10 Ways to Outsmart Applicant Tracking Systems in 2021
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
- Why do companies use ATS?
- The Benefits and Drawbacks of ATS
- How to Beat the ATS: 10 Tips and Strategies
- 5.1 Tailor your resume to the job description
- 5.2 Optimize for ATS search and ranking algorithms
- 5.3 Use both long-form and acronym keywords
- 5.4 Choose a chronological or hybrid resume format
- 5.5 Avoid using tables or columns
- 5.6 Use a traditional resume font
- 5.7 Don't use headers or footers
- 5.8 Use standard resume section headings
- 5.9 Save your file in the appropriate format
- 5.10 Utilize the Jobscan resume tool
- The Future of ATS: Improving the Job Seeker Experience
- Conclusion
Article:
Introduction
In today's highly competitive job market, it's important for job seekers to understand and navigate through the complexities of an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). As companies increasingly rely on ATS to streamline their hiring process, it becomes crucial for candidates to optimize their resumes and applications accordingly. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to beat the ATS and increase your chances of landing interviews and job offers.
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software used by companies to manage and streamline their recruitment and hiring processes. It serves as a centralized platform where employers can Collect, sort, and organize thousands of resumes and applications. When You submit your application online, it first goes through an ATS, which filters and assesses it Based on the criteria set by the company. This initial screening determines whether your application moves forward in the hiring process or gets rejected.
Why do companies use ATS?
Companies utilize ATS for several reasons. Firstly, ATS helps hiring managers and recruiters efficiently manage and organize a large volume of resumes and applications. Without an ATS, it would be practically impossible to manually review and assess every submission. Additionally, ATS ensures compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations, reducing the risk of discrimination and bias in the hiring process. From the employer's perspective, ATS also saves time by automatically surfacing top candidates who closely match the job requirements.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of ATS
While ATS offers numerous advantages to companies, there are also drawbacks that can affect job seekers. On one HAND, ATS streamlines the hiring process, allowing companies to quickly filter through applications and identify qualified candidates. However, this automated process can inadvertently eliminate highly skilled individuals who may not have optimized their resumes based on ATS algorithms. In other words, top candidates sometimes slip through the cracks. It is essential for job seekers to understand the intricacies of ATS and develop strategies to stand out from the competition.
How to Beat the ATS: 10 Tips and Strategies
To increase your chances of beating the ATS and getting noticed by employers, follow these 10 tips and strategies:
5.1 Tailor your resume to the job description
Craft a customized resume for each application by aligning your skills, experiences, and qualifications with the specific job requirements. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to highlight your relevancy.
5.2 Optimize for ATS search and ranking algorithms
Understand that ATS uses search and ranking algorithms to assess resumes. Include Relevant industry-specific keywords that match the job description to increase your visibility and ranking in search results.
5.3 Use both long-form and acronym keywords
Take AdVantage of ATS search capabilities by including both the long-form and acronym versions of important keywords. For example, use "Master of Business Administration (MBA)" and "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" interchangeably.
5.4 Choose a chronological or hybrid resume format
ATS algorithms tend to favor chronological or hybrid resume formats over functional ones. Arrange your work experience and qualifications in reverse-chronological order, highlighting your most recent and relevant accomplishments.
5.5 Avoid using tables or columns
Avoid using tables or columns in your resume as they may cause parsing errors in the ATS, making it difficult for the system to extract and interpret your information accurately. Stick to a clean and straightforward format.
5.6 Use a traditional resume font
Opt for a traditional resume font such as Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia. These fonts are easily readable by both humans and ATS algorithms, ensuring your document is parsed correctly.
5.7 Don't use headers or footers
Headers and footers in your resume may cause information to get lost or cause parsing errors. It's best to avoid using them altogether to ensure the ATS can properly process your content.
5.8 Use standard resume section headings
Stick to standard resume section headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" instead of trying to be clever or creative with your own headings. ATS systems are designed to recognize and categorize information based on standard sections.
5.9 Save your file in the appropriate format
Save your resume file as a .docx if possible, as it is the most Universally readable file format and ensures compatibility with different ATS systems. Avoid using complex file formats that may not be supported by all ATS platforms.
5.10 Utilize the Jobscan resume tool
Take advantage of tools like Jobscan's resume tool, which helps optimize your resume based on ATS algorithms. The tool compares your resume to a job description and provides insights on how well your resume aligns with the requirements.
The Future of ATS: Improving the Job Seeker Experience
As more companies embrace the power of AI, we can expect future advancements in ATS technology to improve the job seeker experience. These updates may address the challenges and limitations faced by candidates interacting with ATS. Job seekers can anticipate a more user-friendly interface, improved search algorithms, and increased transparency in the application process.
Conclusion
Understanding and strategizing around ATS is essential for job seekers aiming to secure new opportunities. By tailoring your resume, leveraging keywords, and optimizing your application for ATS, you can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by employers. Stay informed about industry trends and utilize tools like Jobscan to stay ahead of the competition. With the right approach, you can beat the ATS and land your dream job.
Highlights:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Learn why companies use ATS and their advantages and drawbacks
- Discover 10 strategies to beat the ATS and increase your chances of getting noticed
- Tailor your resume to the job description and optimize for ATS search algorithms
- Utilize Jobscan's resume tool to improve your resume's compatibility with ATS systems
- Explore the future improvements in ATS technology and their impact on job seekers
FAQ:
Q: What is an ATS?
A: An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software used by companies to manage and streamline their recruitment and hiring processes. It helps employers collect, sort, and organize resumes and applications.
Q: Why do companies use ATS?
A: Companies utilize ATS to efficiently manage a large volume of resumes and applications, ensure compliance with hiring regulations, and save time by automatically surfacing top candidates.
Q: How can I beat the ATS?
A: To beat the ATS, tailor your resume to the job description, optimize for ATS search algorithms, use relevant keywords, choose an appropriate resume format, avoid formatting errors, and utilize tools like Jobscan's resume tool.
Q: Will ATS technology improve in the future?
A: Yes, as more companies leverage AI, we can expect advancements in ATS technology to improve the job seeker experience. This may include user-friendly interfaces, improved search algorithms, and increased transparency in the application process.
Q: How can Jobscan's resume tool help?
A: Jobscan's resume tool analyzes your resume and compares it to a job description. It provides insights and suggestions to improve your resume's compatibility with ATS systems, increasing your chances of getting noticed by employers.