Beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in 2024: Get Your Resume Seen by Humans

Beat The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) In 2024: Get Your Resume S...

When it comes to job applications, the first hurdle is getting past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Many companies use an ATS to screen and filter resumes before a human even lays eyes on them. This means that even if you are the perfect candidate for the job, your resume may never make it into the hands of a hiring manager if it doesn’t meet the criteria set by the ATS.

Let’s beat the bot and get your resume in the hands of a real person.

Understanding the ATS

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a tool used by employers to manage the hiring process more efficiently.

Employers program the ATS by defining specific criteria and keywords that they want to see in a candidate’s resume. They use job descriptions and role requirements to create a benchmark of skills, experiences, and qualifications that an ideal candidate should possess.

When configuring an ATS, employers input keywords related to these benchmarks, such as “leadership,” “data analysis,” or “software development.”

They may also set parameters for job titles, years of experience, educational background, and even certifications. This programming allows the ATS to filter through applications efficiently, highlighting only those candidates who meet the predefined criteria.

By understanding the keywords and qualifications that employers want, you can increase your chances of getting your resume past the bot and into the hands of a real person.

Key Strategies to Beat the ATS

Use Relevant Keywords. I know it is a lot of work, but using one generic resume will get you nowhere. Customize your resume for each job. Keywords are crucial in ensuring your resume passes the initial ATS screening. Carefully review the job description and identify essential keywords related to skills, qualifications, and experience. Use these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the skills and experience sections.

Format Your Resume for the ATS. Although a beautiful resume with lots of graphics may appeal to the human eye, the ATS may struggle with complex formatting, so it’s best to keep your resume simple and clean. Here are some formatting tips:

Eliminate pictures, graphics, and tables. Most systems do not recognize graphics, or they parse them incorrectly, causing your resume to get rejected.
Use common fonts. When creating a resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it’s best to use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Georgia, Helvetica, Tahoma, or Garamond. Avoid decorative fonts and unusual typefaces, as ATS software relies on straightforward text. Maintain consistent font sizes and formatting throughout your document.
No fancy formatting. Don’t use fancy formatting, especially for bullet points (like checkmarks or stars); stick to basic symbols (circles, squares, etc.) that the ATS can easily read.

Use Reverse Chronological Order. ATS systems recognize and prioritize the most recent work experience. If your professional history is not accurately read by the ATS, perhaps due to improper formatting or misplacement of dates, the system might incorrectly interpret gaps in your employment. As a result, this misreading could lead to the assumption that you are currently unemployed or have significant unexplained periods of inactivity.

Use Standard Section Headings. ATS software often scans for specific section headings to categorize information. Use standard headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications” to ensure your resume is easily parsed by the system.

Skip your career goal; it most likely will not be parsed by the ATS. And, if your career goal does not align with the company’s vision for the role, you could score yourself a one-way ticket to the rejection pile.

Avoid Abbreviations and Acronyms. While it may be tempting to use industry jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms, the ATS may not recognize them. Instead, spell out terms fully to ensure they are correctly identified and matched with the job description.

Bonus: Don’t forget the file name of your resume. It might be tempting to save your resume by naming it based on the last time you updated it, but this can quickly look outdated. For example, a resume named JaneDoeAugust2023.pdf will look stale by August 2024. Instead, name your resume file according to the specific job you are applying for. For instance, a more appropriate file name could be ElectricalEngineer_JaneDoe.pdf. This approach not only keeps your document looking current but also helps hiring managers identify your application more easily.