December 2024
What is an ATS System and How Does it Check Your Resume?
Sophie Lane
Human Resources Consultant
Understanding the ATS System
If you've ever applied for jobs online, chances are your resume has passed through an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System. But what exactly is an ATS system, and why does it even exist? In simple terms, ATS is a tool used by recruiters and hiring managers to manage the overwhelming number of applications they receive. It acts as a gatekeeper, screening resumes to decide which ones deserve further consideration and which ones don't.
The primary purpose of an ATS is efficiency. Imagine a hiring manager receiving hundreds of resumes for a single position. Manually reviewing each one would be exhausting and time-consuming. Enter ATS – a software solution that parses resumes, evaluates their content, and helps identify the most qualified candidates in a fraction of the time.
How ATS Checks Your Resume
When your resume is uploaded into an ATS, it doesn't simply see it as a document with pretty formatting and stylish fonts. Instead, the system breaks it down into raw data fields like job titles, skills, education, and work experience. It organizes this information into a structured format and evaluates how well your resume aligns with the job description.
Most ATS systems rely on keyword matching. If the job description emphasizes specific skills like 'data analysis' or 'project management,' the ATS scans to see if these keywords appear on your resume. The more relevant keywords it finds, the higher your resume scores.
Beware of Formatting Issues
ATS systems are great for processing data—but they aren't designers. If your resume has overly fancy formatting, graphics, or unconventional section headings, the ATS might misread or completely miss important information. Using clear, simple formatting is the best way to ensure your resume survives the ATS check.
Why Following ATS Rules Matters
Think of ATS as the first round of recruitment before a human recruiter ever sees your application. If your resume doesn't meet ATS standards, it might get filtered out—even if you're a perfect match for the role. That’s why optimizing your resume for ATS is no longer optional; it's a necessity.
Human-Like and Dynamic Resume Tips
To create a resume that strikes the perfect balance between ATS-friendly and engaging for humans, here are some tips:
- Use standard section titles: Stick to conventional titles like 'Work Experience,' 'Skills,' and 'Education.'
- Include job-specific keywords: Tailor your resume to the job description by incorporating relevant terms.
- Keep it concise: Avoid stuffing your resume with unnecessary fluff. Short, impactful descriptions make the cut.
- Use a clean template: Avoid charts, graphics, or excessive styling. Focus on simplicity, and save creativity for your portfolio if applicable.
Here’s a quick example: Instead of writing 'Expert in analyzing sales trends to maximize revenue,' consider simplifying it to 'Sales trend analysis'—this ensures that ATS systems immediately catch the keyword without missing the meaning.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
So, now that you understand what an ATS system is and how it checks your resume, it's time to ensure your own resume is up to par. Don’t let a small formatting glitch or the lack of a keyword stop you from landing your dream job! The good news? You don’t need to do this all alone.
EleviCV uses AI-powered technology to help you create resumes that are both ATS-friendly and engaging for human recruiters. Forget the stress of guessing which keywords to use or worrying about formatting headaches. We've got you covered!