Impress the Applicant Tracking System

How do you impress the applicant tracking system or AI? These days, many companies use AI and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to run their hiring processes. These systems, sometimes called ‘resume reading robots,’ sift through large numbers of applications, especially when hundreds arrive for one job. Even if you’re well qualified, you still need to make sure your resume catches the system’s attention. With that in mind, here are some practical tips to help your resume get past the ATS and land in a recruiter’s hands.

In fact, job boards use ATS to spot candidates who best fit job requirements among all the applications they receive. This approach lets companies quickly sort resumes while keeping costs down. The ATS scans for specific information and organises it for easy reading. As a result, it categorises applicants based on how closely their resumes match the job description.

To improve your chances, tailor your resume for these systems. Here are our straightforward tips for creating a resume that stands out to both the ATS and potential employers:

Use Simple Language

First, keep your language clear and straightforward. Avoid fancy words that might confuse the ATS. This doesn’t mean oversimplifying — just stick to terms relevant to the job. For example, instead of writing “Managing client expectations verbally,” write “Answering high volume calls.” Clear phrasing works better with the system.

Avoid Abbreviations

Secondly, most ATS programs don’t recognise abbreviations and may miss important details. While some short forms make sense to you, the system or the recruiter reading your resume might not understand them. Therefore, always use full phrases instead of abbreviations.

Use Relevant Keywords

Next, remember that ATS compares your resume to the job description and looks for specific keywords. Improve your chances by using similar language in your resume. Incorporate keywords that reflect your skills and match those in the job ad to help you rank higher.

Use Standard Section Headings

In addition, ATS relies on headings to navigate resumes and organise information correctly. Use simple headers like “Education,” “Contact Information,” “Skills,” and “Work Experience.” This makes it easier for the system to read your information.

Include a Skills Section

Another useful step is to add a dedicated skills section to list relevant keywords and showcase abilities that don’t fit into other sections. Highlight key skills you want to bring to the job and provide a bit of detail. For instance, instead of just writing “Accounts Payable,” write “Accounts Payable – high volume processing using SAP software.”

Mention Referrals

Also, when you fill out an online application, look for a spot to include referral names or indicate if you know someone at the company. Adding a referral can give you a leg up, so take advantage of this opportunity if it applies.

Submit the Right File Type

Finally, send your resume in the format requested in the job description. Many ATS systems read Word Document (.docx) files more effectively than PDFs. If you’re worried about someone changing your document, save it as read-only.

Formatting Tips

• Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Georgia.
• Check grammar, punctuation, and spelling — ATS often acts as a spell checker.
• Avoid images, graphics, tables, or headers/footers.
• Don’t stress about the length of your resume; ATS can scan and rank even longer resumes quickly.
• A chronological resume format usually works best for optimisation.

Overall, resume-reading robots help employers streamline their hiring process. By implementing these tips, you give your resume a better chance of reaching the top of the list. Let us know how you go!