The Job Seeking Journey: What’s the deal with Applicant Tracking Systems?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool used by recruiters to scan and review job applications. They work by sorting and filtering candidates based on certain keywords and criteria set by the recruiter.
An ATS is typically used by large-scale companies, such as Fortune 500’s and National Businesses, as a way to manage the large influx of applications they receive.
Knowing how to optimise your CV for an ATS is beneficial. This really just means including certain keywords mentioned in the job description, and formatting it correctly (you still need to write for humans).
But if you want to be like Neo from the Matrix and beat the machines, then it’s important you learn how to optimise your application for an ATS.
Formatting
First and foremost, format your CV in an ATS-friendly manner. Simple formatting and clear headings allow an ATS to clearly pickup your information. Ensure your CV reads left to right and top to bottom, so avoid separating your text into columns. It’s also best to avoid tables, text boxes, logos, graphics and other visuals as they aren’t picked up by an ATS.
Personal and work details
Your contact information should be clearly displayed at the top of your CV. When writing your work experience, make sure this follows a reverse chronological order AKA your most recent role first, down to your most dated role. The company name should be listed before the date in all the entries.
Here’s an example 👇
Using keywords
An ATS scans your CV for keywords that match with the job criteria. Make sure your CV contains the exact phrases and keywords used in the job description. Necessary certifications, licenses or qualifications also need to be included, and phrased exactly as they are stated — this means no paraphrasing.
Don’t try to cheat
You may think it improves your chances with an ATS to stuff your CV full of keywords, but it doesn’t. You should always write your CV for human eyes first, because your CV will still be reviewed by a person. If they see you’ve tried to keyword stuff, it looks poorly on you.
Shading your keywords in white is not going to get past the ATS either, as it scans all text on a document. This is just likely to have your application thrown into the rejection pile.
Submit the right file type
You don’t want to go to all the effort of making your CV ATS-ready and then trip at the final hurdle. Both the ATS and the human reviewers are going to have the easiest time reading either a .docx or .pdf file.
Final Thoughts
Many companies, larger ones in particular, will employ an ATS. Not being aware of the system and how to write a CV suitable to one could hurt your chances. Good luck!
If you found this useful, you’ll love our Job Search Secrets course. Access the Secrets here 👉 https://useverb.com/courses/jobsearchsecretscourse
