The Complete Guide To Applicant Tracking Systems

A well-known idea states that in order to get to a job interview, a candidate must get past the stage when a recruiter takes a quick glance at your resume and decides whether to add it to the pipeline or not. This applies, however, only to resumes that are actually reviewed by human beings. The applicant tracking systems must first be able to handle many of the candidates and their resumes before they can reach this phase. Here we will share some tips on how to make your CV attractive to applicant tracking systems and real people.

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System.

An applicant tracking system is a software application used primarily to manage the recruiting process electronically. The program filters through a large number of resumes to determine which is most suitable for the position. It processes resumes in the same way as a recruiter does after briefly reviewing them because both are searching for certain criteria to include or reject them.

While recruiters typically reject resumes based on the lack of skills or some spelling mistakes. An applicant tracking system retrieves relevant keywords from CVs based on keywords that were programmed for the jobs.

Why should you use an applicant tracking system?

In addition to saving time and paper, applicant tracking systems help organizations stay organized. The majority of recruiters’ time is spent filing and shredding papers or moving and deleting emails. There are times when an employer or recruiter accidentally deletes the email containing the candidate’s resume. By using an applicant tracking system, this risk can be reduced.

In the beginning, Applicant Tracking Systems were used by large corporations to handle thousands of applications. As time passes, small and midsize companies are also beginning to take advantage of it. By storing all candidate-relevant information in one place, they make it easier for recruiters.

A candidate tracking system works in what way?

Applicant tracking systems process resumes as well as use social media to search for potential workers. The applicant tracking system reads the resume using artificial intelligence when a resume is submitted. Choosing the right candidate is based on the keywords programmed by the employers. It is sent to the next level of the recruitment process if the submitted resume contains the keywords selected by the employers.

In addition to names of preferred universities, former companies, and, most importantly, skills and experience relevant to job positions, keywords may also include a brief description of their quality. An employer may also instruct the applicant tracking system to search through the whole company’s resume database to find the best candidate. So, regardless of how long you have submitted your resume, there is a strong chance that you will be detected by the ATS.

What is the status of social media?

Professional networking has been an integral part of the job search process forever; social media is becoming an increasingly important part as well. 

According to general opinion, social media presence helps applicants in their job search the most. However, they need to grasp the importance of having a professional profile on social networks.

In many A.T.S., LinkedIn and other social media sites are automatically scanned for potential candidates. In the same way, employers search for job positions on social media using the keywords they select. As a result, if you want an ATS to detect you on social media, make sure you have a profile there. Additionally, the basic information like education, work experience, and skills that distinguish you should be included. A tracking system can then easily locate you.

Search engine optimization is the process of optimizing a website for search engines

An applicant’s resume is designed in a similar manner to search engine optimization (SEO) for passing through an applicant tracking system. In search engine optimization, the content creators develop and design their web pages so that they rank on top of the SERPs. Pages with better content will rank higher in search engine results. When it comes to ranking on the search engine, matching keywords are essential. 

Recruiters are looking at resumes to fill job positions. Do you want yours to stand out? Absolutely! So the best thing to do is to think about the keywords recruiters and applicant tracking systems might use. Alternate job titles, related skills, and experience are all possible keywords. Also, these can be related to educational institutions, places of former employers, etc.

The solution lies in research

Make sure to tailor your existing resume to the job ad you are responding to, regardless of whether you have to make minor or major changes. All employers or organizations look for specific qualifications when hiring. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems can discover them by searching for keywords.

You should do your best to find as much information about the organization as possible before applying. If needed, look online or talk to others who know the organization. You’ll be able to optimize for keywords this way.  You may want to reach out to the potential candidates if the hiring process isn’t using an Applicant Tracking System. Recruiters select you for a phone interview and face-to-face interview phase later. It’s possible that some candidates already know someone at the company.

Stay away from the blunders

An Applicant Tracking System generally looks for precise and accurate information in a CV when searching for keywords. When you apply for a job as a manager of banking, the Applicant Tracking System may search your CV for phrases such as “banking services manager”, “banking services”, or “business administration”.

Applicant Tracking Systems are unlikely to look for phrases like “confident” and “good team player”.This is similar to what recruiters do when they glance at resumes and decide where to place them. One only difference between an ATS and a human is their decision is based solely on the keywords used in your resume whereas an ATS relies solely on keywords and a sense of random judgment. 

What is the applicant tracking system’s role in your company’s recruiting process?

It is very useful for recruiters to have an applicant tracking system to streamline the recruiting process. The system also helps recruiters to save time. The process of manually sorting resumes and finding the right fit takes a lot of time. It’s not possible to automate the hiring process for the majority of job positions. In the case that you believe that you can show your best characteristics to potential employers only through a face-to-face meeting, you can still take advantage of this opportunity as long as you can get through the phase where an ATS will determine whether or not you are qualified for the position.

You can use these keywords in your resume before applying. You might be able to identify a qualified candidate using relevant keywords, regardless of whether there is an Applicant Tracking System or a human involved in the first step.

Your resume should be ATS-friendly

Computers must therefore be able to read your resume. Thus, if your resume is too complex, then you will eliminate in the first round. You can make your CV easy to read by following these tips:

• Make sure you thoroughly check out your social profiles and the links you include in your resume. Applicant tracking systems can scan and retrieve information from the links you have provided automatically these days.
• While applying for a job, some applicants find it straightforward to send their resumes. Many applicants, however, prefer to complete a custom application. ATS systems use to manage applications. By doing so, recruiters have uniform access to candidates’ information.
• Recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can read your resume more easily if you use simple fonts (Arial or Helvetica).
• Standardize your format. You might highlight your basic information (name, phone number, and email address) by placing it at the top of the page. Align the columns and use a simple font.