It’s a well-known fact that the task of reading resumes and shortlisting candidates for recruitment is tedious. In today’s fast-paced work environment, it has become increasingly challenging to review hundreds of applications and pick the good ones. Human Resource Managers have many other tasks that require their attention and energy, so the job of reviewing resumes has been largely handed over to software. ATS (Application Tracking System) is a software application that enables organisations to manage their recruitment and hiring processes efficiently. When you send a job application, it is first received by the software, which scans it for key information such as skills, experience, and certifications. Unfortunately, 70% of CVs do not reach the hiring managers because this software application filters them out. This is why you need an ATS-friendly resume to ensure job success.
What Does ATS Do?
The Application Tracking System (ATS) serves as a database for job applications, automating and managing the workflow related to the recruitment process. It saves hiring managers from having to read through piles of CVs and set aside the ones that are worthy of being considered. This saves a significant amount of time that can be invested in other tasks. This software has proven to be an effective way to streamline recruitment procedures, focusing solely on potential candidates who can bring value to the company. While this software makes things easier for corporations, it makes the job application process harder for those seeking employment.
So, what is ATS resume? It is a CV that is created specifically for the system to scan, and it is easily understood by the software. An ATS resume is optimised for all the features that the system immediately notices and sends the application forward to recruiting managers. Writing a resume that passes the system’s checks and advances can be a challenging task. Here is how you can write one that is sure to make it to the human recruiter’s desk.
How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume
Use Relevant Keywords
Read the job description carefully and identify the relevant keywords. Ensure that you add them to your document so the software can identify them and flag your CV as relevant. This keyword optimisation with role-specific terms is essential in ensuring your application passes the check and reaches the recruiters. If the keywords relevant to the job description are not present in the document, it is highly likely that it will be rejected at the very first step.
Use Simple, ATS-friendly Fonts
Another tip for creating an ATS friendly resume is to use basic, standard fonts like Calibri, Times New Roman, and Arial. These fonts are simple and readable for both humans and software applications. Any fonts that are unreadable to the software can get the file filtered out immediately. By using these simple writing formats, your document’s chances of being forwarded in the recruitment process are further increased.
Avoid Graphics
The ATS is not fond of text boxes, images, or columns, so it is generally preferred not to include any of these elements in the document. Keep your ATS resume simple to ensure that the system can easily read your CV’s content and screen it for relevant information to proceed with the application process. Many seem to struggle with finding the right balance between the text and the visual elements of the document; a resume writing service in Malaysia can be of great help in this regard.
File Format
The best file format for an ATS resume is .docx, although many systems accept the PDF version too. Make sure to read the job description carefully to see if the company uses an ATS. If they do, and if they use an older version of it, sending a PDF file might get your application rejected. Most times, companies specify what format your document should be in.
Cover Letter
Another step that can easily set you apart from the rest of the applicants is a cover letter. It is always advised to include it with your ATS resume. Even if the job description does not explicitly require a cover letter, writing one demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile for the job. Your application’s ATS score can significantly improve with a cover letter, since the system also screens it for keywords and picks the relevant ones. This is also going to help in talking about skills and experiences that the document does not have space for.
Stay on One Page
Although longer resumes are better at achieving the desired keyword density and perform well during ATS checks, your document also needs to be appealing to the human eye. ATS resumes have a clear edge over others that were not created specifically for the system. When the document passes the screening and reaches the recruiter, they will want to see a short, concise document they can quickly skim.
Name the Sections Appropriately
Another feature of an ATS friendly resume is that its sections are labelled correctly. This might not seem like a big deal, but it changes a lot about how the system scans the file. It is always advised to use terms like “skills,” “education,” and “work experience”. Do not try to get creative with the titles; it might seem like an appealing choice, but the system is not fond of such wordplays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why do my resumes never reach the recruiters?
One of the most common reasons why resumes are rejected before they even reach the recruiters is the wrong use of keywords. The system looks for relevant terms to decide whether your application should be forwarded or not.
2) What is ATS resume?
An ATS resume is a document that highlights the professional experiences, skills, and educational background of the candidate in a way that is readable to the system. This CV passes the system’s checks and reaches the human recruiters.
3) Can I use graphics in my resume?
No, it is not preferred to use any graphic elements in the document if you want to make it friendly for the system. The software does not process images, fancy fonts, or graphics. It is better to keep the document as simple as possible.
Conclusion
For job success, making it past the ATS checks and reaching the human recruiting managers is the first and most challenging task. Before applying to any jobs that use the software to filter applications, ensure that you tailor your application to match the job description exactly. Do not use the same CV for every application, and use the right keywords. An ATS-friendly resume is sure to get you a call for an interview. Sending the right document along with your application can make all the difference in your job-hunting process.