Have you been applying to jobs at larger companies where they ask you to upload your resume? If so, then you’ve had experience with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), or I like to call it, the “Resume Robot.”
Larger companies use applicant tracking systems to collect, track, and sort the many resumes/applications they receive each day. It’s a way for the companies to automate a part of the recruitment process.
The Resume Robot uses scanning technology and complex algorithms to parse out information from your resume and then rank you using a point system. Recruiters set certain point thresholds for each of their positions and an applicant (and their resume) must score higher than the threshold to move on to the next stage of the process.
On the recruitment side, this saves each recruiter tons of time because they’re not having to read through every single resume/application that comes in – and for a larger company, that could be a lot!
However, on the applicant side, this has caused a lot of frustration and confusion because a seemingly qualified applicant can fail to reach the threshold and get rejected.
So, what can you do to BEAT the Resume Robot and get yourself through to the next stage??
Use a traditional resume format
The ATS is a computer after all and the robot is not going to care about the fancy formatting you put into your resume.
But more importantly, when you use unconventional formatting, the ATS may not scan the document properly and may not be able to pick up the keywords they’re look for.
If the ATS cannot clearly find your Personal Info, Work Experience, and/or Education then you’re not going to get a good score – which means you’ll be placed into the NO pile. So make sure the headings are clearly defined with the information properly under the appropriate heading.
Use keywords that the ATS is looking for
For each application, the ATS will be scanning for keywords within your resume so that it can assign you points. Look in the posted job description and find keywords that you’ll use inside your resume. It can be inside the work experience or in skills – or even both! Having it show up multiple times may earn you higher points.
When using keywords that have well-known acronyms, use BOTH forms to ensure the ATS captures it. For example: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Don’t use graphics or pictures
In my Resume Writing Made Easy worksheet (download it FREE!), I suggest using Canva as a way to design your resume and make it eye-catching and appealing. This is great for resumes to stand out from the pile.
HOWEVER, if you’re going to be applying for a company that uses an ATS, do NOT use your Canva resume!!
Graphics and pictures are going to screw up the scanning for the ATS and it’ll end up scanning gibberish, thus giving you little to no points.
So stick to your traditional resume format, as stated in #1.
Apply to jobs that you’re qualified for
When I was in recruitment, many people told me they were applying to all the open positions, even if they didn’t necessarily have relevant experience. They just wanted to get their foot in the door and they’re willing to do other things.
Unfortunately, the ATS will not be able to score you very well if you do not have experience for the position you’re applying for, and then you’ll get rejected. And some companies, like the company I recruited for, would not let you apply again for 6 months after you’ve been rejected.
So if you really want to work for the company, wait until there’s a job opening that matches your qualifications before you apply. Waiting for the position to open up is better than being rejected and not being able to apply at all.
Don’t cheat the system
So I’m teaching you how to BEAT the system, but it doesn’t mean you should CHEAT the system.
Now that you’ve learned about how the ATS uses keywords to give you points, you may be thinking, “I’ll just load my resume up with all the keywords from the job description!”
Sure, you might get a better score from the ATS, but what happens after? When the real-life recruiter starts reading your resume, they’re going to know what you were doing. Don’t get yourself banned from ever applying to the company – it’s not worth it.
If you want to learn more about how you can pass the ATS test and get to the next level, as well as other tips, advice, resources, and guides about Resumes and Interviews, come join my private Facebook group “Land the Job of Your Dreams!” Every day, we’ll have ask and answer thought provoking questions that will help you improve your resume and interview game!
Also, if you haven’t downloaded it yet, here’s my FREE step-by-step worksheet for how to write an eye-catching and effective resume: Resume Writing Made Easy! Did I mention it’s FREE?? Go get it now!
Great advice!