Applying for a job has become harder due to the wide adoption of applicant tracking systems. ATS bots sort through thousands of resumes before submitting them to HR professionals. Many job seekers don’t get past this stage. The system doesn’t deem them suitable for hire based on listed skills and experience.
To craft a winning resume, many applicants turn for professional help, which is a perfect way to invest in your career. Some of them use https://resumeservice24.com/cv-writing-service to create a bot-beating CV. Yet, each job seeker should know what gets resumes and CVs past the applicant tracking process. These are the best practices they can use to land a job.
Apply for a Specific Job
Spending hours on a resume for all job postings seems the most logical choice. But bots and recruiter firms will see that right off the bat. The ATS makes sure that resumes have specific keywords and phrases from job postings. Managers look for skills relevant to the job application. There is no way that you will get an interview if both are absent.
Applicants who want to be noticed by both parties can’t rely on a single resume. They have to spend some time researching the job listing and company profile. There is no need to create a new document each time. A few minor adjustments for the job listing will be enough.
Use the Correct File Type
Many experts prefer using PDF files for resumes. This format maintains the document’s integrity and formatting. While this is true, bots don’t always find PDF resumes acceptable. Use this format only if it’s stated in the job application.
If there is no strict rule, it’s better to stick to Word documents (.doc or .docx). They are compatible with all existing ATS systems. Word files also provide a good balance of formatting, unlike plain text or PDF files. They also have a better chance of getting past the ATS system.
Don’t Play Tricks
The introduction of the applicant tracking service promised to make the process easier. However, they created their own set of problems. Some of the applicants try to use ill-advised tactics to get ahead. These include the following:
- pasting keywords in white;
- spamming the document with keywords;
- providing the entire job application in white;
- creating a separate “Keywords” section and dumping all of them there.
Please don’t use any of these! Any manipulation with text color will be noticed by the ATS. The white text will be automatically turned black. Once a recruiter sees the document, they will notice spammed words and dump the resume on the spot. Firms won’t give such dishonest individuals a second chance.
Up Your Keyword Game
Using proper keywords is vital for a bot-beating resume. These words let the ATS system know that you are qualified for the position. There are a few steps to ensure that you have the proper keywords for your skills and experience.
- Find 3-5 job descriptions for the type of position you want to occupy.
- Copy and paste them into a word-cloud generator.
- You will see the most frequently used terms in big letters.
- Consider where and how many times to use these keywords.
Some ATS bots check your skill competence based on the frequency of keywords in the resume. Other applicant tracking systems determine experience based on its placement in the document.
One of the best organic ways of adding keywords is including an “Area of Expertise” section. It holds info about the applicant’s soft and hard skills. You can also sprinkle keywords through education and work experience sections. State only the facts and don’t try to add things for the sake of keywords. Your main goal is to stay as relevant as possible in your job application.
Use a Simple Design
ATS robots are the first to see your resume. That’s why keeping resume design simple is important. It’s hard for applicant tracking software to scan charts, graphics, and images in a resume. This software can mark logos and other images as junk and dump the document.
Instead of using pictures, it’s better to opt for simple formatting elements. They can be used to highlight experience, keywords, and career milestones. Professionals also tell not to use fancy bullet points for lists. ATS bots favor solid and open circles, as well as squares. In more general terms, you should keep the design simple and straightforward.
Bots Aren’t Everything
It’s a fact that large companies widely use ATS bots. But it doesn’t mean that all businesses rely upon them. It’s important to remember that bots are part of the resume-scanning process. But, at the same time, don’t forget that once the software greenlights the document, it will be given to a human manager.
If an applicant has connections at a business, they may be able to land an interview without going through the normal process. Contacting your LinkedIn connections can be useful. They might be able to get the resume to the HR managers without making it go through the ATS filter.
In Conclusion
There is a good chance that you already had experience with the ATS. Use these tips wisely, tailor your resume to a particular job, and your next application will go smoothly. If you put enough effort into creating your resume, recruiters will notice it and will be grateful for your diligence. Good luck with your next interview!
Author Bio
Gloria Lunsford
Content Writer at ResumeService24 with more than five years of experience in the resume writing service industry. Her primary specialization is English and Marketing, but she writes on a great number of other topics.
Website: ResumeService24.com