Job, Internship Search Guides

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

What is an ATS?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to help manage the hiring process
It collects, scans, and ranks resumes based on how well they match the job description
Your resume is often reviewed by a computer before a human! If it isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never amount to an interview or reach a recruiter

Why is This Important?

Employers receive hundreds (sometimes thousands) of resumes
ATS helps them filter out resumes that don't match the job's required skills, qualifications, and keywords

Who Uses ATS?

(source: jobscan.co)

Use Keywords

Keywords can be found in the:
- job description
- job posting
- job title
Keywords aren't just limited to skills, they can include:
- certifications (e.g., "CPR certified")
- job titles (e.g., "Administrative Assistant")
- soft skills (e.g., "team-oriented," "problem-solving")
- technologies (e.g., "AutoCAD," "Salesforce")
Note: Use the same words they use. For example, if the job says "customer service" — include that exact phrase, not just "client support." If the advertisement states "mastery of Adobe Creative Suite," use the same verbiage instead of writing "experience with software for creative professionals."
Don't overstuff keywords. According to jobscan.co, ATS might rank your resume higher, but recruiters will notice the tactic.
Review the video from Candid Career -- Keywords and How to Use Them

Customize Every Resume

ATS ranks resumes for each job submission; therefore, you should customize your resume for every job to which you apply
Create a master resume, then adapt it to match each job's requirements

Spell Out Acronyms

Spell out degrees, certifications, or industry terms
Example: A.S. Business Administration = Associate of Science (A.S.), Business Administration

Use Simple Formatting

Avoid:
- columns
- fancy bullets or symbols
- headers and footers
- icons or graphics
- tables
- text boxes
Do Use:
- basic symbols (•, -) for bullets; fancy ones (✓, ») may not be read correctly
- standard resume headings like "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills"
- traditional fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman

Save Your Resume in the Correct Format

Match Your Resume to the Job Description

Use Jobscan (free limited version available) to test how well your resume matches the job description
Other online tools: ResumeWorded, Resumake, Zety