Searching makes perfect!
You have an impressive resume and you have applied for hundreds of jobs. Why is your resume unnoticed and why are you not getting interview calls?
Surprisingly the answer may have nothing to do with your impressive qualifications and beautiful resume. What might be standing between you and the hiring manager is a resume-tracking system called ATS (Applicant Tracking System).
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, and it’s software that many employers use to scan and filter resumes before they reach human eyes.
The ATS can reject your resume for various reasons. This means that even if you’re qualified for the job, you might never get a chance to show it if your resume is not optimized for the ATS.
Here are 7 ways to beat the ATS tracking system in your resume and ensure it’s seen by the hiring manager.
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Use relevant keywords
ATS often scans resumes for keywords specific to the job and the industry. Incorporating the right keywords in your resume, such as technical skills or industry-specific jargon, can increase your chances of passing through the applicant tracking system.
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Customize your resume for each job you apply for
Try and mirror the job description as much as you can.
Tailoring your resume to the specific requirements of the job will help you to optimize it for the ATS. By incorporating relevant keywords and phrases highlighted in the job posting, you’ll improve your chances of getting a higher ATS score.
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Structure your resume with headers
Using headers like “Professional Experience”, “Education”, “Skills”, etc., can help the ATS find the right sections of your resume easier. This makes it easier for the system to pick out the relevant information and gives your resume a better chance of being seen by recruiters.
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Keep formatting simple
Fancy fonts, graphics, images, and non-standard headings may cause issues for the ATS. Stick with simple fonts and styles to minimize the chances of the ATS misinterpreting your resume.
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Avoid using special characters
Often, special characters like bullet points, underlines, italics, and bolded text can confuse the ATS. Instead, stick to using simple text formattings options like indentations or the standard bullet character.
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Cut out the fluff and tales
When trying to beat the ATS, you should include only the most relevant information and don’t tell long stories. Just cut out the fluff.
Keep your resume clear, concise, and absolutely to the point. Stick to actionable skills, qualifications, and job titles that you think recruiters might be searching for.
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Use a reputable ATS checker
These software programs can scan your resume and inform you about how the ATS will likely rate your resume. This will give you insight into relevant keywords and any formatting errors you may have that are causing problems.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to write a resume that beats the ATS and lands you more interviews. Ready to get started?
