Everything You Need to know: What Are Application Tracking Systems?

Whether you’re looking for a casual summer job or a full-time gig, applying for jobs is a job in itself!

It often feels like you’re sending application after application, with no acknowledgement at all. 👎

You may even wonder if a human being is reading any of them!

You wouldn’t be unreasonable to think this because many platforms use Application Tracking Systems (ATS).

Here’s what they are and what it means for your job search.

What are ATS & How Do They Work?

An ATS is a piece of software used to track and streamline candidates through the hiring process.

When you submit a resume, the ATS works its magic by scanning it and picking up key information. It then sees if this information aligns with the job title and skills for the role. Your resume is then ranked against other applications based on how well it matches the position.

All of this occurs without a pair of human eyes seeing the resume. When the ATS has identified top candidates, their applications might be read to progress them to interview rounds.

Many jobs receive anywhere between 100 and 500 applications. The ATS helps hiring managers save time and spend their efforts reviewing the most suitable candidates.

The worst thing to be is a serial resume submitter!  98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATSs, often weeding out 75% of applications before they reach human eyes. It pays to spend time creating a well-written resume that addresses the essential skills and requirements of the job description.

Making Your Resume Machine AND Human-Friendly

It’s important to remember that ATSs aren’t bad. They’re just something to keep in mind when you’re applying for work.

Keep these tips in mind when writing and reviewing your resume:

1. Keyword optimisation is key: Look for the keywords in the job description and include them naturally in your resume. For example, the role of a Marketing Coordinator may require the skills of ‘content creation’, ‘paid advertising’ and ‘stakeholder engagement’. It would be important to reflect these in a resume as keywords.
2. But don’t keyword stuff: Remember human eyes will read your application at some point, even if it ranks highly after passing ATS checks. A resume that fills space with every possible keyword mentioned in the position description and lacks comprehension won’t cut it. This will appear insincere and untrustworthy to the recruiter.
3. Use a clean and well-organised resume format: Use a standard font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman so the ATS can easily read your resume. Order your resume by experience first, followed by skills, training and education.
4. Use bullet points and shorter sentences: No one likes a never-ending resume. A resume for a casual job or entry-level role shouldn’t exceed two pages. Being concise will play in your favour when scanned by the ATS and read by the recruiter.
5. Only include relevant experience: Pick out the roles that best align with the job requirements you’re applying for. Don’t forget that unpaid internships and volunteer experience count. You should put them up front, especially if you haven’t had any paid experience in your chosen industry.
6. Submit as Word or PDF: These file formats are recommended as they’re easily recognised by the ATS.

Being smart and knowing what to address in a resume can save you time and stress when applying for jobs.

Resume Success is in YOUR Hands

ATSs help employers speed up their hiring process by finding top applicants whose resumes communicate relevant experience and address the job criteria.

Knowing how it works lets you quickly understand how to shape your resume so it passes the ATS test and impresses the hiring manager.

Don’t forget, we’ve got plenty of expert resume writing guidance with tips direct from employers who want you to be a success!

Best of luck, and happy job hunting!