We at Neeljym Search Group look at every resume we receive. Most Companies don’t.  Most companies use an applicant tracking system. When it comes to job applications, your first hurdle is getting past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Many companies use an ATS to screen and filter resumes before a human even lays eyes on them. This means that even if you are the perfect candidate for the job, your resume may never make it into the hands of a hiring manager if it doesn’t meet the criteria set by the ATS.

Let’s beat the bot and get your resume in the hands of a real person.

Understanding the ATS

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a tool used by employers to manage the hiring process more efficiently.

Employers program the ATS by defining specific criteria and keywords that they want to see in a candidate’s resume. They use job descriptions and role requirements to create a benchmark of skills, experiences, and qualifications that an ideal candidate should possess.

When configuring an ATS, employers input keywords related to these benchmarks, such as “leadership,” “data analysis,” or “software development.”

They may also set parameters for job titles, years of experience, educational background, and even certifications. This programming allows the ATS to filter through applications efficiently, highlighting only those candidates who meet the predefined criteria.

By understanding the keywords and qualifications that employers want, you can increase your chances of getting your resume past the bot and into the hands of a real person.

Key Strategies to Beat the ATS

1. Use Relevant Keywords. I know it is a lot of work, but using one generic resume will get you nowhere. Customize your resume for each job. Keywords are crucial in ensuring your resume passes the initial ATS screening. Carefully review the job description and identify essential keywords related to skills, qualifications, and experience. Use these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the skills and experience sections.

2. Format Your Resume for the ATS. Recently I received a resume that looked more like a brochure than a resume. It was very pretty, the problem: Every part of it was images, blocks of fancy text, lots of charts and no set structure. No wonder this applicant received 0 invitiations to interviews. Although a beautiful resume with lots of graphics may appeal to the human eye, the ATS may struggle with complex formatting, so it’s best to keep your resume simple and clean. Here are some formatting tips:

          Eliminate pictures, graphics, and tables. Most systems do not recognize graphics, or they parse them incorrectly, causing your resume to get rejected.

          Use common fonts. When creating a resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it’s best to use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Georgia, Helvetica, Tahoma, or Garamond. Avoid decorative fonts                     and unusual typefaces, as ATS software relies on straightforward text. Maintain consistent font sizes and formatting throughout your document.

         No fancy formatting. Don’t use fancy formatting, especially for bullet points (like checkmarks or stars); stick to basic symbols (circles, squares, etc.) that the ATS can easily read.

3. Use Reverse Chronological Order. ATS systems recognize and prioritize the most recent work experience. If your professional history is not accurately read by the ATS, perhaps due to improper formatting or misplacement of dates, the system might incorrectly interpret gaps in your employment. As a result, this misreading could lead to the assumption that you are currently unemployed or have significant unexplained periods of inactivity. Hiring managers love this as well. They can easily see what you have done recently and what matters less.

4. Use Standard Section Headings. ATS software often scans for specific section headings to categorize information. Use standard headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications” to ensure your resume is easily parsed by the system.

5. Skip your career goal; it most likely will not be parsed by the ATS. And, if your career goal does not align with the company’s vision for the role, you could score yourself a one-way ticket to the rejection pile.

6. Avoid Abbreviations and Acronyms. While it may be tempting to use industry jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms, the ATS may not recognize them. Some abbreviations can have multiple meanings and can cause for some interesting skills.  Instead, spell out terms fully to ensure they are correctly identified and matched with the job description.

Bonus: Don’t forget the file name of your resume. It might be tempting to save your resume by naming it based on the last time you updated it, but this can quickly look outdated. For example, a resume named JaneDoeAugust2023.pdf will look stale by August 2025. Instead, name your resume file according to the specific job you are applying for. For instance, a more appropriate file name could be ElectricalEngineer_JaneDoe.pdf. This approach not only keeps your document looking current but also helps hiring managers identify your application more easily.

Conclusion on How to beat the ATS

Beating the ATS system requires a strategic and meticulous approach. Use ATS-compliant templates and take advantages of tools like Jobscan and CVScan. Tailor each section of your resume to align with the job description, using relevant keywords and clear formatting.

Your resume is your first impression. Make it count by demonstrating your expertise, experience, and commitment to the role.

By using these best practices and proofreading thoroughly, you can significantly increase the chances of your resume standing out to both the bot and your future boss.

If you need further assistance or want more tips on navigating the job market, our expert team is here to help. Reach out today and take the next step in your career with confidence!

Additional Resources

To further assist you in ensuring your resume is ATS-compliant and professionally crafted, here are some valuable resources:

Websites to Check ATS Compliance

Jobscan: Jobscan allows you to upload your resume and job description, then provides a detailed analysis of how well your resume matches the job requirements and ATS criteria.

Resume Worded: Resume Worded evaluates your resume’s content and format against industry standards and ATS requirements.

Resunate: Resunate provides an ATS analysis of your resume and offers suggestions for improvements to increase your match score.

CVScan: CVScan is a free tool that checks your resume for ATS compliance and highlights areas for enhancement.

ATS-Compliant Resume Templates

Using an ATS-compatible resume template can simplify the process and ensure your format is optimized for automated systems. Here are some websites offering such templates:

Resume.io: Resume.io offers a variety of clean and professional resume templates designed to pass ATS filters.

Canva: Canva provides customizable resume templates with a focus on simplicity and readability, important for ATS compliance.

Zety: Zety features resume templates that are verified to work with major ATS software, balancing style and functionality.

Hloom: Hloom offers a selection of free, ATS-friendly resume templates that are both elegant and practical.

Or, download our sample ATS-compliant resume templates here.

Taking advantage of these tools and resources will give you a competitive edge in the job search process. Ensuring your resume is both ATS-friendly and visually appealing to human recruiters maximizes your chances of securing interviews and landing your desired position.