Introduction
Are you looking to make sure your résumé passes the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) test? An ATS is a type of software used by recruiters and hiring managers to assess the number of job applications and filter out those that don’t meet their criteria. All too often, job seekers make the mistake of not tailoring their résumé for the ATS test, resulting in them missing out on key job opportunities. In this blog article, we’ll look at the reasons for using an ATS and give you the inside scoop on how to ensure your résumé will pass the ATS test.
Firstly, let’s take a look at what an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is. In a nutshell, it’s a technology that automates the vetting process, allowing recruiters and hiring managers to quickly filter out applications that don’t meet the required criteria. It enables them to identify the best applicants by eliminating inconvenient, messy paperwork and streamlining the organization of hundreds of documents.
There are a few reasons why recruiters and hiring managers use an ATS, starting with convenience. As previously mentioned, it saves time and money by ensuring that only the best applicants reach the desk of the recruiter. It also allows recruiters to discreetly compare and assess applicants based on their skills and qualifications, and specify certain criteria that applicants must meet in order to reach the next recruitment stage. Finally, it helps to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and given equal opportunities in the recruitment process.
Preparation
If you want to make sure your résumé passes the ATS test and reaches a real person, there are several steps one must take to make it happen. First, let’s focus on the formatting of your résumé. To start off, you want it to have a clean and professional look. That means it is not too busy and that you limit the number of fonts used. Use of keywords from the job posting is essential to make sure the ATS is finding the right information in the right places. Be sure to choose a font and size that is easily readable by the computer scanner, and don’t forget to double check for any typos!
Then it’s time to focus on the content of your résumé. The best bet is to make sure to quantify any experiences you have. It is always best to include figures and facts as to how you made a difference in your past roles. In addition, you must make sure to include your accurate and specific education and employment history. If a potential employer sees inconsistencies, they won’t give you the time of the day. Last but not least, you want to make sure to include an insightful qualifications/skills section. This should act as an extension of your experience and should be filled with keywords that are relevant to the job posting.
By following these tips and ensuring your résumé is formatted, content-rich and keyword-centric, you’re almost guaranteed to pass the ATS test and make it to the hiring manager’s desk!
Advice
A. Research Companies
The first step to ensuring your résumé passes the ATS test is doing your research on the company you’re applying to. Take some time to learn about the company’s culture, company values and career page. Knowing what keywords, software and systems the company uses should be a priority too. This is important as certain keywords may be required for the résumé to be picked up properly by the ATS. Famous job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor could be a great resource when researching a company.
B. Proofread
Proofreading your résumé is essential in making sure the ATS can read it correctly and accurately to avoid the dreaded ‘spam bin.’ It’s important to search through your résumé for any little errors, such as typos or incorrect punctuation, that could lead to a misread in the ATS. The résumé should also be consistent in its formatting, including font style, headings, line spacing, etc.
C. Have Others Read
It’s always beneficial to have another pair of eyes looking at your résumé, especially because they may come from a different technical background. Having someone else read the résumé can help with finding any typos or errors you might have missed. Additionally, a neutral third-party could provide an invaluable second opinion about changes that could make the résumé stand out more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, avoiding automated tracking systems when creating your résumé can be a challenging task, but by following a few critical steps, you can be successful. The most important thing to remember is to make your résumé as keyword rich as possible, both in the context of the job for which you are applying and the industry. You should also format your résumé correctly, using common font styles, text sizes, and margins. Avoid unnecessary visuals, such as images and charts, which may confuse the ATS. Additionally, make sure your résumé is an accurate representation of yourself and your work experience.
By following these tips, you can have peace of mind that your résumé will pass the ATS test and be properly seen by recruiters. While it may seem daunting to have to work around automated tracking systems, knowing that your résumé will be seen can be an incredible relief. Good luck!