Don’t Submit Your Job Application Documents Before Doing This
Published on March 3, 2025
In today’s competitive job market, many job seekers face a frustrating reality: their applications get rejected even though they are highly qualified. The reason? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These automated systems are used by most recruitment agencies and companies to screen resumes and applications. However, ATS can sometimes "filter out" deserving candidates by misinterpreting their resumes or failing to identify their qualifications correctly. In fact, it's estimated that over 90% of companies use ATS to streamline their hiring process. While these systems are designed to make recruitment more efficient, they often result in qualified candidates' resumes getting lost or ignored. So, how can you make sure your resume gets through the ATS and into the hands of hiring managers? Let’s dive into how these systems work and how you can optimize your CV to increase your chances of landing your dream job.
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool that helps companies handle the large volume of resumes they receive for each job opening. It scans and sorts resumes based on specific keywords, qualifications, and experiences that match the job description. This automated process aims to quickly identify the best-fit candidates and streamline the recruitment process. While this system benefits recruiters by saving time, it can be detrimental to candidates whose resumes are not properly formatted or keyword-optimized for the ATS.
How Does ATS Work?
When you submit your resume online, it is often scanned by an ATS before it ever reaches a human recruiter. The system parses your resume and extracts essential information, such as:
- Your personal contact details
- Work experience
- Skills
- Certifications and qualifications
The ATS then ranks your resume according to how well it matches the job description. Resumes with relevant keywords and qualifications are pushed forward, while others are discarded. The result? Many strong candidates are overlooked simply because their resumes are not ATS-friendly.
Why Should Job Seekers Care About ATS?
Over 90% of large companies and recruitment agencies use ATS to screen resumes. That means your resume might never be seen by a hiring manager unless it passes through the system. Even if you have all the right qualifications, your resume could be rejected if it isn’t formatted properly or doesn’t contain the right keywords.
This is why it’s so important to understand how ATS works and how to optimize your CV to improve your chances of getting past the system and onto the next stage of the recruitment process.
How to Optimize Your CV for ATS
If you want to make sure your CV gets through ATS, follow these simple tips to increase your chances of success:
- Use Simple and Clear Formatting ATS systems struggle with complex formatting, such as tables, images, or unusual fonts. Stick to a basic layout with easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Use traditional headings like:
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications
- Incorporate Relevant Keywords Keywords are essential for passing through ATS. Carefully read the job description and include the exact keywords and phrases used in the listing, such as specific skills, job titles, and software programs. For example, if the job description asks for SEO experience or project management skills, make sure these keywords appear naturally in your CV.
- Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Customizing your resume for each job application can significantly improve your chances of getting past ATS. Adjust the skills section, job titles, and keywords based on the job description to match the requirements of the role.
- Avoid Non-Text Elements ATS can’t read images, logos, or other visual elements. Keep your resume text-based, with no photos, graphics, or icons.
- Use a Clear Skills Section Including a dedicated skills section allows the ATS to quickly scan for relevant qualifications. Make sure to list both hard skills (technical expertise) and soft skills (communication, leadership) that match the job requirements.
- Use Standard Job Titles ATS may have difficulty recognizing creative job titles. Use traditional, standard job titles (e.g., Marketing Manager, Software Engineer) to ensure the system correctly identifies your role.
- Proofread and Eliminate Errors Spelling and grammatical errors can negatively affect your chances of passing through ATS. Proofread your resume carefully to ensure everything is correct, and double-check your use of keywords to make sure they are spelled accurately.
Why Use CV Checking Websites for ATS?
Because ATS can be tricky to navigate, using CV-checking tools can help ensure that your resume is optimized for success. These tools scan your resume against the job description and provide feedback on how well it matches ATS criteria. They’ll flag issues like missing keywords, incorrect formatting, or other factors that could hinder your chances of getting through the ATS.
Recommended Website for CV Checking:
One of the best tools available for checking your CV is Jobscan. Jobscan helps you optimize your resume by comparing it to the job description, suggesting keywords, and highlighting areas for improvement. With Jobscan, you can:
- Scan your resume to check its compatibility with the job posting.
- Get tailored recommendations to improve keyword matches and formatting.
- Track your applications and gain insights to improve your future job applications.
Jobscan is a great resource for job seekers who want to ensure their resumes pass the ATS screening and reach hiring managers.
Conclusion
Understanding how ATS works and optimizing your CV for it is essential to improving your chances of landing a job in today’s tech-driven hiring landscape. By tailoring your resume, using the right keywords, and avoiding formatting pitfalls, you can enhance your chances of making it past the ATS and getting an interview.
Don’t leave your job search to chance. Make sure your CV is ATS-friendly and stands out to recruiters. And remember, tools like Jobscan can make a significant difference in your job application process.
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