Applicant tracking systems (ATS) fulfill two purposes: to manage applications for positions (especially where there is a high volume of applicants), and to screen out candidates who lack the required skills for the job.
The goal of ATS is to help hiring managers and recruiters more easily identify candidates with the skills, education, and experience that are most desired of candidates.
Research indicates that almost all major companies now use ATS as part of their hiring process.
The challenge for job seekers is that even if they are qualified for a job, if their resume isn’t compatible with the ATS, it will be screened out and the recruiter or hiring manager won’t ever read it.
Most online applications end up in one of two places: an applicant tracking system, or an email inbox. Neither are particularly easy to get out of.
There are numerous different ATS software programs on the market and each can be slightly different. However, they all work in a similar way, by allowing for filtering, management, and analysis of candidates for a particular job opening.
Applicant tracking systems “parse” the information in the resumes submitted, pulling them apart and placing information in specific fields within the ATS database, such as work experience, education, contact data, etc.
The system then analyzes the extracted information for criteria relevant to the position being filled — such as number of years of experience or particular skills. Then, it assigns each resume a score, giving the candidate a ranking compared to other applicants so recruiters and hiring managers can identify candidates who are the “best fit” for the job.
Success in navigating an applicant tracking system isn’t simply about the volume of keywords and phrases — it’s the right keywords — and, in particular, how unique those keywords are. Most job seekers include the “obvious” keywords, but many applicant tracking systems put value on related keywords, not just specific terms.
Applicant tracking systems see certain keywords and phrases as more “valuable” than others. Many systems also allow the hiring manager or recruiter to weigh criteria — applying greater significance to certain terms or qualifications. Hiring managers can also apply filters to further refine the candidate pool — for example, geographic or educational criteria. They can also specify keywords as either “desired” or “required,” which affects rankings.
Yet beware: ATS software doesn’t simply identify keywords and apply a score based on how many times that keyword appeared. Context plays a part too.
It’s not enough to have the right keyword in the resume — nor have it appear more than once. Instead, the system looks for relevance of the keyword to your work history and/or education. Those keywords are analyzed and weighed in the context of the entire resume.
Also considered in context is how recent the desired skill has been used, and the depth of knowledge the candidate possesses of the topic (by assessing whether relevant and related terms are also present in the resume in relation to the keyword or phrase).
For resumes analyzed by an ATS, it is important to include as much relevant information as possible. Inadvertent omission of key data can be the difference between having your resume appear in a list of candidates meeting search criteria — and not making the cut.
For example, if the posting requests a certain level of education you need to include the degree or certification if you have it OR include reference to it if you are pursuing it.
If you have the keywords and key phrases outlined in the targeted job posting – make sure they appear in your resume. Yet don’t just include the words; provide the proof. Remember that an actual person will also read this resume if it ranks as a good match, and the system weighs words in context; so keep content compelling and results-rich!
Keywords in a resume can be nouns, adjectives, or short phrases which describe unique skills, abilities, knowledge/education/training, and/or experience. Use a highlighter to identify keywords in a job posting, and don’t forget to note any synonyms to keywords you identify. These are similar words or phrases which may also be beneficial.
Unsure how to identify relevant keywords and phrases?
Find 6-8 job postings for the type of position you want (or use the exact position you are targeting). Copy the text from the ad.
Go to www.tocloud.com or www.wordle.net to create a tag cloud.
Paste your selected text into the “text” box and generate the word cloud.
If your resume has keywords naturally woven throughout it, the process of preparing it for submission to an applicant tracking system is quite simple.
P.S – ATS can be challenging, and therefore is best avoided whenever possible. Diversify your job search approach to increase success. Studies suggest that job seekers have a better chance of getting hired through networking and referrals versus job boards.
Read more on: How to Write An ATS-Compliant Resume.