Navigating the ATS Maze: A Job Seeker’s Guide to Success

By Swati SinhaPublished January 9, 20255 min read

Quick answer: To get your CV past an applicant tracking system (ATS), use keywords from the job posting, a simple layout with standard fonts and section titles, and no tables, images or headers. Over 75% of applicants are screened out by ATS software before a hiring manager reads their CV. Proofread carefully and test it with an ATS checker.

As technology continues to revolutionize recruitment processes, more and more companies are adopting ATS software. These systems automatically scan and filter resumes, allowing employers to streamline their hiring process. The benefits of ATS are undeniable, as they save time, reduce manual efforts, and enable organizations to manage a high volume of applicants efficiently. However, this automated screening process can also pose challenges for job seekers, with the risk of their resumes being overlooked if not optimized for ATS compatibility. In this article, we’ll provide tips that help you conquer the ATS maze and get your resume into human hands.

What is an ATS?

An ATS is a software application that helps employers manage their recruitment process. When you submit your resume and other materials, the ATS scans them for keywords, phrases, and other criteria that the employer has identified as relevant to the job. Then, ATS assigns a score to your application based on how well it matches the employer’s requirements. Human recruiters or hiring managers typically review only applications with the highest scores.

Understanding the ATS Challenge

High rejection rates: One of the biggest challenges job seekers face with ATS is high rejection rates. Many resumes don’t make it past this digital gatekeeper simply because they don’t meet the specific criteria programmed into the system. It’s not uncommon for qualified candidates to be overlooked due to a lack of ATS optimization.

Formatting issues: ATS systems are sensitive to formatting issues, and a non-standard resume might get scrambled or misinterpreted by the software. Elements like images, charts, or complex formatting may confuse the system, leading to your resume being discarded.

Keyword relevance: ATS relies heavily on keywords to identify suitable candidates. If your resume lacks the keywords commonly used in your industry or profession, it may be overlooked.

Limited human oversight: While ATS can speed up the hiring process, it also means that many resumes are never seen by human eyes. This reliance on automated systems reduces the opportunity for human judgment. As a result, candidates who might have otherwise made an impression can be filtered out by the ATS algorithms.

Tips for an ATS-Friendly Resume

The ATS is often the first gatekeeper between you and the recruiter. Over 75% of applicants are disqualified by Application Tracking System(ATS) software before a hiring manager reads their CV.

Here’s how you can optimize your CV to pass through the ATS gatekeeper:

Keyword research

Start by thoroughly reading the job posting.
Identify the keywords and phrases used to describe the role’s requirements.
Pay attention to industry-specific terms, skills, and qualifications.
Avoid overstuffing your document with keywords to maintain its readability and professionalism.

Tailor your content

Best practice recommendations include customizing your CV for each job application. However, in a candidate-heavy market, I recommend knowing your niche and making your CV speak heavily to the space you’re applying for.
Include the identified keywords of your niche naturally throughout your CV.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences in the context of the job requirements.

Resume formatting

Keep your CV format simple and consistent.
Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial and avoid fancy formatting, as ATS may misinterpret it.
Stick to standard section titles such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” to ensure the ATS can easily categorize the information.
Use bullet points to organize your experiences and achievements.
Avoid headers and footers, as information placed there might not be detected by the ATS.

Contact information

Place your contact information at the top of your CV.
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile ( if applicable).

Spell out acronyms

ATS systems may not understand abbreviations or acronyms.
Spell out industry-specific terms and job titles in parentheses, e.g., “Master of Business Administration (MBA).”

File format

Save your CV as a simple, text-based document- I’d suggest Word.
Avoid using PDFs, as some ATS systems struggle to parse them.
Use a sensible file name.

Avoid graphics and tables

Remove complex tables, images, and charts.
ATS systems can’t interpret these elements, potentially causing errors.
These can distort your CV’s formatting when parsed by ATS software.

Check for spelling and grammar

An ATS may penalize CVs with numerous spelling and grammar mistakes.
Proofread your CV carefully to ensure it’s error-free.
Consider using online tools or seeking the help of a trusted friend or professional proofreader.

Use a professional summary

Start your CV with a concise, engaging, and professional summary.
Include relevant keywords while highlighting your key qualifications and career objectives.
This section acts as a snapshot of your qualifications, enticing the ATS to move your resume forward in the screening process.

Highlight Achievements with Quantifiable Results

Emphasize your achievements in each role, using numbers to quantify your impact when possible.
This makes your CV more compelling to human readers but also helps you incorporate relevant keywords naturally.

Leverage LinkedIn and Professional Networks

In addition to optimizing your CV for ATS, ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects the same keywords and experiences. Networking can also play a crucial role in getting your CV in front of the right people, bypassing ATS filters altogether.

Test your CV

Use ATS-friendly online tools to check how your CV fares in different systems.
Make necessary adjustments based on the results.

Conclusion

Navigating the ATS maze might seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of success. By understanding how these systems work and adapting your CV accordingly, you increase your visibility to potential employers and move one step closer to securing your desired role. Remember, the goal is to make it past the automated gatekeepers so your qualifications and experiences can shine through to the hiring managers. With these strategies in hand, you’re well on your way to crafting a CV that not only passes ATS checks but also impresses human eyes.

Looking for your next role? Browse current jobs at Savanna HR or submit your CV.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ATS and how does it screen CVs?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to manage hiring. It scans each CV for keywords, phrases and other criteria linked to the job, then scores the application. Recruiters usually review only the highest-scoring applications, so a poorly matched CV may never reach a person.

What file format is best for an ATS-friendly CV?

A simple, text-based Word document is the safest choice, because some ATS software struggles to parse PDFs. Use a sensible file name, standard fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid tables, images, charts, headers and footers.

How many keywords should I put in my CV for an ATS?

Use the keywords and skills from the job posting naturally, in your summary and in each relevant role. Do not overstuff the CV, as that hurts readability for the human recruiter who reads it next. Spell out acronyms too, for example Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Can networking help me get past ATS filters?

Yes. Referrals and direct contact with recruiters or hiring managers can put your CV in front of a person and bypass ATS filters. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with the same keywords and experience as your CV so both tell a consistent story.