In this article, you will discover what applicant tracking system is and why it is so important for your resume and for the overall employment process.
Nowadays ATS software becomes increasingly popular. No recruiter can work as effectively as with diverse tracking systems. It is worth mentioning that recruiters get hundreds of resumes per one job opening and the screening process enables them to facilitate this time-consuming stage. It allows hiring managers to define applicant employability much easier and faster.
Career services have shared some essential things that you should know about the application tracking system that will help you to make a perfect resume application and to get selected for the desired interview.
What does ATS stand for?
1. Applicant tracking software meaning
So, the application tracking system is a powerful database-type program in recruitment that helps to manage hiring processes and screen potential candidates. By organizing applicant information in the most convenient order all recruitment needs are satisfied now.
2. ATS in the recruitment process
- job trackers main abilities
Candidate tracking systems are a perfect answer to all the main problems in the recruitment world. ATS system is a perfect automated way to process, store, organize, sort, track, and reply to hundreds of resumes they receive.
- additional abilities
It serves not just for job distribution, but to screen potential candidates, test applicants, schedule interviews, check references and to manage the overall hiring process as well as complete tedious paperwork.
How Applicant Tracking System Works?
Most employers use this software in order to handle the large volume of documents they receive. Almost all large and middle size companies have started using diverse automated systems. When applicants apply for a job and submit their resume online, all their contact, personal and professional information is uploaded into the HR database and it transfers from one component of the ATS to another through all recruitment process. Like this, recruiters can view resumes and applicant will receive an automated notification that states that their application was successfully received, moreover, rejection letters or interview invitations are mailed.
If you are still wondering why you have to know about ATS, the answer is here. According to statistics, almost 70% of resumes get rejected, because they don’t pass the scanning process and don’t reflect desired requirements, education, experience or skills. So, they are never seen by recruiters. Knowing how to format your resume can significantly increase your chances to get selected. Believe, you can beat ATS.
How to beat an ATS?
Before interviewing candidates and sending out offers, a resume for job application has to pass job track software. This process is a daunting task. Applicant tracking software analyzes all resumes before the HR department receives it. It scans resumes for a job application and all the information based on the job description. Only the best of the best can pass this stage of the recruitment process. Here is simple guidance that will help you to beat any job tracking software with ease, will make you more employable and you will get selected for a dream interview.
1. Use relevant keywords
Matching keywords is a crucial part of the hiring process. Only a generic resume can successfully beat a work tracking system. Mass mailing your resume won’t bring you any luck with your job search. A job applicant should tailor his resume to each job opening. It is imperative to read carefully a job description because it is the main source that contains the most relevant keywords. Make sure you include as many keywords as possible. Make a list of all your skills and background that perfectly matches all vacancy requirements. Research is your key to success. In order to get more details about company culture and detailed job description, you can visit the company website.
2. Simple resume format
ATS requires total simplicity. Having a simple, clean and readable resume format is paramount if you want to pass all job trackers. While PDF format can be troublesome for this software, a traditional Word text document will be easily scanned. It is also advisable to steer clear of using fancy fonts because the system can’t read decorative fonts and will reject your resume. Stick to a typical and most importantly computer friendly fonts. These are Arial, Georgia, Impact, Courier, Lucinda, Tahoma or Times New Roman with font size at least 11. They were created specifically for the web. Delete all extra information, images, logos, and symbols. If you have a desire to add some images or embellish your resume because it will make this system confused.
3. Include only relevant information
Keep a resume concise but at the same time check if it contains all the essentials: correct contact information, professional summary, skills, experience, education, and personal qualities. It is better to place all your contacts on top of the page. Once again, make sure all info you include is relevant to a position you are applying for.
4. Don't leave off the dates of your employment
Don’t omit all employment dates. ATS may be screen your resume based on your experience (date included) that is required for a particular job opening.
5. Network
Networking is definitely an essential part of the job seeking process. It can help you to detect some potential job openings and even to get selected for an interview with no efforts. You can attract recruiters with your Linkedin profile. If you don’t have it, then get it immediately because it is the main tool used by employers to find new personnel. Make sure it looks professional and contains all info that is consistent with your resume.
6. Proofread it multiple times
In fact, typos and grammar errors are the biggest obstacles that hinder you to get selected for an interview. If you make some spelling error in a word, the applicant tracking system won’t even notice this word. Before submitting your resume, double and even triple check your resume.
Now you are ready to conquer a job market. Follow these simple strategies and you will get a professional resume that will help you to pass applicant tracking system and to land your dream job.
