We all have experienced a moment when we find the perfect opportunity. To grab it, we customize our resumes, write cover letters, submit an online application, and then wait for it to pass a quick review test. Unfortunately, your application got lost in the applicant tracking system, and you wonder why the hiring manager or employer wasn’t interested in you. and effects ATS software signifies for your resume.
Most employers don’t realize that almost 80% of job applications are not reviewed by human eyes. Before your resume is presented to the hiring committee in person, it must pass through the applicant tracking system, also known as the Applicant Tracking System.
It is computer software that organizations use to manage their hiring procedures. If your CV isn’t optimised for this system, it may never be seen by a hiring manager.
There are two possibilities for this:
- Your document isn’t formatted correctly, so the ATS software can’t read it.
- It doesn’t contain keywords that the hiring manager wants to see.
In both cases, the result remains the same: rejection.
The best part is, in this blog we have mentioned everything that will help overcome the difficulties with ATS screening. Also, you will read what are some basic steps to write this type of application. So, let’s dig into the details.
What Is an ATS-Friendly CV?
The ATS CV is the best resume format and can be quickly sorted by the Applicant Tracking System. It is a software company that supports requirement procedures and the selection of applicants.
This software is used to help in the selection procedure or the screening for prospective scholarships or employee recipients; ATS can simplify the requirement procedure because this system can recognize and scan resumes, jobs, and scholarships.
After getting a resume from the applicant, the system can quickly pick according to the pre-agreed requirements of a company, such as GPA, years of experience, and skills needed by the company. Of course, employers don’t have to go through a prospect’s application individually, so recruiters can easily choose from many possibilities.
This type of professional CV will make it simpler for recruiters to choose employees. This is because this system automatically determines and reads this document type directly.
Steps to Optimize Resume For the ATS Software
We have already seen how crucial it is to mention relevant skills and job titles on your application. There is much more to optimizing your resume for the ATS than mentioning keywords.
Here are some additional steps you can take to make sure your resume passes through this system.
1- Use Simple Formatting
This software mostly struggles with complicated struggling. Stay to a simple and clean layout. Avoid using images, graphics, and tables. In this application, you don’t need to include your photo. Use bullet points to show information, but ensure they are basic symbols, not personal icons.
2- Stay On Standard Fonts
Pick familiar, ATS-friendly fonts like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Avoid decorative fonts that are not easily readable by the system.
3- Avoid Footers And Headers
Many ATS systems cannot read the information placed in headers and footers. Keep all your crucial details within the body of the document to make sure nothing is overlooked.
4- Use Standard Section Headings
Use traditional headings like “Skills,” “Work Experience,” and “Education.” Avoid creative headings like “My professional Journey,” which may confuse the ATS.
5- Customize Each Resume
Customize your resume for each job application. This boosts your match rate and maximizes the chances of your resume getting through the ATS filters.
6- Use Online Tool To Check Your Application
Any formatting mistakes in your document can risk your application passing through ATS. To avoid this issue, it is better to use any online tool that checks your keywords and analyzes your formatting to ensure its ATS-friendly. Also, a professional who is familiar with your application can help you out. For example, if you are applying at the manager level, you can search for a professional management CV writer to seek help and ask them to refine your application.
When to Use ATS Friendly CV
There are no special conditions for using a friendly CV. This type of resume can be used for job hunting and when you desire to apply for internships, scholarships, and other activities that need a resume.
– Use It When Applying For Scholarships
ATS friendly CV is best not only for job searches but also for ideas when applying for scholarships applications. Scholarships with several participants, in particular, look more professional and make it simpler for people to read your resume. For instance, when you apply for scholarships on a national scale that covers a complete country or when you are applying at an international level.
– When Applying For Large Scale Organization
Large-scale companies prefer this type of software in their hiring procedure. So, if you are applying to large-scale companies, you use an ATS resume. However, not all characteristics show companies use this software in their recruitment procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ATS do in a CV?
It helps recruiters in filtering the applications. ATS searches for applications with particular keywords relevant to the job description. If your resume doesn’t have enough keywords, a hiring manager will never see it.
What skill is ATS Software?
Basically, it is a tool that recruiters use to manage their hiring procedure. It helps automate tasks like posting job ads, screening resumes, and collecting applications. ATS resume screening is the procedure of analyzing a resume for suitability and relevance for a job opening.
Why is this system so important?
An applicant tracking system streamlines the hiring procedure by organizing and automating each step. It helps connect with qualified applicants more efficiently, enhances collaborations, minimizes the recruitment cycle, and inline the hiring procedures.
Summary
In summary, optimizing your resume for ATS is important in today’s job market. With many companies depending on it to filter CVs, failing to adjust your resume can result in your application being overlooked. By utilizing standard fonts, simple formatting, and relevant keywords, you can boost your chances of passing through the system and getting noticed by recruiters.
It is also crucial to customize your resume to each job and make sure it matches the job description. Use online tools and ask for professional help to further enhance your application.
This type of resume will help you stand out in the competitive job market. Keep in mind that your CV is the first step to your dream job, and optimizing it for ATS is important to make sure it reaches the right hands.