7 Things You Should Know About the Applicant Tracking System

Want to Pass the ATS and Stand Out to Recruiters and Hiring Managers?

Landing your dream job might involve getting past a gatekeeper you never knew existed: The Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This can be challenging and overwhelming, so this newsletter edition will equip you to navigate this hurdle.

Here are 7 Key Things You Should Know About the ATS to Make Your Application Stand Out:

1️⃣ What Exactly is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software recruiters use to streamline the hiring process. It automates tasks like receiving applications, sorting candidates, and filtering resumes based on keywords.

2️⃣ What Makes the ATS Crucial in the Job Application Process?

According to Coursera, 99.7% of Fortune 500 companies utilize ATS screening. To reach recruiters and hiring managers, your resume must be ATS compatible with relevant keywords, phrases, topics, lingo, verbiage, competencies, years of experience, and achievements. Remarkably, around 75% of resumes never reach a human recruiter as they are screened out by the ATS before reaching them.

💡Did You Know? As of 2023, nearly 90% of large companies and 68% of small and mid-sized companies rely on ATS to streamline their recruitment efforts.

3️⃣ How Does the ATS Work?

An ATS scans your resume for keywords and phrases from the job description. The more matches it finds, the higher your ranking. Therefore, your resume’s content and format must align with what the ATS is programmed to detect and prioritize.

4️⃣ What are Tips to Beat the ATS?

🔹Tailor your resume:

Use keywords, phrases, topics, lingo, verbiage, competencies, years of expertise, and accomplishments throughout the resume.

🔹Focus on skills:

Highlight the specific skills and experience required for the position.

🔹Format matters:

Use a simple, ATS-friendly resume format with clear headings and bullet points.

🔹 Keep it clean:

Avoid pictures, fancy typography, special graphics, tables, or text boxes that can confuse the ATS.

5️⃣ Should a Resume be Optimized to Impress Both ATS and Human Recruiters?

Yes, don’t forget the human touch!

While ATS is important, your resume should still be crafted for the human reader. Highlight your achievements and quantify your impact whenever possible. A well-crafted resume not only get passed the ATS but also impresses recruiters.

💡Did You Know? As of 2023, nearly 90% of large companies and 68% of small and mid-sized companies rely on ATS to streamline their recruitment efforts.

6️⃣ How Can Job Seekers Determine if Their Resume is ATS-compatible?

Discover online tools designed to enhance your resume’s performance with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Try a free ATS scan tool for instant compatibility checks.

🤖 Want to Check If Your Resume Passes the ATS Bots? Upload for a Complimentary Review!

7️⃣ How to Stay Informed With the Latest ATS Trends in a Volatile Job Market?

As ATS technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to keep your job search competitive. Dive into industry blogs, engage in webinars, connect with experts, join professional networks, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest developments and maintain your edge in the job hunt.

Conclusion:

Utilize an Application Tracking System (ATS), employed by 93.7% of medium to large-sized companies, to identify keywords and secure more interviews. Resumes optimized for ATS are 75% more likely to catch the eye of recruiters. Additionally, candidates who tailor their resumes for specific job postings are twice as likely to be contacted for interviews. Remember, a well-crafted ATS-optimized resume increases your chances of more interviews in a volatile job market.

Ready to Navigate the ATS Successfully?

We’ve got you covered! The Job Helpers specializes in crafting resumes that not only sail through the ATS but also captivate recruiters’ attention. Our team of experts is dedicated to optimizing your resume and increasing your chances of securing interviews. With our assistance, you can land interviews for 4 out of every 10 jobs you apply to.