Application Tracking System Resume

What is an Application Tracking System (ATS) Resume & How to Build an ATS-Proof Resume

Have you been discouraged with zero response after submitting multiple job applications, and not sure why you have been sending resume after resume without hearing back? The main reason may be because many companies have turned to application tracking systems (ATS).

What is an Application Tracking System (ATS)?
ATS is software that functions as a screening system for employers, allowing them to look at only the best job applications. ATS’s are used by companies to screen and rank job applicants, determining whether or not to pass your resume to a real person. This ATS software is used during the hiring process to sort and rank job applicants automatically.
While these systems can have significant benefits, they’ve also added a layer of complexity when it comes to crafting a winning resume. Now, your resume needs to be written both for people and ATS.

Facts about these applicant tracking systems:

• They are far from perfect.
• 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS.
• 62% of companies admit that qualified candidates slip through the cracks with an ATS.
• 75% of resumes are filtered out by an ATS before being seen by a person.
• Only 25% of resumes screened by an ATS are eventually seen by a real person.
• 94% of companies say that using an ATS has improved their hiring process.

How an ATS works
An ATS is not able to read your resume the way a human would. Instead, it picks up on keywords from the job description and matches it to their list of prerequisite skills and metrics.
The ATS will then cross-reference your qualifications with what the company is looking for and rank you against other candidates. If you pass a certain threshold, your resume is likely passed along to the relevant hiring manager to take a closer look.

How to write an ATS- Friendly resume?
Some resumes are in formats that an ATS cannot recognize and will end up in the discard pile without being given a fair chance. Here’s how you can optimize your resume to give yourself the best chance of landing an interview.

1. Pick the right layout – picking the right template with a simple layout, logical hierarchy, and easy to read font can be the difference between getting the call for an interview and having your resume discarded before it is even seen.
   – Headers and Footers: A major formatting culprit for applicant tracking systems is headers and footers. While humans may be easily able to contextualize information in these areas of a resume, some applicant tracking systems cannot identify vital details like contact information, which is commonly stored in the header or footer. When choosing your resume template, it’s best to avoid any that have information stored outside of the body of the page.
   – Columns: You should also be wary of layout options like columns. Some applicant tracking systems will read columns left to right instead of column by column, so stick to a simple layout to ensure the information on your resume isn’t scrambled by incorrect formatting.
2. Use easy to read ATS friendly fonts – ATS can scan your resume best when you use a common, easy to read font.
   – Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, Tahoma, or Garamond.
   – Font size – It is best to stick to the standard 12 pt font on your resume.
   – For important text, like your name or section headings, it is good practice to size these headings no more than double your smallest font. Keeping these titles in 24 pt font or smaller is best.
3. Use standard formatting – while beautifully designed resumes may be striking to the human eye, some ATS’s may be unable to gather necessary information from your resume. Many ATS systems will convert your resume to a text-only file. Using text only modifications will ensure that the ATS does not miss out on valuable information.
   When creating an ATS-compatible resume, it is best to avoid fancy formatting like:
   – Tables
   – Logos
   – Images
   – Graphics
   – Text boxes
   Try using formatting styles that will not confuse an ATS if the resume is converted to a plain-text file, such as:
   • Bold
   • Italics
   • Underline
   • Colors
   • Bullets

4. Use clear, concise headings:
   – Stick to conventional headings like “Work Experience,” “Education” and “Certifications” to convey your message clearly
   – The top half of your resume is the most valuable space on your resume, so it is important to list your headings in order of importance.
   – Your work experience should be the primary focus – If you’ve been out of school for more than a few years and have significant work experience under your belt. However, if you’re a student on the hunt for an internship, it might be more prudent to put your education in the top spot.

5. Contextualize your keywords – Mirror the most important keywords from the job description on your resume otherwise it will be discarded if not customized to the job.
   – It is important to incorporate your keywords with context – Incorporate your keywords into your work history or other relevant sections by following a “show, not tell” mindset.
   – Showcase your soft skills in your work history – this will provide much more value than mentioning them in a skills section.
   – Use the right file type – It is recommended to create a .pdf, .doc and .txt file of your resume, but a word document is usually the safest way to go. For a more professional resume save with a file name something like this:
   Sarah-Smith-Marketing-Coordinator.pdf (or .docx)
   Sarah-Smith-Marketing-Coordinator-Google.pdf

6. Tailoring your resume to each position is a crucial step to creating an ATS-proof job application. One size fits all resumes are a thing of the past. The best applicants are taking keywords from the job description and contextualizing them on their resumes to get past the ATS.

Let us assist with building your resume! Contact us at 888-359-2388 or tina@mpes.net

~ Tina

The information in this blog is from https://www.resume-now.com/job-resources/resumes/what-is-an-ats-resume?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=16572178232&utm_term=&network=x&device=c&adposition=&adgroupid=&placement=&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvdajBhBEEiwAeMh1Uy_-pHV_cJcWqhKEax0cA2hwzRskDmy3UKWx-WR78jYsaMUVMSgUShoCGuAQAvD_BwE