Discover how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works and the essential keywords to include in your Resume/CV to get past ATS screening.
Table of Contents
Understanding ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
In today’s job market, understanding how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works is crucial for job seekers. An ATS is software that employers use to manage the hiring process, including collecting, scanning, and ranking resumes.
According to Jobscan, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to streamline recruitment. Research also shows that up to 75% of resumes are never seen by human eyes because they don’t pass the ATS screening (TopResume).
How Does ATS Work?
An ATS works by scanning resumes for specific keywords that match the job description. This system filters out unqualified candidates and helps recruiters identify the best fits for the role. Here’s a closer look at how ATS operates:
- Resume Submission: Candidates submit their resumes online.
- Resume Parsing: The ATS scans and parses the resume into a digital format.
- Keyword Matching: The system searches for keywords related to the job description.
- Ranking: Resumes are ranked based on how well they match the criteria.
- Human Review: Top-ranked resumes are reviewed by recruiters.
The Importance of ATS Keywords
To get through an ATS, your resume needs to include specific keywords that match the job description. These keywords fall into six main categories:
- Job Titles
- Areas of Expertise
- Soft Skills
- Technical Skills
- Action Verbs
- Special Qualifications
1. Job Titles
Including the correct job titles in your resume is crucial. These titles should match the positions you are applying for and reflect your career progression accurately.
Example: If you’re applying for a “Project Manager” position, ensure your resume mentions “Project Manager” prominently if it aligns with your experience. Additionally, related titles like “Program Manager” or “Project Coordinator” can also be included if applicable.
2. Areas of Expertise
Areas of expertise refer to the specific fields or domains you are proficient in. Highlighting these areas helps ATS identify your suitability for the job.
Example: For a marketing role, areas of expertise might include “Digital Marketing,” “Content Strategy,” and “SEO.” Including these keywords in your resume showcases your specialized knowledge in these areas.
3. Soft Skills
Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and interact with others. These skills are essential for demonstrating your ability to fit within a company’s culture and work effectively in teams.
Example: Include skills such as “Communication,” “Teamwork,” “Problem-Solving,” “Leadership,” and “Adaptability.” For instance, a sentence like, “Demonstrated strong leadership in managing cross-functional teams,” effectively highlights a soft skill.
4. Technical Skills
Technical skills are job-specific skills that are usually learned through formal education or training. These skills are essential for performing specific tasks and functions within a job.
Example: For a software development role, technical skills might include “JavaScript,” “Python,” “SQL,” and “Agile Methodologies.” A statement like, “Developed complex web applications using JavaScript and Python,” integrates these keywords seamlessly.
5. Action Verbs
Action verbs are strong, impactful verbs that describe your responsibilities and achievements. Using these verbs effectively can make your resume more dynamic and engaging.
Example: Use verbs like “Orchestrated,” “Spearheaded,” “Engineered,” “Directed,” “Executed,” and “Innovated.” For example, “Orchestrated a team of developers in creating a new software application” clearly shows leadership and initiative.
6. Special Qualifications
Special qualifications include certifications, licenses, or unique experiences that set you apart from other candidates. These qualifications can often be key differentiators in competitive job markets.
Example: Mention certifications like “PMP Certification,” “Six Sigma Black Belt,” “Certified Public Accountant (CPA),” or “Bilingual Proficiency.” A statement such as, “Certified PMP with extensive experience in project management,” highlights your special qualifications effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works and the importance of ATS keywords is essential for modern job seekers. By strategically incorporating relevant job titles, areas of expertise, soft skills, technical skills, action verbs, and special qualifications, you can create an ATS-friendly resume that increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.