How Companies Review Job Applications: The ATS System and How You Can Beat It
If you've ever applied for a job and never heard back, you're not alone. Many companies today receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for each job opening, making it nearly impossible for recruiters to manually review every resume. To deal with this volume, most companies now use a tool called an Application Tracking System (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. But what is an ATS, and how can you make sure your resume stands out? Let's break it down.
What Is an ATS?
An Application Tracking System is software that helps companies sort, organize, and rank job applications. Popular ATS software includes systems like Taleo, Workday, and Greenhouse, which are used by many companies to manage their hiring processes. It's like a digital gatekeeper—before a recruiter even looks at a resume, it often has to pass through the ATS. The system quickly scans resumes for relevant information, such as skills, experience, and keywords related to the job posting. It then assigns a score to determine which candidates are the best fit.
The higher your ATS score, the more likely a recruiter will see your resume. This means that understanding how ATS works can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.
How Does an ATS Work?
Think of the ATS as a filter that helps hiring managers find what they're looking for in a sea of resumes. The system looks for three main things:
Keywords: ATS scans for specific keywords in your resume that match the job description. These could be skills, tools, certifications, or even specific job titles.
Experience Relevance: It considers your past job titles, responsibilities, and the length of time you've worked in various positions to see if they align with the job requirements.
Resume Format: The ATS can struggle with resumes that have complex formatting, graphics, or unusual layouts. A clean, simple format ensures that your resume is read correctly by the system.
If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it may be filtered out before a recruiter even gets a chance to review it—no matter how qualified you are.
Tips to Improve Your ATS Score
The good news is that you can take steps to improve your ATS score and increase your chances of getting seen by a recruiter. Here are some easy but effective tips:
1. Use the Right Keywords
Keywords are crucial for passing through the ATS. Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the most important keywords—usually skills, tools, and certifications mentioned in the listing. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in the Skills and Experience sections.
For example, if the job posting mentions "project management" or "Python programming," make sure those exact phrases appear in your resume if they apply to you. Avoid using synonyms or creative alternatives, as the ATS might not recognize them.
2. Keep It Simple and Clean
ATS software can struggle to read resumes with intricate designs, graphics, or fancy fonts. To avoid this, keep your resume format clean and simple. Use a standard font, clear section headings like Experience, Education, and Skills, and avoid tables, columns, or images. The goal is to ensure the ATS can easily scan your resume without getting confused by the formatting.
A single-column layout and saving your resume as a .docx or simple .pdf file can make a big difference in readability.
3. Tailor Each Application
Submitting the same generic resume for every job application is a common mistake because it does not address the specific needs of each employer. Instead, tailor your resume for each position you apply for. Carefully adjust the language and emphasize the experiences and skills that align most closely with the job description.
This might sound time-consuming, but small tweaks can significantly increase your ATS score. For example, if the job description emphasizes "team collaboration," make sure your resume includes examples of when you've successfully worked in a team.
4. Include a Skills Section
A dedicated Skills section is a great way to ensure the ATS quickly picks up on the most relevant abilities you have. This section should be easy to scan, listing both hard skills (e.g., "data analysis," "SEO," "JavaScript") and soft skills (e.g., "communication," "leadership"). Make sure these skills match what is mentioned in the job posting.
5. Use Standard Headings
The ATS is designed to recognize standard resume sections, so using unconventional headings could hurt your score. Stick to simple labels like Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. Avoid creative headings like "My Journey" or "What I’ve Done," as these can confuse the system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your resume doesn’t get filtered out prematurely, avoid these common pitfalls:
Overly Designed Templates: Many free templates you find online look appealing but aren’t ATS-friendly. Stick to simple, text-based layouts.
Images or Graphics: Even if you're applying for a creative job, avoid using graphics or images on your resume—they can prevent the ATS from properly reading your document.
Incorrect File Format: Save your resume as a .docx or standard .pdf. Other formats might not be compatible with ATS software.
How to Check Your ATS Score
Some online tools, like ResumAI Pro, can help you check your resume’s ATS score before submitting it. ResumAI Pro includes a built-in ATS score tracker that provides insights into how well your resume matches the job description, helping you optimize your chances of success. These tools compare your resume against the job description, providing insights into how well it matches. While these scores aren’t always perfect, they can help you understand what adjustments to make before submitting your application.
Be ATS-Friendly, But Stay True to Yourself
While it’s important to optimize your resume for ATS, don’t forget the value of authenticity, such as highlighting your unique strengths and experiences that go beyond keywords. Make sure your resume still represents who you are and what you can offer. Once you get past the ATS, it’s your experience, personality, and passion that will land you the job.
In a world where many resumes are screened by algorithms, understanding how ATS works can give you a major advantage. With the right keywords, formatting, and focus, and by using tools like ResumAI Pro to track your ATS score, you can ensure your resume makes it into the hands of the recruiters, putting you one step closer to your dream job.