be passed along to the recruiter. Its job is to essentially weed out unqualified applicants so the recruiter can devote his or her time to evaluating the candidates who are more likely to be a match for the position. In other words, the ATS is apt to toss the least-qualified candidates, rather than identify the applicants who are the best fit.

Unfortunately, that means if a resume template is not written and formatted with the applicant tracking system in mind, a qualified candidate can be easily passed over.

HOW TO WRITE AN ATS-FRIENDLY RESUME

To increase your chances of getting hired, you need to first make it through the applicant tracking system. Here are some best practices you can consider to get your resume through the ATS and to the hiring manager:

1. Only apply for jobs you qualify for

The easiest way to make it through the applicant tracking system is to apply for jobs you qualify for as the ATS might otherwise reject your application. By submitting applications for jobs that match your work history, education and skills, your experience should naturally appeal to the tracking system.

2. Be selective about the jobs you apply for at one company

Human resources professionals and hiring managers can log into the applicant tracking system at any time to sort through the submitted resumes. They can also see your application history, including how many active applications you have at their company. It is better to remain selective about the jobs you apply for to show hiring managers how serious you are about the right position.

3. Use relevant keywords

Look at the job posting, and use the same keywords in your application in a way that naturally highlights 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, make a note of specific software, education, certifications and methodologies that a job posting mentions.

4. Connect your keywords to unique experiences

The applicant tracking system is more likely to send your resume through if there are enough mentions of certain keywords relevant to the position, but hiring managers want to see how those keywords connect to real skills and experiences in the workplace. Think about your unique job history, and concisely explain how it makes you the perfect person for the position.

5. Include a skills section

A skills section is your chance to include relevant keywords in another location on your resume, especially for assets that didn't naturally fit into your work history section. Including a skills section with keywords makes it easier to scan your application for the terms the hiring manager is looking for.

6. Use basic language

It may be tempting to use section headers that are a little less traditional, especially if you're applying for a creative role and want to show your personality, but using uncommon language on a resume can confuse an applicant tracking system. Use basic language and terms that are easy to understand, and mimic how you would address your qualifications during an in-person interview.

7. Write out acronyms

Depending on an applicant tracking system's settings, it may either search for acronyms or written-out phrases. It's more likely going to look for the long-form term or phrase, but it's best practice to include both. For example, you could say something like, "Experienced in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)."

8. Submit a tailored resume for each job

Even if two positions you are applying for are very similar, you should tailor your resume to each one. The job descriptions are likely to vary from each other in some way, so use any differences you find to make your resume more specific to each job. The companies are different as well. Take the time to visit each company's website to get an idea of their values and the business they do. You can then incorporate what you learned into your resume and cover letter to stand out.

9. Keep your resume simple

You may want to create a resume that's graphically enhanced, especially if you're applying for a graphic design position, but it's best to keep it as simple as possible. An interesting-looking resume may be attractive to the hiring manager, but you need to make it past the applicant tracking system first. Some tracking systems have a hard time processing complicated resumes and may place the content in the wrong places.

10. Use basic formatting

Consider using a universally basic font throughout your resume, such as Arial, Times New Roman or Georgia. Also, instead of charts or graphical elements, use bullet points and bolded or underlined words to bring attention to something specific.

11. Submit the right type of file

After completing your resume, it's important to pay attention to how the job portal tells you to submit it. Specifically, you need to ensure that you are using an acceptable file type. If you submit any other type of file, the tracking system is less likely to read it accurately or even at all.

Even if there are many acceptable file types listed, try to upload only .pdf or .docx documents. Although both are common, applicant tracking systems typically find it easier to read .docx resumes, so consider using this file if you can.

12. Update your information online

Some applicant tracking systems do more than search the resume you've submitted. They may also search the web for your information to make sure it all matches. Keep your online profiles up to date to make your application more complete.

13. Include referrals in your application

Referrals have always been an important part of getting a job. Hiring managers want to hear directly from someone who knows you and can vouch for your work ethic. During an online application, there is often a section that asks if a current employee of the company has referred you to the role. If this is the case, remember to put your friend or colleague's name here to increase your chances of making it through the applicant tracking system.

Some companies even have employee referral systems that can move your application straight through the ATS to a hiring manager, so you should use this to your advantage if you have a contact within an organization.

Do Try the above tricks and I wish all the best for your job search dear reader.