Companies receive so many applications that they cannot read them all. Your application for a position will most likely be stored in an applicant tracker system (ATS). The software keeps track of all applications to ensure that none is missed. The software also sorts and filters the resumes. A resume optimized for ATS allows recruiters to quickly find the best candidates. It can also mean your resume will be seen by the correct people.
As software starts to use AI, the use of automated and assessment systems will grow in recruitment. A ATS optimized resume will help you get in front of a recruiter and past the robots.
Don’t worry about your resume passing the ATS. These simple tips will help you create an ATS friendly resume. This resume will impress the hiring manager, as well as pass through the ATS.
Keywords are the best way to beat bots
It’s important to use the correct keywords in your resume so that an ATS can read it (known as Resume Parsing). The keywords you use represent your qualifications, expertise, and skills that make you qualified for a particular job. The right keywords will help you get your resume read.
How to Optimize Your Resume for ATS
- Look for key words in the job description and include them on your resume.
- You can include this information in the cover letter, summary or career objective section of your resume. This can be done in the cover letter, career objectives section or summary.
- You should include any relevant education, certificates, and licenses.
- Include relevant keywords for your industry. These keywords can be found by searching Google for “[industry] Resume Keywords.”
- Use the keyword throughout your “Summary”, the “Education”, the “Experience”, the “Skills”, as well as in the cover letter.
- Check your resume to ensure that you have used the proper abbreviations and keywords (as specified in the job description).
Do not automatically save your CV as a pdf file
When it comes to resumes, PDF files may not be the best option for application tracking software. Although PDF files preserve the format and design of your template resume, some ATS software may not be compatible with them.
You should upload your resume in PDF format if you’re asked. If PDF compatibility has not been explicitly specified, it is best to submit your resume in plain text or a Word (.doc or.docx). You will avoid formatting problems.
You can write for someone who you know will see the document.
Remember that not only an ATS will be reading your resume. After your resume passes through the ATS system, a recruiter reviews it to determine if you’re a good candidate. While it’s important to include ATS keywords on your resume, make sure your document is readable, and that you are being honest. It is important to be honest about your abilities and experiences and avoid stuffing the resume with keywords.
Restrict your creativity
Sometimes less can be more when it comes to creating an impressive resume. An applicant tracking system can read a simple design more easily, and recruiters will be able to scan it faster. A resume that is too busy or has an odd format may be frustrating and confusing for the person reviewing it.
Here are some tips to help you create a resume that is ATS-friendly
Follow these tips to ensure that your resume passes through the ATS.
- Use a different version. Don’t use the template everyone else uses. Make your resume stand out by personalizing it.
- Improve the quality of the text by editing it. Be sure that the text is free of grammatical and spelling mistakes and your language and style are clear.
- Use plain text instead of images, charts, tables and graphs. These elements can be difficult to read and understand by an applicant tracking system. Focus on providing concise and clear information so that the system is able to easily understand it.
Avoid jargon and buzzwords only understood by a small group. Resumes are overused with buzzwords such as “hard worker”, “self starter” or “hard worker”.
If you are using a template for a resume, ensure that your contact details appear in the body of the document and not the header or the footer. Many applicant tracking software cannot read or understand information found in this area, and your contact information could be lost.
Bullet points can be a good way to make your qualifications and accomplishments stand out on your resume. Using a symbol that is too complex can be confusing and make it difficult for people to read your main selling points. Use simple symbols such as an open or closed circle to make your bullets stand out.
Last thoughts
Many recruiters prefer to read through each application that is entered in their applicant tracking systems. Most recruiters will only look briefly at past achievements, titles and employers. In just six seconds they decide whether or not they would like to learn more about you. Your key qualifications and skills must therefore be easily identifiable.
You want your resume to stand out to ATS software. However, you don’t want to give the impression that you are trying to “trick the system” with an ATS optimized resume. Focus on highlighting your strongest points on your resume. The key is to strike a balance in your resume between functionality and information.
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