Employers use applicant tracking systems to optimize their recruitment processes. The ATS is used to sort applicants before they get to meet the hiring team. Therefore, it is paramount that you understand how to optimize your CV to pass through ATS.
Did you see a notification on your job advert stating that your CV should be ATS enabled? But what is an ATS? How to optimize your CV to pass through ATS when you apply for jobs online?
Note: If you need any form of assistance with your CV/Resume, you can contact us today. An expert will review or revamp your resume and help you improve it to better capture the key things that will help you stand out.
What Is An Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software that companies use to store, sort, and select candidates for consideration. ATS comprises a searchable database that employers use to discover best-matched candidates for the role or roles that they’re working on.
Most times, when you apply for a job through an online job portal, your application is first reviewed by the ATS. If the ATS finds that you’re a good match, your application will then proceed to the hiring officials.
How The Applicant Tracking System Works
The ATS works by keywords. The ATS will score/rank your application according to relevant keywords that were identified on your CV. How the scoring is done is left to the company or hiring agency in charge. However, during the recruitment process, the recruiting company inputs the job qualifications into the ATS, and the ATS scores candidates according to the amount of identified keywords.
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- How the ATS system ranks candidates
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What Is An ATS-Optimized CV?
An ATS-optimized CV is a CV written in a way that makes it easy for the Applicant Tracking System to parse your CV. ATS-optimized CV has easy-to-scan formats and contains keywords that show that you are the best match for a job.
How To Optimize Your CV To Pass Through ATS
So let’s break down the most important things to factor in as you optimize your resume for the ATS.
1. Keywords
For your CV to go through the ATS, you should consider aligning your CV with the stated job description(s).
Identify keywords that are used frequently and prominently in the job description and ensure you include them in your CV. Because these are the very terms a recruiter will input in the ATS when they’re searching for the best-matched candidates. Hence, should ensure that your CV contains those keywords and this will enable you to have a good ATS score.
2. Job Titles
Consider using the exact job title listed in the job advert, because the ATS considers job descriptions when ranking candidates.
For example: If you are applying for a secretary position, but your current job title is an office assistant, the best thing to do is to list yourself as a secretary on your CV. As a result, the ATS identifies that you line up with that job and increases your score.
3. Formatting
Your CV format can disrupt the parsing process. Therefore, keep the format simple, especially the columns, headers, fonts, and graphics. The worst that can happen to you is when you are qualified for a position, but your information parses into the ATS as a mess, the ATS will not score you as a strong match.
How To Check If Your CV Is ATS-Optimized
You can check the ATS score of your CV using the following free online ATS checkers;
Frequently Asked Questions About ATS CV
1. What Does The ATS Do?
The ATS acts as an electronic gatekeeper for the hiring manager or recruiter. What the ATS does is analyze CVs/résumé content into sections and then scan it for specific keywords to determine if the job application should be passed along to the recruiters.
2. Should My ATS Compatible CV/Resume Be In PDF Format?
Most ATS can easily be read in PDF or Word format. So whether your CV is in PDF format or Word document it will still be compatible with the ATS. Nevertheless, it all depends on following these secret tips for writing ATS compatible CV.
Moreso, since many ATSs are unable to read tables or graphics and symbols etc, it’s best to avoid using them.
Read How to convert word document to Pdf3. Can ATS Read Two Column CV/Resume?
A resume with two columns is not bad but might be bad for an ATS. An ATS may not be able to read a CV/résumé with two columns and will therefore discard it.
4. What Is The Best Format To Send A CV/Resume?
This depends on the direction you were given in the job post. Well, for a CV submitted through an application system, follow the directions specified. If you are sending a resume directly to the contact or hiring manager through email, a PDF is your best choice.
5. Why Do Recruiters Make Use Of ATS?
Recruiters make use of ATS because it helps them manage their end-to-end recruitment process from sourcing to hiring. Also, ATS helps the recruiter to automate their organization’s recruiting and staffing operations.
Conclusion
Use standard PC fonts, like Arial, Garamond, and Calibri. More so, avoid using a functional resume or one that features all of your career highlights and skills upfront without tying them to the corresponding role. Instead, use a reverse-chronological format or a hybrid format, which features a summary section at the top and then moves into your detailed experience.
Free ATS-Compatible CV Downloadable Word Document Sample
Click here to download a copy of the free ATS-Compatible CV sample. Avoid copying it word for word to safeguard your future job prospects.
How We Can Help You With Your Resume
We are a career brand that renders career services such as CV/Resume writing, personal statement/statement of purpose writing, LinkedIn Optimisation, Interview Guide, and Career coaching. We want to ensure we help you to navigate the tides of the academics, and corporate world. Contact us today to get an outstanding resume!
Cheers!
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