When applying for a job, one of the first steps is usually submitting your CV or resume. However, with the rise of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), your resume might not even make it into the hands of a human recruiter if it doesn’t pass the system’s screening process. In this blog post, we’ll explain what ATS screening is and share some tips on how you could try and optimize your CV for ATS screening.
What is ATS Screening
ATS software systems are used to automate and streamline the recruitment process by helping recruiters and hiring managers manage large volumes of applications more efficiently. The ATS software scans resumes and applications for keywords, phrases, and other relevant information that matches the job requirements and qualifications, and filters out unqualified candidates based on predetermined criteria.
This process helps recruiters quickly identify the most suitable candidates for the job, saving time and effort in the hiring process. However, this could result in your resume being filtered out of the pool of candidates just for using the wrong keywords or phrases.
1. Use relevant keywords
One of the most crucial aspects of optimizing your CV for ATS is including relevant keywords. ATS systems scan resumes for keywords that match the job description, and if your CV doesn’t have the right keywords, it might get filtered out. To find relevant keywords, carefully read the job description and note down the most important skills, qualifications, and requirements mentioned. Incorporate those keywords throughout your CV, especially in your professional summary, work experience, and skills sections.
Make sure to use the keywords the company is also using. Otherwise, you could have the required experience but because you used different terminology the ATS thinks you do not have the required experience.
2. Avoid using fancy fonts and formats
While it might be tempting to use fancy fonts and formats to make your CV stand out, it’s best to avoid them when submitting your CV to an ATS. These systems work best with simple, clear, and standard formats that are easy to scan. Use standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and stick to a basic format with headings and bullet points.
Especially also the format you use is important, make sure that it is clear to the ATS what belongs where. Have clear headings with clear points underneath that make sense for the ATS.
3. Use clear and concise language
Another essential aspect of optimizing your CV for ATS screening is using clear and concise language. Avoid using overly complex vocabulary, and instead, focus on using simple and straightforward language that communicates your skills and qualifications. Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and make it easy for the ATS to scan your CV.
Do keep in mind to use the correct keywords that the company is looking for. So don’t oversimplify the key terminology. Another tip is to not use extremely long pieces of text, to stay concise. Even if you want to in more detail explain your experience make sure to either incorporate some bullet points before the text. Or use concise sentences and points to tell your story.
4. Include relevant work experience
Ensure that you include all relevant work experience in your CV. ATS systems scan resumes for relevant work experience, and if you have relevant experience, make sure it’s listed in the work experience section of your CV, with a clear heading. Start with your most recent job and work backwards in reverse chronological order, listing your job title, employer, and dates of employment.
Make sure to use the correct job title and keywords that the company is looking for. It is also important to mark down the dates of employment or how long you have been working at the job. That can help the ATS scan if you have the minimum required years of job experience for that particular role.
5. Avoid using images and graphics
Finally, it’s best to avoid using images and graphics in your CV when submitting it to an ATS. While these might look visually appealing to a human recruiter, they can cause issues for an ATS. The system might not be able to scan or interpret the images, which can result in your CV being filtered out.
Stick to using mostly text in your CV, one main exception could be a personal picture of you. If you include a picture make sure to put it at the top around your name and not in the middle of the CV. It could also help to give the picture a title.
If you do want to incorporate pictures make sure to give the pictures a name and a description and clearly mention it is a picture. That way the ATS knows what it is and the chances of it filtering out the CV because of pictures could be lowered.
Conclusion
In summary, optimizing your CV for ATS screening is crucial when applying for jobs. Especially for jobs that you think might be using ATS. By incorporating relevant keywords, using simple and clear language, and avoiding fancy formats, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and getting your CV into the hands of a human recruiter. And make sure that all the requirements mentioned in the job opening as crucial to the role are somehow mentioned and incorporated in your resume.