Decoding the ATS: How Applicant Tracking Systems Impact Your Job Search

Frequently, my candidates seeking jobs share a common frustration – they apply to numerous positions but never receive any acknowledgment or assurance that their resume has reached a human being. Surprisingly, only a handful of people understand applicant tracking systems (ATS), even though they are a significant component of this new hiring age.

Studies have shown that over 75% of job seekers fail to pass through the ATS system. Which totally makes sense if you don't even know what an ATS is. An applicant tracking system is a software application that allows the electronic handling of applications submitted online. ATSs are designed to manage large volumes of resumes and applications, allowing companies to efficiently review applicants’ qualifications and make more informed hiring decisions.

So from an applicant standpoint, it's critical to keep the ATS's in mind when writing and distributing your resume for job opportunities where you are applying online. Even if your resume is fantastic, filled with years and years of experience, achievements, and skills, it may only be seen by human eyes after first passing through the ATS algorithm.

How hiring managers and recruiters use applicant tracking systems.

So how do they use this software to pick out the good from the bad? Recruiters search resumes by searching keywords and key phrases, and the resume that prioritizes those keywords is the one that appears in the search. As an applicant, it's crucial to prioritize keywords and skills mentioned in the job posting. I know it is frustrating and time-consuming to tweak your resume whenever you come across a different job description, especially when you have sent out hundreds of resumes without hearing back. But it's In your best interest to take a few extra minutes and match some of the job descriptions with the keywords you use in your resume. The ATS should direct them to your resume if your detailed work experience, qualifications, schooling, and certifications match the job listing (IE, you're qualified).

This article will show you how to use a job description to identify the right keywords, formatting, and practices to increase your chances of being seen.

So let's dive into how to create an ATS-compliant resume.

Step one of Resume writing is always going to be optimization and customization. The best way to show a recruiter or hiring manager you are serious about a job is to tailor your resume for that role. That doesn't mean you should change a few words in your professional summary. If you are serious about a job, optimize each resume section and consider the other things mentioned. These might be optional skills, but things like working cross-functionally with other teams, interacting with executives, and speaking technology with non-technical people are just as important.

Consider things like "Essential Duties" or "Responsibilities". For example: if you are an IT director and one of their essential duties and responsibilities lists being responsible for designing and implementing various databases and monitoring the performance of their hosted website, customize your resume by mentioning any relevant experience you've had with those things. Add it as an Achievement or to a bullet point under whichever position it's applicable for.

Step 2 : Tailor your resume with keywords. If the job description calls for specific skill sets, make sure you put those skill sets precisely as written into your resume. The same goes for titles. Different companies have different titles for positions, and what might be an administrative assistant in one organization might be a secretary in another. Make sure to match whatever title the job description is seeking. You want your resume to mirror the job description's style and tone.

Step 3: Make sure your resume still has a human touch by using plenty of verbs to describe what you've done throughout your positions. The one-page resume that is heavily stuffed with keywords is going to be an ATS dream. However, if it does make it into the hands of a hiring manager, they will be less impressed. Using the same bullet points from each position repeatedly or taking the list of responsibilities off your current job description may be a quick way to add bulk to your resume, but this is NOT something I recommend. If you must use this tactic, do it discreetly and put some thought into how YOU would view it as a hiring manager.

But what happens if you have a gap? Addressing a gap in your resume when it's going through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) requires strategic and honest communication. Here are some tips for handling resume gaps effectively in the ATS screening process: (these tips can also be applied for addressing gaps in general)

Be Transparent: Honesty is crucial when addressing resume gaps. If there's a gap in your employment history, acknowledge it straightforwardly. Attempting to hide or misrepresent the gap can raise red flags.

Use a Functional Resume Format: A functional resume emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than focusing on the chronological order of your work history. This format can help draw attention away from employment gaps.

Consider a Combination Resume: A combination resume blends chronological and functional resume elements. It includes a skills section upfront and a reverse-chronological listing of your work experience. This way, you can highlight your abilities and address the employment history.

Fill the Gap with Relevant Activities: If there was a gap in employment, consider including any relevant activities during that period, such as freelance work, volunteering, online courses, or personal projects. These experiences can demonstrate your skills and dedication during the gap.

Use a Cover Letter: If the ATS allows for a cover letter, use this opportunity to explain the employment gap in a positive light. Briefly mention the reason for the gap and highlight any relevant skills or experiences gained during that time.

Focus on Achievements: In the work experience section, emphasize your accomplishments rather than just listing job duties. Quantify your achievements with specific numbers or data, where applicable, to showcase your impact in previous roles.

Be Concise: Keep your explanations concise and to the point. Avoid lengthy or unnecessary details that may distract from your primary qualifications.

Leverage Networking: Network with employees at the company or reach out to the hiring manager directly. A personal connection can help explain gaps in your resume and provide context that an ATS may not capture.

If you've followed all the steps above, your resume should be able to get right through the ATS. If you want to double-check, you can use software like Jobscan to compare your resume to the job description. Jobscan will compare your resume to the job posting and provide step-by-step instructions to optimize your resume.

Jobscans tool can increase your chances by 50% (or so they say!)

In conclusion, optimizing your resume for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a crucial step in today's competitive job market. Understanding how ATS works and tailoring your resume accordingly can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

Remember to use relevant keywords and phrases, keep your formatting simple and easy to read, and customize your resume for each job application. While ATS optimization is essential, it's equally vital to balance impressing the ATS and showcasing your unique qualifications and experiences to human recruiters.

By taking the time to fine-tune your resume for ATS, you can ensure that your skills and accomplishments shine through, giving you a competitive edge and increasing your chances of landing that dream job. So, don't overlook the power of ATS optimization—it's the first step towards unlocking a world of career opportunities.