What you need to know about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a form of CV scanning software that recruiters and companies use during the hiring process. It collects, organizes, scans and ranks job applicants for open positions.
Employers and recruiting managers use applicant tracking systems as electronic gatekeepers. The ATS categorizes the content of resumes and then analyzes it for specific keywords to determine whether the job application should be forwarded to the recruiter. It automatically sorts out unqualified applications so that the recruiter can focus on examining prospects who are more likely to be a good fit. Read more about what recruiters look for in a CV.
If an ATS is in use, up to 70 % of job applications may get disqualified without a human recruiter having read the CV. This statistic emphasizes how important it is to use the right keywords in your CV. And there are some more tips that will help you to get passed on to a human recruiter by the ATS.
How to create an ATS-friendly CV
Use relevant keywords
Do not send the same CV to different positions. You can have a main CV that articulates the most critical information and is formatted in a neutral design. But before sending it, you need to tailor your main CV with specific keywords for each job you apply for. The versions don’t need to be remarkably different, but they should focus on the right keywords.
Start with analyzing the job description and note down the five or six most significant skills needed. Then add a few extra keywords which you think are essential for this position, even though they are not directly written as such in the job description. When it comes to the tone, use the exact wording as the job description.
Now, with your list of the most relevant keywords, edit your CV and make sure they are placed prominently.
Be honest
Of course, you can add only keywords for the skills that you possess. Go through your list of keywords and carefully think about which job or other experience you could mention to include this keyword. You might need to add a minor side-job from earlier days that you wouldn’t have included in your main CV. However, to pass the ATS – add it! It’s okay to add your experience from the school newspaper 15 years ago, as long as it’s true and relevant for this very position.
Anti-tip: We highly recommend you not try to trick the ATS. If you were thinking about adding the perfect keywords in a white font on a white background – don’t do it. Some systems are already so smart that they will find out you were trying to cheat. You better be creative in finding proof within your true experiences.
Choose a simple template
Keep your CV as simple and straightforward as possible. Avoid using fancy fonts or graphics, as these can often create problems for ATS. Stick to clean and professional-looking CV templates. Besides keywords, also pay attention to which industry and which kind of company you apply to when it comes to formatting. Adjust your CV accordingly. Read more about CV design.
Correct errors
A CV with typos, spelling mistakes and wrong grammar won’t get you through the ATS for sure. Make sure to use a spellchecker and also let another person proofread your CV – you’ll leave a good impression on the ATS and the human recruiter who reads your CV afterward, too.
It’s never 100 % sure
If you follow our tips above, you’ve done your best. Unfortunately, there is no 100 % guarantee that the ATS will pass your CV to the human recruiter. Every ATS works differently and there is no general rule about which keywords or formats perform the best.
Pro tip: If you want to save time when creating ATS-friendly CVs for each position you apply for, use CV software like Cubra. AI-generated tools automatically analyze job descriptions and choose the best keywords and most suitable layouts for the very job you are applying for. Also, software usually doesn’t produce typos or spelling mistakes in the first place.
Try Cubra for free and boost your chances to get through the ATS!