For some job seekers, finding a job and getting hired is increasingly becoming more difficult. Not only is competition tough but some employers are implementing rigorous methods in choosing candidates to interview.
The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) has changed the game for employers, recruiters, and hiring managers in evaluating candidates and choosing who to hire based on their recruitment criteria. In this article, we will learn what ATS is and how jobseekers can optimize their resume to ensure that this tool can work to their advantage. Continue reading if you want to know how to make an ATS-friendly resume.
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It is a tool or software that scans resumes in seconds, checking how well they match or fit the job description. It works by scanning the resume for specific keywords in the areas of expertise, work experiences, skills, education, and other qualifications. Afterward, it will score the resume based on the job description.
ATS is capable of scanning and reviewing hundreds or thousands of resumes at a time and then ranking these resumes according to the best match. The higher the resume is ranked, the better the chance it will be considered by hiring managers.
Imagine having the best qualifications for a certain job position. You are a right fit but your resume isn’t properly polished. You’re not aware of keyword match and your narrative is written inaccurately. And then, there’s another candidate who lacks the experience but with a highly optimized resume—using keywords and phrases that can be found in the job description.
With the use of ATS, who do you think will rank or score better as a good match for the job? You guessed it right—candidate B might turn out to have a higher chance of a callback. And you? Your resume may not even land in the hands of a It may sound unfair but that’s how the hiring process works nowadays.
With thousands of resumes that recruiters and hiring managers need to sift through, the help of an automated tool has become a necessity. Therefore, to be able to stand out from the crowd and capture the attention of ATS, make sure to optimize your resume according to resume writing best practices.
In today’s career landscape, job seekers should be fully aware that handing out generic resumes to multiple employers might not work effectively anymore. There is a lot of competition and employers are becoming pickier when it comes to hiring an ideal candidate.
If you want your application to stand out, creating an ATS-friendly resume is the first step. Here are simple tweaks you need to do to optimize your resume for ATS tools and software.
1. Review the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume.
ATS tools are designed to follow a set of rules. Built using AI, they have no human emotions and considerations. Therefore, to beat this, you have to make them see that your resume is a perfect match to the job being advertised.
To do this, carefully read the job posting and include relevant keywords and phrases in the job description in your resume. These might be skills, tools, qualifications, or job titles. ATS systems often scan for these keywords to determine if your resume matches the job requirements.
2. Use standard headings on your resume.
An ATS-friendly resume is simple and straightforward. Stick to traditional resume headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Executive Summary.” ATS systems are programmed to recognize these common headings, which helps ensure your information is correctly parsed and categorized.
Additionally, avoid adding unnecessary information that will only make your resume long and crowded. This includes reasons for leaving previous jobs, salary expectations, and other personal information that is not needed.
3. Avoid using tables and columns.
While tables, columns, and graphs may look visually appealing, these complex formatting can confuse ATS systems. Instead, use a clean and professional layout that ensures all your text is easily readable by the software.
4. Save your resume in an ATS-compatible file format.
Submit your resume in a format that ATS can easily read. A plain text file (.txt) or a simple Word document (.doc or .docx) is typically the safest choice. PDFs are not recommended unless the job posting specifically states they are acceptable. Some ATS systems could not read or struggle to access PDF formatting.
5. Use a simple yet professional font.
Stick to standard, ATS-friendly fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. These fonts are easy for the ATS to read and look professional on your resume. Avoid using fancy fonts or cursive ones on your resume that are difficult to read by both tools and humans.
6. Highlight achievements with specific metrics.
When describing your past job responsibilities and achievements, include specific metrics and data whenever possible. For example, “increased sales by 20% through strategic social media marketing campaigns.” By adding quantitative data, you are showing measurable proof of your capabilities.
7. Keep the language simple.
Many job seekers want to impress their employers by making their resumes too wordy. This usually doesn’t work. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon that might not be recognized by ATS software. Instead, choose simple yet relevant words and sentences that anyone in your industry would understand. Again, do not forget to inject the appropriate keywords that match the job description.
8. Focus on the body of your resume.
Some ATS tools ignore headers and footers of resumes so avoid putting important information on them. Instead, make sure all critical information, such as your contact details, is in the main body of your resume.
9. Be accurate with job titles, company names, and dates.
This may be given, but you need to be clear about your previous positions and work experiences. Specify the job titles you had, the companies you’ve worked for, and the dates of your employment. Use exact months and years whenever possible. These details help the ATS understand the length and relevance of your experience about the position.
10. Proofread your resume for spelling and grammar.
Aside from being ATS-friendly, your resume should also be professionally written. This means no spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes. Remember that you are trying to sell yourself for the position and you want to prove that you are the best choice.
Errors can make your resume look unprofessional and may also affect how an ATS reads and interprets your information. Always proofread your resume several times or have someone else review it to catch any mistakes.
In today’s modern age of job searching, equipping yourself with an ATS-friendly resume can help you stand out. By following the tips and best practices discussed above, you can significantly increase the chances of your resume passing through ATS filters successfully. This not only boosts your visibility to recruiters but also increases your chances of getting an interview invitation.
Remember, an optimized resume is your ticket to standing out in a competitive job market, so invest the time to make it perfect and gain that essential competitive edge. For more resume writing tips, click here. And if you’re ready to apply for jobs, you can submit your resume or browse our job openings here.
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