Have you ever applied for a job on LinkedIn or Glassdoor? If the answer is yes, you’ve probably realized applications are submitted through the platform instead of in person or regular email. Using this method means you’re likely interacting with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Applicant Tracking System is a software that companies use to manage their recruiting and hiring process. An ATS helps recruiters streamline the job posting process as well as with the tedious process of sorting and reviewing job applications.  It is used for collecting, organizing, and searching job seekers’ data. ATS also helps with interview scheduling, issues notifications, generate automated emails that to candidates as well as recruitment team members. Although ATS is intended for large corporations that usually handle thousands of job applications every week, small companies sometimes rely on it to streamline their recruitment process.

Why is ATS so relevant to the job seeker?

ATS plays a crucial role in your job search, especially for someone looking for an opportunity to advance in their career. It fast tracks the hiring process by scanning for keywords relevant to the job opening. Applications with the right keywords then move onto the next stage of the hiring process. It would help if you had your resume ATS keyword optimized or tailored to specific job openings to gain more interviews and job offers.

Several companies have resorted to using ATS in their hiring processes because:

  • ATS sorts and ranks candidates by conducting an initial scan of candidates to select those who best meet the job qualifications.
  • It allows recruiters to reuse job descriptions for multiple positions, thereby making it less tedious to post job descriptions for new vacancies.
  • ATS sums up information about candidates, creating a profile of their current and past history applying for jobs with the employer.
  • It also preserves a database of new applicants and people who may be prospects for future openings in a company.

 

4 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR APPLICATION AND RESUME ATS WORTHY

Now that you know how the system works, here are a couple of tips to ensure your resume is ATS worthy.

  1. Always use the keywords from the job description.

It is essential to note the exact words being used in job postings because the recruiter uses these words as keywords for the ATS. Remember that the recruiter will pay closer attention to your skills and qualifications with the company’s needs in mind. For example, if the job posting requires a particular number of years, you must ensure that you highlight it in your application.

 

  1. Understand the company culture and values

To beat the ATS, you need to do a lot of research on the company. It’s much easier to ‘keyword’ your resume and application if you understand how the company speaks about itself, its vision, and the job offer. You can visit the company’s website and take note of the kind of words which paints a picture of their culture and values.

 

  1. Use both long-form and acronym version of words.

It’s important to use both the long-form and acronyms of keywords such as MBA (Master of Business Administration), SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and B2B (Business to Business) for maximum searchability. Using both forms of words makes it easier for your resume or application to pop up on the ATS.

 

  1. Information should be updated and simple.

Employers don’t just use ATS to scan current applications and resumes; they also use the software to review past applications when they are looking to fill positions. Therefore you need to keep your resumes and applications updated before applying for a job role. Don’t forget to give your LinkedIn page a makeover to suit your job interests. Recruiters usually browse their databases to find suitable candidates from previous applications before opening it to the public.

We hope these tips will make your job applications hassle-free. If you don’t know how to go about it, consult a professional to review your resume or ask for resume samples, ATS keyword optimization of your resume, or a LinkedIn makeover.

All the best in your search!

Jobscan Banner

 

Source:

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and How Does it …. https://searchhrsoftware.techtarget.com/definition/applicant-tracking-system-ATS