What Is ATS 8 Ways You Can Stand Out in an Applicant Tracking System

Technology helps streamline work, and the same goes for recruitment. Some companies get help from automation, which means your application may go through a computer before an actual person in HR sees it. This is because some companies use an Applicant Tracking System or ATS to manage their applications. But what exactly is ATS? 

What is ATS? Who uses ATS?

An ATS is a programme created to help companies streamline their recruitment process. Using an ATS allows companies to gather information about applicants and organise them according to their background and experience. An ATS can also filter applicants based on criteria set by a company. Since job openings can receive hundreds of applications at a point, an ATS can save recruiters time by weeding out profiles that may not be fit for the position. With that in mind, it helps to understand how an ATS works, so you know how to spot one and how to tackle your applications if you encounter it.

How does ATS work?

The work of an ATS begins after you hit the “apply” button for a job opening. Once you have applied, the ATS software uses technology like artificial intelligence to scan your CV for specific keywords set by the company. If it finds the keyword in your CV, it gets shortlisted for HR’s review. On this note, an ATS may also remove CVs that do not match job descriptions. 

How do you know if a company is using an ATS? You may not necessarily notice that a company is using one because these can be integrated into an existing recruitment platform. When you look at the job opening, check where it leads you after you click “Apply” or “I’m interested.” If the company uses an ATS, you might see the vendor’s branding on their website. It is also possible for the application page to lead you to a site with an ATS on the destination URL. Some examples of popular ATS companies are Greenhouse, Smarthouse, SuccessFactors, Taleo, and Workday. 

Reasons why companies use ATS

For companies, using an ATS saves them time. Here are some of the benefits recruiters get when they use an ATS:

1. They don’t have to manually upload job openings to the company job portal.
2. They don’t have to go through every single application and manually remove those they think are not a fit for the role. 
3. They can work in tandem so more than one person can have a say in a candidate’s application process. 
4. It makes the recruitment process faster since everything they need for hiring is in one place. Thus, they can create a workflow to make the process more efficient. 
5. It can make a jobseeker’s application experience better because an ATS helps make applying easier.
6. It can be useful for future job openings as ATS can also be a storage bin for all applicant information. 

How can you stand out if your profile goes through ATS?

Now that you know that your application may not be seen by an actual person, here are some tips for you to stand out. 

1. Choose the jobs you apply for carefully.

If you are interested in multiple openings in one organisation, do not apply to all of them. Recruiters will see that and may get confused about what kind of work you are really looking for. Instead, select up to two roles that are closely related. 

2. Customise your CV for each application. 

Job descriptions vary. So, use keywords and adjust your CVs as necessary. You can start by comparing openings across different companies. Take note of their differences and use those to make your CV specific to each one.

3. Use the correct keywords. 

An ATS is designed to look for certain keywords in your CV. To know these keywords, look at the job posting and see which words are heavily used. Take note of them and utilise them as you see fit, be it in your career summary or your work experience. 

(Read more: How to Make a Resume With Strong Keywords)

Remember, though, that you do not want to put too many keywords in your CV. Strong keywords may help you get shortlisted, but when a recruiter sees your CV stuffed with only these, they may pass on your application. Give those keywords some context: tell a story, narrate your work experience, and provide quantifiable evidence that you are what they are looking for. 

(Read more: How Power Words and Action Verbs for Resume Can Make You Stand Out)

4. Use basic words to describe your profile. 

The ATS is highly likely to find the information it needs about you if you use simple and straightforward words. Some jobseekers add “What I Can Do” as headings in their profiles. While this sounds unique, the ATS may not pick up what you mean. Instead, go for the conventional “Skills” and “Work Experience” to section your profile. If you want to highlight your personality, save the fancier words for your portfolio.

(Read more: How to Create an Online Portfolio (Plus Examples of Tools You Can Use!))

5. Avoid jargon and abbreviations. 

While the ATS uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to go through your CV, it is not designed to understand the jargon. Keep it uncomplicated. Spell things out. Another thing to keep in mind: if you have two roles and you use a slash to divide them, add a space in between both so that the system will pick it up. 

6. Keep your CV format basic. 

If you want an ATS-friendly CV, avoid adorning it with quirky elements. Stick to the basics: bare lines, single columns, readable font styles, and clean colours. The ATS will find it easier to read your CV if it does not have a special format. 

Go for a chronological resume format and list your experience in reverse order, starting from your most recent work and going backwards. Instead of adding chunks of paragraphs to describe your work experience, use bullet points.

(Read more: Free Resume Templates That Will Make You Stand Out)

7. Submit your CV in a DOCX/DOC file format. 

There are varying studies about the most ATS-friendly file format. But the most common perception is that ATS programmes favour DOCX/DOC formats over PDF, as documents in plain-text files allow the system to scan through keywords better. 

On this note, some jobseekers would prefer to submit their CV in PDF format to make sure the formatting won’t be broken. The safest way to go about this is to use a basic layout regardless of the file format you use.

8. Remember that you are still writing your CV for a real person. 

Keep in mind your end goal: for a recruiter to read your application. You don’t want to overdo the keywords and inflate your experiences. Once you get past the system, someone in HR will review your profile and decide if you are a good fit for the position. Remember, the ATS is just a tool for them to make hiring easier. 

Knowing what the ATS is and how it works is important in the job search. But remember, it is still just one step in applying for a job. Some recruiters still go through each application in an ATS, so you still want to stand out while making your profile readable by the system.

Make your CV ATS-friendly and #SEEKBetter jobs. Update your profile at JobStreet and find work that will bring you passion and purpose. 

Don’t forget to check out our Career Resources Hub for more expert tips and advice on job hunting.