Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become increasingly popular in the recruiting world. They are software tools that allow employers to streamline their recruitment process by managing job applications electronically. The software allows recruiters to manage job postings, receive and screen applications, and schedule interviews all in one place. This reduces the amount of manual work required and allows recruiters to focus on other important tasks, such as building relationships with candidates and assessing their qualifications.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using ATS. One of the main criticisms of these systems is that they can overlook qualified candidates who do not have the right keywords or phrases in their résumé. This means that some potentially great candidates may be missed simply because their résumé are not optimized for the software.
Here are a few quick tips on creating an ATS-friendly résumé.
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Do’s |
Don’ts |
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Add Relevant Keywords from Job Descriptions |
Avoid Columns and Tables |
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Use a Traditional Single Column Layout |
Avoid Using Headers and Footers |
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Use a Chronological or Hybrid/Combination Résumé Format |
Spell Out Full Words Instead of Abbreviations and Acronyms |
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Use Standard Résumé Section Headers |
Avoid Graphics and Special Fonts |
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Use Consistent Date and Bullet Formatting |
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Upload Microsoft Word or PDF Files (.doc, .docs, .pdf) |
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Proofread Your Résumé! |
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How do I know if my Résumé is ATS-friendly?
There are a few limited free programs online that can scan your résumé to determine how ATS-friendly it is. As of this article, JobScan allows 5 free scans per month with limited features under their basic license. They also have paid subscriptions that allow unlimited scans with extensive features such as content optimization suggestions and a learning center with resources.