FAQ of the Month
Applicant Tracking Systems -- How Can I Make It Past Those Resume-Reading Robots?
If you're applying to a position with a larger employer, odds are good that you'll meet an ATS, or applicant tracking system. These systems use keywords and algorithms to screen resumes and make a first cut before the documents reach human eyes.
Good news, though: You can beat the machines when you know how they work! Here are a few quick tips ...- Pay attention to the job description. Make sure your resume uses the employer's lingo (not a word-for-word repetition, of course, but remember that keywords are your friend!).
- Avoid fancy stuff. Steer clear of abbreviations, acronyms, logos, graphics, headers/footers and any fancy formatting.
- Focus on tangible skills. Soft skills like communication and attention to detail are great, but the ATS is generally looking for industry-specific hard skills, relevant position titles and other credentials that match the job description.
Look at the following infographic for more do's and don't for those pesky (but inevitable!) ATS moments.
