Today, when applying for various positions, many companies use the so-called ATS which stands for Applicant Tracking System. With this technology, recruiters never actually see a candidate’s resume since it gets filtered by a software program first. Therefore, having an ATS-friendly resume becomes a crucial factor influencing hiring decisions. Learning about the peculiarities of ATS software and implementing appropriate resume modifications can really help you.
What Is ATS
ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a software used by many organizations to screen resumes of candidates.
Why ATS Is Important
Recruiters receive numerous resumes for each job opening. Using ATS helps them select those resumes which are more relevant in a short period of time.
Use Relevant Keywords
Keywords play a very important role in making a resume ATS-friendly. You should include all necessary keywords such as skills, experience, and other relevant terms taken from the job posting.
Keep Formatting Simple
Do not use complex layouts, images, fancy fonts, or graphics. It is better to create a resume with a simple design.
Use Standard Section Headings
Use common headings for sections including Education, Skills, and so forth. Standard headings are understood by ATS software easily.
Do Not Include Images And Icons
Since ATS cannot read graphics and icons accurately, it is advisable to use text in your resume.
Use Bulleted Points
Bullets are great for organizing your ideas and making your resume ATS-friendly at once.
Have The Skills Section Separate
It is essential that the list of your skills is included in your resume separately. This way, ATS can detect your skills better.
Save Your Resume In Appropriate Format
Save your resume in Word or PDF document depending on the requirements.
ATS-Friendly vs Non-ATS Resume
| Feature | ATS-Friendly Resume | Non-ATS Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Simple | Complex |
| Keywords | Included | Missing |
| Design | Miminal | Heavy graphics |
| Readability | High | Low |
Customize Your Resume
Do not use the same resume for different job postings.
Avoid Keyword Stuffing
Do not try to include too many keywords unnaturally. Rather include them appropriately.
Font & Size
Use simple fonts such as Arial or Calibri. Do not choose an inappropriate font size.
Include Only Relevant Skills
Try to stick to information that is related to the job opening only.
Proofread Your Resume
Always check for any grammar mistakes in your resume.
Test Your Resume
There are plenty of websites that test whether your resume is ATS-friendly.
Keep Your Resume Up To Date
Update your resume regularly and add new experience and qualifications.
Find Balance Between ATS & Human Readiness
While trying to optimize your resume for ATS software, do not forget about its human readability.
Conclusion
Making an ATS-friendly resume is essential in a contemporary world. There are lots of resume modification tips to apply in order to create a perfect resume.
