How ATS Works—and Why Your Resume Gets Rejected

I talk with so many job seekers who are concerned about getting their resume through the ATS, or having the right “ATS” keywords in their resume.

Unless you are on the hiring side, we often don’t know what these tools are, how they are used - and more important, how they are screening you in or out. So let me break it down for you…

What is“ATS”?

ATS = Applicant Tracking System
These are the databases that businesses are using to gather applicants. There are many different platforms and softwares, but essentially, when you apply to a role, you are putting your information into an ATS, and your resume becomes part of a larger database of candidates.

Once you apply, recruiters and hiring teams can typically go into their ATS to sort, filter, and identify candidates for their current or future roles based on their search criteria. The applications that stand out are more likely the ones that have made a match!

What is the ATS looking for?

The good news is that ATS isn’t automatically sorting your resume into a yes or no pile – at least not without human help.

Recruiters can input search terms, keywords, or other criteria into the ATS to help them identify candidates who best match the roles. The system then scans your resume, application or any data that you entered to determine if you have what they are looking for.

Why is the ATS rejecting me right away?

Often job postings are set up with specific questions for candidates to answer as they apply. Or the ATS is being used to advance or reject candidates who have - or don’t have - certain keywords in their resume.

If you are getting rejection notifications within a few minutes or hours of applying, chances are the ATS was looking for a keyword, term or detail that you didn’t have clearly listed on your resume.

What keywords should I put on my resume?

Every job will have different “keywords”. A quick way to figure out if you might match? Read through the position requirements and preferred qualifications. The essential skills that are listed, are likely some of the terms being searched.

Also consider details in the posting like:

•            Job titles

•            Skills

•            Certifications

•            Industry-related terms

I see what they are asking for. Now what?

Take the time to read the job description and make a few strategic tweaks to your resume. Using similar language won’t guarantee a match, but it might help your application stand out and get through the next stage.

The time you take to prepare in the beginning may be the thing that gets you to the next round.

In the long run, it’s less about “getting through the ATS” and more about showing how your skills and experiences align. A well-written resume and clearly defined accomplishments can help you do just that!

_______________________________

Wondering how to get through the ATS and really stand out in your search? Resume Focus helps early to mid-career job seekers and young professionals feel confident and prepared for their next career steps. I offer Professional Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing, LinkedIn Profile Optimization, Interview & Career Coaching to move your career forward. Let’s talk!