Six simple tips that will help you beat the Applicant Tracking System.

Six simple tips that will help you beat the Applicant Tracking System. 

The majority of companies have moved toward digital systems and scanning software in order to review applications more quickly, called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Those systems are programmed mostly to search for keywords and phrases that are relevant for that specific position. When writing a resume look at the keywords included in job postings and incorporate them into your application, making sure that you include most of them to increase your chances of passing that initial round of scanning. Don’t forget that some of ATSs are programmed to read pdf files, and for some MS Word. So when sending your resume, scan the advertisement for a preferred file format.

1. Use standard resume headings.  Whether you call it “Professional Summary” or “Career Summary,” or “Work Experience” sticking to these standard headings is best way to go. If you try to over-customize your resume heading, chances are it won’t do anything good, but instead the opposite. ATSs are typically unable to recognize nonstandard headings, so by using them you are risking your resume being rejected even before somebody actually reads it. 

2. Don’t edit headers and footers. ATSs are usually not able to read headers and footers so it’s not a good idea to put important information there. It would be the best if you don’t write anything there actually; headers and footers are best left empty with standard 1-inch margins. 

3. Use appropriate keywords. When reading a job proposal search for keywords included there and use them; ATS will look for them in your resume. However, be aware that simply using any form of these keywords will not be enough. Keywords must be formatted to echo the original job description exactly so as to match the ATS criteria; there is a huge difference between “Microsoft Word” and “MS Word”. 

4. Left alignment and conservative typeface. Use left alignment for when formatting your resume text. Centering of text or block text and right text alignment is not acceptable by the ATS and it will cruelly discard your resume. Also use only the most conservative typeface (Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, Calibri, or Garamond). Times New Roman is considered boring and old fashioned. 

5. Don’t include any acronyms. ATSs won’t understand any acronyms, even those that are well known like BMW. If you wish to include acronyms on your resume you need to spell it first so that scanning software is able to read it. 

6. Don’t make any spelling mistakes. This is something you should be aware of even when sending a physical application. ATS won’t be able to read a word if it isn’t spelled correctly, the hiring manager will be, but it’s certain that your application won’t pass the first round of reading anyway. Resumes with spelling or grammar errors will be rejected automatically.