How to Beat Applicant Tracking System
Applicant Tracking System is one of the trending technologies. Technology has simplified a lot of things if not all. There’s virtually an app for everything, from ordering food to booking flights. If you are a job seeker, you can download a CV template in seconds and of course, you can browse and read this article on your device thanks to technology We are all glad to live in this era. Life’s easier, right?
Well, job seekers are not alone in reaping the benefits of technology and the internet. Companies and organizations have been able to simplify tasks and expand their client base with the use of the software. For those who work in the hiring field, recruiters and hiring managers specifically, this means that with the aid of software programs, they can go through thousands of applications and CVs in lesser time. If you are planning on virtually submitting your CV sometime soon, you may be grateful for the ease – with just a click on your device from the comfort of your home, you can upload your document and it will get to the company in seconds. What is important, however, is what happens to the document when it gets to the company’s database. It is going to be examined closely by software.
Are there really any benefits of using technology during recruitment processes for you as an applicant? Quicker replies to your applications, yes, but the adoption of software programs in the hiring process implies that your CV or resume goes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before getting to a pair of human eyes. In fact, getting to the next stage of a recruitment process may largely depend on how well the system finds your document. No cause for alarm though. Applicant Tracking System. was not created to frustrate you. The software is programmed to look out for specific things, free of sentiments and in record time.
ATS is here to stay and will probably go through modifications and updates like most computer instructions. It is likely that with time, ATS will be able to go through articles at a faster speed and probably with increased scrutiny. If you really need to land that dream job, there is only one option – make sure your document scales through an ATS’s parsing. How can you beat Applicant Tracking Systems and ensure that your CV successfully passes the scrutiny? Let’s show you how in four simple steps.
- Use Keywords: An ATS is on the prowl for specific content that relates to the job. Use distinctive words that relate to the role you are applying for. This means that one CV content will not work for all types of jobs even if they are in the same field. Do not just copy and paste that one document that has been in your device folder forever. Tailor each document according to the requirements and responsibilities of the role you are applying for. To deploy keywords successfully, carefully read up the requirements of the job. It is usually attached to the job advert. Does it need a “competent” and “driven” worker? Does the position require “excellent tech skills”? Keywords help you highlight the core skills an Applicant Tracking System. wants to see. Use them when describing your skills and qualifications and when talking about your work experience.
- Divide Your CV into Sections Using Headings: When you structure your CV into segments, it makes it arranged and ensures that every important information fits in and is contained in the right place. This helps an Applicant Tracking System. scan and sort your info easily because titles will “show” it what content it is looking for. Use headings like contact information, education, skills, qualifications, work experience, and referees.
- Avoid Aesthetics: We know you want your CV to literally look good, but glitter is not needed. Whilst you want to impress, your aim is to defeat ATS and you can only do that if you make it easy for the system to navigate your document. Make your document as simple and straightforward as possible. That means no fanciful text or images, bold or flowery headings or lines and tables. You don’t need a font that is too small or too large or too stylish that letters are unreadable. Nor do you need to add flashy colors. The system will find it difficult to read through your document if you have a lot of obstructions. When that happens, it could be a ground for disqualification. Always remember to keep it simple. It is advisable to use a stylish CV only when you are submitting it in person.
- Make it Error-Free: Keep an eye out for typos and errors in grammar. An Applicant Tracking System. does not have time to guess what a misspelled word really is. A hiring manager may read through minor errors (emphasis on may because it is not advisable to take the risk of sending an error-ridden document in person or virtually). A helpful tip is to ask an experienced friend to look through your document before you upload it. You can also run your document through a grammar checker – a software application, like a spellchecker, that attempts to verify the grammar in a document. We certainly have a lot of reasons to be grateful for technology! Do not forget to explain acronyms and use them only when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Bypassing a soulless automated system may sound like an insurmountable task. Do not let fear or worry stop you from applying for positions you want. With the tips listed in this article, we hope that you have come to realize that it’s not as hard as it sounds. The tips provided in this article are guaranteed to make your CV impress an Applicant Tracking System.
Ensure you have keywords placed in strategic places in your document, section your content and give them appropriate headings, tone down on the aesthetics, and finally, but definitely not least, proofread over and over again. All these tips are interwoven. Imagine doing every other thing right but forgetting to proofread and so you send a document filled with errors. Sadly, it wouldn’t pass the scan. But with thorough preparation, your CV can get you to the next stage of your recruitment process. However, if you want your resume to stand out from the crowd, you can engage the service of a professional resume writer.