**Beat the ATS: Get Your Resume Seen**
By Jobtransparency Blog
Published on September 30, 2024
Mastering the Art of Applicant Tracking Systems: Insider Tips for Job Seekers
Are you tired of feeling like your resume is getting lost in cyberspace? Do you wonder why you're not getting calls from recruiters despite having a stellar resume? The answer lies in understanding how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) work. These systems are used by almost every company, large and small, to store, process, and evaluate candidates.
To increase your chances of getting past the robots and in front of hiring managers, follow these expert tips:
1. Keyword-match the job posting: Use the exact words and phrases from the job description to describe your skills and experiences.
2. Simplify your resume: Avoid using headers, footers, tables, or templates. Instead, use a common font, simple bullets, and spacing to make it easy to read on a phone.
3. Bypass the ATS whenever possible: Networking and referrals are still the most effective ways to land an interview.
4. Be mindful of plurals, abbreviations, numbers, hyphens, acronyms, and synonyms: Use the exact words and phrases from the job description to avoid being filtered out.
5. Avoid "fancy" resume designs: Steer clear of embedded images, unusual layouts, and non-traditional formats that can get garbled or omitted by the ATS.
6. Use complementary keywords: Research the industry, company, and position to identify related keywords that can help you stand out.
7. Make it visually appealing: Remember that a human will review your resume after it passes the ATS, so make sure it's easy to read and visually appealing.
8. Customize every application: Treat every application as a unique opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences.
9. Follow up: Find ways to follow up with the recruiter or hiring manager to increase your chances of getting noticed.
10. Don't rely solely on keywords: Highlight your accomplishments, experiences, and qualifications that make you unique and add value to the reader.
By following these insider tips, you'll increase your chances of getting past the ATS and in front of hiring managers. Remember, it's not just about getting through the system – it's about showcasing your unique value and landing your dream job.