Getting your resume in front of a human recruiter is frequently the first significant obstacle in today’s employment market. Applicant tracking systems are used by many businesses, particularly larger ones, to screen out applicants before a hiring manager even looks at their applications. No matter how qualified you are, your resume may never pass the first screening if it isn’t tailored for these systems. So, how do you get your resume recognized and get past the applicant tracking system? This is a comprehensive guide to ATS optimization and keyword mastery with inputs from USA’s top professional resume writers called Resume Folks.
Understanding applicant tracking systems (ATS)
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that sorts, scans, and ranks resumes to assist companies in managing the hiring process. It analyses resumes according to certain standards, mainly searching for relevant keywords, consistent formatting, and how well your experience aligns with the job description. Your resume may be rejected before a recruiter even sees it if it contains incorrect keywords or formatting that the applicant tracking system (ATS) cannot handle. The power of keywords in your resume
Resumes are scanned by ATS software for keywords that correspond to the job description. Usually, these keywords consist of: • Job titles, such as “Software Engineer” or “Marketing Manager.” • Technical abilities (such as “data analysis,” “SEO strategy,” and “Python programming”) • Soft skills, such as “communication,” “collaboration,” and “leadership.” • Terms unique to a given industry, such as “GAAP accounting” and “SCRUM methodology” Customize your resume for every job by organically adding these keywords to increase your chances.
How to find the right keywords
To find commonly used terms, analyse the job description by copying and pasting it into a word cloud generator. 2. Examine a number of job postings: If you’re looking for positions that are similar to one another, look for keywords that are used in other descriptions. 3. Look at industry trends: Job boards that are unique to a given area, as well as websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, can provide information on essential vocabulary and abilities.
ATS-friendly resume formatting
If your resume is not formatted correctly, it may still be rejected even if you have the necessary keywords. Here’s how to make it compatible with ATS: • Use standard headings: To make sure the ATS understands your sections correctly, stick to titles like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” • Stay clear of fancy designs: A clean, straightforward layout without any images, graphics, or text boxes may be difficult for ATS to understand. • Make use of a standard font; Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial are good choices. • Use the correct file type: Unless otherwise noted, send your resume as a Word document (.doc or.docx) instead of a PDF. PDFs cause issues for certain ATS systems.
Customizing your resume for each job
A generic résumé won’t pass an applicant tracking system. Keeping your resume natural, you should:
• Use language that is similar to the job description. • Rearrange the bullet points to emphasize the experience that is most significant. • Refrain from filling your CV with too many keywords, since this can make it difficult to read.
Using resume experts for ATS optimization
Seek expert assistance if you’re not sure if your resume is ATS-optimized. An ATS-friendly resume should strike a balance between keyword optimization and readability for human recruiters, as recommended by the professional resume writers in Atlanta at Resume Folks. A well-structured resume also improves your chances of getting an interview, according to Resume Folks’ expert insights.
Final thoughts
In a time when hiring is heavily influenced by technology, it is essential to fully understand applicant tracking systems and keyword optimization. You may greatly increase your chances of passing automated screenings and reaching hiring managers by utilizing the appropriate keywords, formatting your resume appropriately, and customizing it for each position. By implementing these tactics, your resume will not only attract attention but also assist you in landing your next position.
