The monster standing between you and your next job

I'm excited to be sharing my first ever newsletter. Stay tuned for more weekly insights on making this #jobsearch journey bearable.

How it works

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that manages the hiring and recruitment process.

Let's say Wendo Textile Company* has posted a job opportunity on a job board. There is a call for application and candidates are required to fill in some information about their careers.

Volumes of candidates send in their applications. Most are qualified. They tick all the boxes. Some are underqualified. Yet, some seem lost, since they're neither overqualified nor underqualified. The position they applied to isn't within their scope or completely a different field.

As soon as the deadline reaches, applications come to an end.

Due to the number of candidates that turned up, it isn't humanly possible for #recruiters or hiring managers to go through the applications one by one. First, it analyzes the candidates and even proposes the right fit. Sometimes, the #ATS throws some into the bin.

Suppose your resume had #keywords that are relevant to the position applied, this puts you in a good position when screening occurs. A deeper look into the candidate's data is considered.

After this is completed, candidates are invited for an interview. This may be conducted online or in person.

As soon as you are successful, you'll be starting your new job soon.

How to beat the ATS as a job-seeker

Have you heard of the term ATS-friendly resume? How do you write a resume that is friendly to a machine that imitates a human mind?

The good thing is that the ATS is automated. This means that a little bit of optimization here and there can help you beat it.

Here are ways that you can utilize to beat the ATS;

• Your CV should be free from grammatical errors
• Use targeted keywords
• Your resume template should be ATS-compliant
• Use standard section headings

Benefits of an ATS to an organization/company

• Makes job posting easy to multiple sites
• Enables centralized storage of applicant data
• Effects application screening for potential matches
• Enables interview scheduling
• Fosters built-in communication channels
• Improves communication and less paperwork

At CVs By Nancy, we're determined to see you succeed. Subscribe to our weekly #newsletter to stay updated. I'm rooting for you.

Thank you, merci, grazie, danke, obrigado, gracias.