ATS
ATS
An Application Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers and recruiters to manage and streamline the hiring process. It allows them to collect, sort, and evaluate candidate applications based on specific criteria such as keywords, qualifications, and experience. Many companies use ATS to filter out applications before they are reviewed by a human, which can make it challenging for some CVs to reach the hiring team.
If your CV is not getting pushed to employers and recruiters, it could be due to the ATS not recognizing your application. Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate the potential obstacles.
Follow these 5 tips to get through to employers
Apply through the company website
Direct Access to Job Listings: Applying through the company website provides access to the most up-to-date job postings, ensuring that candidates are aware of all available positions.
Tailored Application Process: Company websites often offer a tailored application process that aligns with specific organisational requirements, potentially improving the chances of consideration.
Increased Visibility: Applications submitted directly to the company may receive more attention, as they bypass the often crowded pool of candidates that third-party platforms present.
Better Insight into Company Culture: The company's website typically includes information about the organisation's values, mission, and culture, allowing applicants to better align their applications with the company's ethos.
Reduced Competition: By applying directly, candidates may face less competition compared to applying through popular job boards where numerous candidates might be applying simultaneously.
Clearer Communication: Candidates may find that communication regarding the application process is clearer and more direct when applying through the company’s own platform.
Potential for Networking Opportunities: Engaging directly with the company's website may provide opportunities to connect with hiring managers or employees, which could enhance networking prospects.
Updated Contact Information: Company websites typically have the most current contact information, making it easier for candidates to reach out with questions or clarifications regarding the application process.
2. Use Standardized CV Titles
ATS Compatibility: Many organizations rely on application tracking systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. Standardized titles enhance the chances of applications being accurately processed and filtered by these systems.
Improved Visibility: Using well-recognized job titles, like "Software Engineer," ensures that the application is easily understood and appropriately categorized, avoiding ambiguity.
Enhanced Searchability: Recruiters often use specific keywords when searching within ATS. Standard titles align with these keywords, increasing the visibility of the application.
Professionalism: Standardized titles reflect professionalism and attention to detail, setting a positive tone in the initial stages of the hiring process.
Alignment with Job Descriptions: Standardized titles often match the terminology used in job postings, making it easier for recruiters to establish a direct connection between the applicant and the position.
3. Incorporate Key-Words from the JD
Enhances Visibility: Keywords match your qualifications with job descriptions, improving your chances of passing through ATS filters.
Optimizes Matching: Using relevant keywords ensures that the ATS identifies you as a suitable candidate based on its algorithms.
Aligns with Job Requirements: By incorporating specific industry terms and phrases, you demonstrate your understanding of the position and its prerequisites.
Increases Relevance: Employers often search for candidates using keywords. Your CV's alignment with these terms increases its relevance in their searches.
Improves Ranking: The inclusion of keywords can boost your CV's ranking in the ATS, potentially leading to a higher likelihood of being seen by hiring managers.
Demonstrates Fit: Keywords reflect the skills and experiences that employers are actively seeking, showcasing your alignment with their needs.
Facilitates Skill Recognition: Important competencies and qualifications are often communicated through specific terms, allowing the ATS to recognize your capabilities.
Reduces Bias: A CV filled with the right keywords can help neutralize potential biases by focusing on the skills and experiences most pertinent to the role.
4. ATS Friendly Formatting
Standard Formatting: Basic CV templates ensure that your document is easily readable and follows a conventional structure that hiring managers expect and ATS systems can detect.
Plain Text or Simple Word Document: Avoid complex formatting (tables, columns, graphics) that can confuse ATS systems. A straightforward template enhances the likelihood that your CV will be processed without errors, as complex designs may confuse these systems.
Keyword Optimisation: Basic templates allow for easy insertion of relevant keywords from the job description, which helps in aligning your CV with the skills and qualifications the employer is seeking and computerized systems can understand.
Professional Appearance: A clean and simple format projects professionalism, making a positive impression on both ATS and hiring managers.
Focus on Content: Using a basic template shifts the attention from design elements to the actual qualifications and experiences presented, emphasizing what truly matters.
Clear Hierarchy: Simple templates often feature a clear hierarchy of information (headings, bullet points), making it easier for both ATS and humans to navigate and assess your CV quickly.
5. Avoid Uploading PDF
ATS Compatibility: Many ATS systems struggle to properly read and parse information from PDF files. This can lead to your CV being miscategorized or even rejected outright.
Data Extraction: ATS systems are designed to extract specific data points (like skills, work experience, and education) from your CV. With PDFs, this extraction process can be unreliable, potentially hindering your application.
Keyword Recognition: ATS systems often rely on keyword matching to identify relevant candidates. PDFs can sometimes make it harder for these systems to accurately identify and index the keywords you've included.
Instead, consider using these formats:
Microsoft Word (.docx): This is generally the most ATS-friendly format. It allows for easy data extraction and keyword scanning.
Plain Text (.txt): While less visually appealing, plain text files are highly compatible with most ATS systems.
