14 Jun ATS: how to beat it?
The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software package designed to manage the recruitment process, from candidate sourcing through to recruitment. Its main advantage is that it automates a number of operations, saving time and reducing costs.
This tool can combine several functions (every software is slightly different and functions might vary):
- a CV database that centralizes all the applications received and that can be used according to various criteria, creating a veritable pool of candidates;
- an interface for creating and posting recruitment advertisements;
- a messaging system for communicating directly with candidates without using emails;
- a candidate follow-up process, with statistics, evaluation grids and the option of integrating interview reports.
These Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan and rate your profile, and determine whether or not your application is worthy of interest. So how do you make your CV stand out from others and pass through the meshes of this system?
Our Career experts have gathered some aspects to take into account to overcome this first hurdle and get to the interview.
ATS: our tips to beat it
Candidates may try to avoid the Applicant Tracking System, for example by applying through direct contacts. Anyway, this would simply bypass momentarily the problem. In fact, you could be dealing with the ATS if you apply on a company website or job board. But also if you send an unsolicited application or meet a recruiter in person, as your CV can be fed into these digital sorters at any time.
What’s more, an ATS-compatible CV will also be better referenced online, on CV libraries or search engines, so it is important to write your CV according to this system.
Use the right keywords
There are many different types of ATS software, but they all work on the same model: they scan your CV for a number of keywords chosen by the recruiter. Carefully read the job posting, spot and mention the keywords in your CV and cover letter, so that they can be spotted by the software. Pay close attention to how the keywords are written in the job advert (capital letters, abbreviations, etc.), otherwise, the ATS won’t find them.
When possible, change the title of your CV, and match it to the job title. Then add your specializations, skills or results.
ATS software operating on a semantic basis also go beyond the keywords appearing in the job listing, looking for similar ones. So make sure you mention all the relevant skills that could make your CV more valuable for the job you are applying to.
Make your CV easy to read for the Recruiter
ATS software can be destabilized by bullet points and graphics: for them, it’s the content that counts, not the appearance. So make sure your headings are clear and readable, and space out the sections.
Usually, a CV’s header and footer are used by candidates to quickly attract the recruiter’s attention. However, when it comes to application tracking tools, the format of the CV is very important and the software may not take into account the information contained in those sections. So give priority to the main sections, and if you want to include additional information, you can do that in your cover letter.
Of course, make sure your application is readable also to the Recruiter since – once your application has been selected by the software – a real person will read over your CV before offering you an interview.
Always update your online CV
Dates are also important in searches carried out by ATS. So make sure that the current year (example: 2023) is mentioned and that the information about you is always up to date. Regularly modifying this information will also ensure that your profile pops up among those likely to be selected.
Beware that there are some CV-checking software programs that track down inconsistencies: if there are any suspicions your application is immediately rejected.
If you want to make sure you have an ATS-proof CV,
contact us and we will be happy to help you!