How To Make Your Resume ATS Friendly?

Submitting your resume online has become a very common thing. Whether you are applying for your dream job or just looking for a new job, your resume will pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it goes to the recruiters. But what exactly is an ATS, and how can you ensure that your resume not only survives but excels in this digital gatekeeper’s world? In this blog, we will tell you how to write a resume that goes through the ATS and passes through it. We will get into the key point

Applicant Tracking System

The common way of applying for jobs through hard copies of resumes is not in use anymore. As more companies use digital platforms for their hiring processes, the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS has gained an important place in the hiring process.

What is an ATS?

ATS stands for “Applicant Tracking System.” It’s a software application that many employers use to manage and streamline their recruitment process. It helps employers filter through the number of resumes they receive for a single job posting.

How it ATS Work?

ATS programs work by scanning the content of resumes and cover letters submitted by job applicants. They search for specific keywords, phrases, and criteria defined by the employer. These keywords and phrases show the qualifications, skills, and other things that are expected from an ideal candidate. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords or if it doesn’t meet the specific criteria set by the employer, it may be rejected. ATS systems provide benefits to employers. For employers who receive hundreds of resumes for a single job posting, ATS is a very important tool for managing. It helps to shortlist the most qualified candidates quickly.

How to make an ATS Resume

It is important that your resume follows some basic things. Use a clean and consistent formatting style that makes your resume easy to read.Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).Write a concise professional summary that highlights your key qualifications and career objectives.Organize your resume into sections like “Summary,” “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”

Keywords

One of the fundamental aspects of ATS optimization is the use of relevant keywords. Keywords are specific terms, phrases, and jargon commonly used in your industry or profession. The ATS will scan your resume for these keywords to determine if you’re a good match for the job. Here’s how to identify them:

• Carefully read the job posting and make a list of keywords and phrases that stand out. These are the terms the employer is looking for in candidates.
• Don’t just use a single keyword. If the job posting mentions “project management,” also consider using related terms like “project manager” or “project coordination.”
• For some positions, there may be industry-specific keywords that are essential to include. Research your field to identify these terms.
• Your resume should clearly showcase the skills and qualifications relevant to the job. These are prime candidates for keywords.

Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application

ATS systems are not one-size-fits-all. They are calibrated based on the specific criteria outlined by the employer for each job posting. This means that you need to customize your resume for every application. Here’s how:

• Put the keywords you’ve identified into your resume. These keywords should fit within the context of your content.
• Adjust your professional summary to emphasize the qualifications that align with the job posting. This is the first section of the ATS
• Depending on the job, you may want to prioritize certain sections of your resume. For example, if a job heavily emphasizes your skills, move the “Skills” section higher up.
• Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers and statistics catch the ATS’s attention.
• Carefully proofread and edit your resume after making customizations. It should remain cohesive and well-organized.

Why are Keywords so important?

Use Keywords in editing your resume for ATS, let’s delve deeper into this critical element. Keywords are the backbone of your ATS-friendly resume, so understanding how to use them effectively is essential.

 Keywords are words and phrases that align with the job requirements and qualifications outlined in the job posting. They represent the skills, experiences, and attributes that the employer seeks in an ideal candidate. To make your resumeATS-friendly, you must ensure that it contains these specific keywords.  You should also consider incorporating variations and synonyms. ATS systems are becoming more sophisticated and can recognize related terms. For example, if the job posting mentions project management, your resume can also include project manager and project coordination.While it’s important to include relevant keywords, avoid overloading your resume with them. Keyword stuffing, or excessively repeating keywords, can have a bad effect on your ATS performance. Your resume should still read naturally to human eyes.

Editing Your Resume

One of the most important aspects of editing your resume for ATS is Editing. It is easier to use the same generic resume for multiple job applications, this approach can significantly reduce your chances of passing the ATS screening process. Match Keywords and Phrases and align your resume with the specific job posting. This means using the keywords and phrases used in the job description. If the job posting emphasizes “leadership skills” and “project management,” your resume should reflect these terms.The professional summary at the beginning of your resume is the first section that ATS scans. Customize it to highlight the qualifications and experiences most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if the job emphasizes skills and certifications, move your “Skills” section higher up in your resume. This ensures that the ATS quickly identifies your qualifications. Quantify your achievements instead of saying, “Managed a successful marketing campaign,” say “Managed a marketing campaign that resulted in a 40% increase in website traffic.” Specific numbers provide evidence of your qualifications.After editing your resume, it’s necessary to review and edit it. Make sure that it is well-organized and free from errors. Consistency in formatting and writing style is important. Let us summarize the important points now:

• ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems is a software used by employers to manage and e the recruitment process.
• Understanding how ATS works and how to optimize your resume for it is important for job seekers.
• Keywords play the main role in ATS Your resume must align with the keywords and phrases from the job posting.
• Customizing your resume for each job application is the basic requirement for ATS.
• A clean, easily readable format is important for ATS.

Conclusion

Editing your resume for ATS is an important step in your job search. By understanding the role of ATS, and following the above steps for ATS, you can significantly increase your chances of making it through the software and getting that dream job. Remember that ATS is just a tool to help employers but your qualifications, skills, and experiences are what make you an exceptional candidate. All the best on your job search journey!

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