This information is stored in the ATS tracking database. When recruiters want to find suitable job candidates, all they have to do is search through the database for them. Most companies today, including 99 percent of Fortune 500 companies, rely on an applicant tracking system, or ATS, to help them hire new employees.
If you don’t know what an ATS is, you’re not alone. Most job seekers aren’t aware that their resume could be rejected by a computer algorithm without a hiring manager ever seeing it – even if they’re qualified for the job.
In this guide, we’ll tell you what an ATS is, how it works, and how you can create an ATS-friendly resume that will get you more job interviews.
What is an applicant tracking system?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is computer software that human resource departments use to process the overwhelming number of applications they receive for job openings.
Specifically, the ATS:
- Stores job candidate information like resumes, cover letters, references, and other data.
- Tracks job candidates and their application status throughout the hiring pipeline.
- Automates time-consuming tasks such as manually screening applicants, reading resumes, scheduling interviews, and sending out notifications.
For job seekers, the most important thing to understand about the ATS is that it enables employers to filter resumes based on keywords. The most suitable resumes are then forwarded to the hiring managers for manual review.
This is why it’s crucial that you tailor each resume with relevant keywords and use a clear, ATS-friendly format. Doing so will help your application pass through the initial screening and increase your chances that a hiring manager will read your resume – and invite you for an interview.
How do applicant tracking systems work?
When you submit your application, it usually goes straight into an ATS database. But first, you might see some knockout questions.
Knockout questions can be in the style of checkboxes or short answer questions. For example, a recruiter might ask the following knockout questions:
- Are you willing to relocate?
- Are you willing to work full-time?
- Do you have X years of experience?
If you answer any of the knockout questions unsatisfactorily, your resume will either be flagged or automatically rejected by the ATS.
After presenting you with knockout questions, the ATS scans your resume and parses it. This involves sifting through your information and converting it into a structured format.
This information is stored in the ATS tracking database. When recruiters want to find suitable job candidates, all they have to do is search through the database for them.
How do hiring managers use ATS to find candidates?
Hiring managers use keywords to find suitable job candidates in the ATS database. A keyword can be a single word or a phrase. Most keywords are job titles or skills.
For example, if a hiring manager is searching for a dental assistant, they might type the keyword “dental assistant” into the ATS search bar.
Hiring managers can also type in multiple terms. For example, “dental assistant” might be combined with “X-ray certification” and “patient care.”
Resumes that contain all three keywords will appear to the hiring manager. Resumes that don’t contain all three keywords will remain hidden in the ATS database.
Below is what the search page for the ATS called Bullhorn looks like. The hiring manager is trying to find a job candidate with the keyword “PHP” in their resume. It would also be nice if they had C++, Java, and Photoshop skills, although they aren’t required.
When the hiring manager hits the search button, only resumes with the keyword “PHP” will appear.
As you can see below, the resume of the candidate named Joe Jones contains the required keyword “PHP” and the optional keyword “Java”.
Because Joe Jones’ resume contains these keywords, it’s much more likely to be read by a recruiter.
This is why it’s crucial to make sure your resume contains keywords related to the job you’re applying to.
If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, it will never be reviewed by a human being and you won’t get the job.
What is a resume score and how can you increase it?
Some ATS score resumes based on how closely they match the job description. This score is based on your resume as a whole. It takes into account your work experience, skill set, education, and more.
If your resume doesn’t have a high enough score, it might not be considered for further consideration.
Here’s an example of how the ATS called Taleo scores resumes (it uses the term “Req Rank” instead of score).
The higher your score, the better your chances of getting an interview.
To increase your score, read the job description and highlight the keywords that appear most frequently. Pay particular attention to keywords that are hard skills.
Hard skills are specific abilities that are usually acquired through training or education. Examples of hard skills include graphic design, Salesforce, data analysis, project management, Python, and SEO.
In other words, try to use the same words on your resume that the hiring manager used in the job description. This will make your resume easier to find, resulting in more job interviews.
Most job seekers don’t do this. Instead, they only create one resume that they send out with every application. This one-size-fits-all approach is easier but less effective.
Tailor each resume to the job
To get the best results from your job search, tailor each resume you send out so it specifically targets the job you’re applying for.
This takes more time and effort than just sending out the same resume every time (which is why most people don’t do it), but you’ll get more job interviews.
We understand that this personalized approach demands more time and effort than simply sending out a generic resume. However, it's this extra effort that will set you apart and lead to more job interviews. That's precisely why we're here to assist you.
With our service, we guarantee that your resume aligns with the job description by more than 80%, and we will strive to achieve 100%. Please note that if your profile and job application belong to different categories, reaching 100% alignment may not be possible; however, in most cases, we can ensure a perfect match.
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🤝🤝Please Note: 📢 While we aim to enhance your resume's chances of being noticed by hirers and ATS, we do not guarantee job interviews. Our services are designed to increase your visibility and candidacy. 🤝🤝
Don't let your dream job slip away due to an overlooked resume. I'm here to ensure your qualifications shine through. Reach out today to get started! 📩
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