Understanding ATS Software: What Job Seekers Need to Know

Free, no-obligation resume review offer at the end of the article—get personalized feedback on your resume!

In today’s competitive job market, many companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring process. If you're a job seeker, understanding how ATS works can make a big difference in getting your resume noticed. In this article, we’ll explore what ATS is, how it’s used, and why it’s important for you as you navigate your job search.

What is ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to manage and filter resumes during the hiring process. When you apply for a job, your resume is often scanned by an ATS before a human ever sees it. The system scans resumes for specific keywords, qualifications, and experience that match the job description. It then ranks candidates based on how well their resumes align with the job posting.

ATS software helps companies organize large volumes of applications quickly and efficiently. Rather than having HR staff manually sift through hundreds or even thousands of resumes, the ATS automates this process, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.

How Does ATS Work?

When you submit your resume, the ATS scans it for relevant keywords. These are typically terms and phrases from the job description, such as specific skills, qualifications, certifications, or even industry jargon. For example, if the job posting mentions “project management experience” or “Microsoft Excel proficiency,” the ATS will look for these exact phrases on your resume.

In addition to keyword scanning, ATS software may also analyze your resume’s formatting, structure, and layout. This is because ATS can struggle to read resumes that use unconventional fonts, headers, or graphics. The system is most effective when the resume is simple, clear, and uses standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”

After scanning, the ATS assigns a ranking or score to each candidate. The higher your score, the more likely your resume is to be seen by a hiring manager. If your resume doesn’t pass the ATS screening, it may never make it into the hands of a recruiter.

Why Does ATS Matter to Job Seekers?

The growing use of ATS means that your resume needs to be optimized for this technology in order to get noticed. Here’s why it matters:

1. Increased Use of ATS: More than 90% of large companies use ATS to filter resumes. Even smaller companies are adopting this technology to handle the sheer volume of applications. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might get overlooked, even if you're highly qualified for the job.

2. Keyword Optimization: ATS relies heavily on keywords. If you don’t tailor your resume to the job description and include the right keywords, the system might not recognize your qualifications. This is why it’s important to customize your resume for each position, making sure to include the most relevant keywords that match the job listing.

3. Format and Readability: Resumes that are overly complicated in terms of design, layout, or formatting can confuse the ATS, leading to your resume being discarded. Stick to a simple, clean layout with standard fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and avoid using tables, images, or headers that might disrupt the ATS’s ability to read your content.

4. Increased Competition: With ATS handling the initial screening, your resume is up against a much larger pool of candidates than it would be in a manual review. The better you can optimize your resume for ATS, the higher your chances of moving on to the next stage of the hiring process.

Tips for Job Seekers to Optimize for ATS

• Tailor Your Resume: Carefully read each job description and include the relevant keywords and skills mentioned.

• Use Standard Headings: Stick to traditional headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to ensure the ATS can properly categorize your information.

• Avoid Complex Formatting: Use simple bullet points, avoid graphics, and ensure your resume is easy to parse for both ATS and human eyes.

• Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Match your skills and experience with those in the job description. Include both the specific terms and their variations (e.g., “sales experience” and “sales expertise”).

• Proofread: Ensure your resume is free from errors, as an ATS may overlook misspelled keywords.

Conclusion

While the use of ATS might feel like an impersonal hurdle in the job search process, understanding how it works can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed by employers. By tailoring your resume, optimizing for keywords, and following a simple, readable format, you can ensure that your resume passes through the ATS and into the hands of the hiring manager. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your next opportunity.

FREE RESUME REVIEW

Do you know if your resume HELPING OR HURTING your chances for a job interview? Find out with our FREE, No-Obligation RESUME REVIEW. Just CLICK HERE to email us your resume and you will receive your review via email within 24 hours. No pressure. No obligation. Just helpful advice from a pro.

About Rita Fisher, CPRW

Hi, I’m Rita Fisher, a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with over 26 years of experience crafting resumes for professionals in every industry. Take the first step towards a resume that works for you. Contact us for your free resume review.