In today's extremely competitive job market, landing an interview can be the most challenging part of a successful job search. Believe it or not, 90% of applications are being rejected during the screening process due to the sole reason that their resumes weren't able to pass the first round of sorting. The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) happens to be the main reason for most of these rejections. An application program that scans an applicant's resume and keeps a record of key words, and format specification which is then used to scan a resume automatically in a system.
Before we discuss how to increase your resume's effectiveness, we need to first understand the definition and working of an ATS. Recruiters use ATS software to manage a huge traffic of applications by:
Now, your resume needs not only to satisfy human recruiters but also to
convince the ATS to shortlist it for the maximum reach. Here, you will get
in-depth strategies to enhance your resume and improve the ATS score.
ATS software can run into issues with elaborate formatting. Stick to the standard way of formatting your resume. This includes:
Do not use graphics, images, and charts as ATS may not read them correctly.
Most ATS software prefers resumes saved in .docx or .pdf. Ensure you save and upload your resume in these file types to avoid compatibility issues.
Organize your resume with clear section headings. Most common include:
Clear headings enable ATS software to scan seamlessly across your resume and
pick up on the sections.
Keywords are the heart of ATS optimization. To identify the right keywords:
Once you've found the keywords, naturally incorporate them throughout your resume. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your resume unreadable for humans and lead to rejection.
Start your bullet points with powerful action verbs to draw attention to your accomplishments and duties. For example:
Action verbs aren't just easier to read — they typically match the keywords
that ATS software is scanning for.
Generic resumes will not do as well at getting through an ATS screen. Tailor your resume to specific job applications by:
Quantify to impress on the accomplishments from your resume. For example:
Objective achievements will attract the attention of recruitment officers and
provide proof of your capabilities.
Your resume must be formatted uniformly:
Grammatical and typographical errors can lead to resume rejection. Proofread your resume several times and use tools like Grammarly.
The tone of your resume must be professional. Avoid jargon or informal
language. Keep it clear and concise.
Include any certifications and courses that give you an edge in the application, such as:
Volunteer work experiences are valuable, especially if they add value or match the job for which you are applying. Volunteer experience shows additional skills and a commitment to community involvement.
List the languages you speak and technical skills you possess. These are
critical differentiators in many job applications.
Testing and Refining Your Resume.
Several online tools can help you test your resume's compatibility with an ATS, such as Jobscan and Resume Worded. These tools provide feedback on how well your resume aligns with job descriptions.
Share your resume with mentors, colleagues, or professional resume writers. They can provide valuable and objective input on issues you might overlook.
Regularly update your resume with new skills, experiences, and achievements.
An updated resume reflects your current level of competency and fitness for a
new role.
Downloadable templates designed to be ATS-friendly are available online. These templates feature clean, tested layouts and text details. Some recommended resources include:
To effectively elevate your resume and boost your ATS score, balance embedding relevant keywords, maintaining clarity in format, and creating personalized content. By understanding how an ATS works and applying the tactics in this article, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your resume shortlisted for that crucial interview. Remember, your resume is your first impression—make it count.
