The Secret to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

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What are Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

The internet has transformed the job search process entirely. Long gone are the days when you snail mailed your resume and cover letter or walked into a business and asked for a job application. Nowadays, you apply online. Which means more and more applications are being submitted, thus often leaving employers to process more than what they can handle. As a result of the influx of applications, an increasing number of employers/programs are turning to applicant tracking system software (ATS) to assist with their job search process. They can use ATS at all stages of the recruitment process. ATS software help organize, track, filter and even forward the most relevant and qualified applications to hiring managers or recruiters. They can contact candidates and schedule interviews They even can score and rank your application based on the job/program description; therefore, making the job search process more efficient for employers/programs.

The following are several tips and suggestions to help ensure your application is positively reviewed by ATS.

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Keep Your Resume Layout Simple

Open a blank Microsoft Word or Google Doc. Avoid designing or downloading fancy custom resume templates. ATS often convert documents to text-only files. Using these types of resumes are difficult for ATS to interpret and therefore, important information can become lost in translation. As as a result, your application will score low and not be seen by a person.

When creating your resume, avoid:

Tables and Columns - ATS read left to right and can be confused by columns or rows. Information from columns can also be smashed together.
Text Boxes/Borders
Logos/Symbols (simple bullet points are fine)
Images/Photos/Graphics or other Visuals
Headers and Footers - Information in this part of your document can be dropped completely by ATS. Make sure all text is within the document body.
Uncommon Section Headings
Less Common Fonts - Keep to common fonts that come standard with programs. Avoid fonts you need to download to view.
Abbreviations/Acronyms - Only abbreviate terms if abbreviated in the job/program description. Spell out the months/years so it's readable by ATS. Spell out industry jargon, company names, job titles, etc.

Choose the Appropriate Format

Use the Right File Type

Make sure to read the application listing and see what file type is being requested. The .docx format is the most accurately parsed by ATS but PDFs keep your format intact overall. If no specific file type is mentioned, use a .docx or .doc file to be safe. If you do use a PDF file, make sure to open your document and verify your text can be highlighted. Avoid using the online resume builder or Adobe Photoshop, as the file type created generates your resume as an image when downloaded in PDF format.

Avoid Applying to a Ton of Jobs at the Same Company

Don't apply for too many roles in the same company. Applying to many roles, especially when the roles are not similar, can raise some red flags with employers. Be selective about the jobs you apply for at one company. With the use of ATS, hiring managers can log into the system and see your application history, including how many active applications you have at the company.

Target Your Resume

Review the job/program posting and identity the key skills and requirements, important titles, and other keywords. Include those same words with the exact spelling from the job description in your resume, given that you possess those skills and requirements. Do not lie. Employers/programs will find out if you don't have the qualifications you said you did. Avoid adding buzzwords/soft skills in the skills section. Instead show how you have those soft skills through your achievements.

Don't Cheat the System

Take the Application Questions Seriously

Employers include questions in their online job application. Sometimes the purpose of using these "knockout" questions is to eliminate applicants who are unable and/or unwilling to perform those key job responsibilities. Do not write "See Resume" to answer these questions. These fields are what matters when it comes to your application ranking.