10 Ways to Beat the ATS systems

Worried about ‘beating the bots’ in your job search? You are not alone! The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a crucial part of the hiring process and understanding how to navigate it can significantly impact your chances of landing an interview. Here are ten effective strategies to ensure your resume stands out and gets noticed by recruiters.

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1. Understand the ATS

The ATS is not a robot that makes hiring decisions; it is a filtering system that helps recruiters manage candidates. When you apply for a job, your details go through this system, which sorts applications and sends out notifications. The key takeaway? It is the recruiter who ultimately decides your fate, not the ATS.

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2. Pass the Kill Questions

Kill questions are critical filters in the application process, often related to your eligibility to work, salary expectations, or specific experience. Failing to answer these correctly can lead to automatic rejection. Research the market to set realistic salary expectations and ensure your experience aligns with the job description.

3. Weave in Keywords

Incorporate keywords naturally from the job description into your resume. This includes specific job titles, technical skills and relevant soft skills. Advanced ATS systems can match your resume against the job ad, so ensure your expertise is clearly highlighted without sounding robotic.

4. Highlight Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, don’t forget to showcase your soft skills, as these are often what recruiters look for in cultural fit. Mention leadership qualities, teamwork, and communication skills to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.

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5. Use Language Matching

Align your job titles and descriptions with the language used in the job posting. If the role is described as "Client Experience Manager," use that title instead of "Customer Service Representative" if applicable. This helps ATS systems recognize your fit for the role.

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6. Incorporate Synonyms

Avoid redundancy by using synonyms for keywords. For example, in a business development context, consider using terms like "growth," "revenue," and "account management" interchangeably to enrich your resume without repeating the same phrases.

7. Don't Stress Over Format

Forget the myths about ATS being unable to read certain formats. You can use one or two-column layouts, and even colours. The crucial part is that your text is readable. Test your resume by copying it into a text editor to ensure it appears correctly.

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8. Respect the Application Form

Complete all sections of the application form thoroughly. Recruiters often use this information to search for keywords, so it’s essential to fill it out accurately and completely.

9. Avoid Graphics

ATS systems read text, not images. Avoid using graphics, icons, or emojis in your resume. Instead, clearly list your skills and qualifications in text format to ensure they are correctly interpreted by the ATS.

10. Don’t Obsess Over the ATS

While it is important to optimise your resume for the ATS systems, don’t let it overshadow the need to write a compelling and human-readable document. Focus on creating a resume that showcases your unique skills and experiences without becoming overly robotic.

Conclusion

By following these ten tips, you can create a resume that not only passes through the ATS but also appeals to recruiters. If you’re looking for a professional touch, consider our CV and resume service at Removenture, where we help 10 job seekers per month, free of charge improve their resume.

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FAQ

• What is an ATS? An ATS is a software used by companies to filter job applications and manage candidates.
• Do I need to customise my resume for each job application? Yes, tailoring your resume to match the job description will improve your chances of passing the ATS.
• Can I use graphics in my resume? It's best to avoid graphics, as ATS systems typically only read text.
• How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly? You can test your resume by copying it into a plain text editor to ensure it displays correctly without formatting issues.
• What should I do if I don’t meet all the qualifications in a job description? If you have related experience and can demonstrate your skills, it is still worth applying! All it takes is one person to say yes.