Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs many employers use to screen resumes and shortlist for their job openings. Since this is an efficient way to analyse lot many candidate’s resumes faster, most employers nowadays are utilizing ATS. To get your application past the first hurdle, here are five strategies to optimize your resume for ATS:
- Target Keywords: Identify the key skills and experience listed in the job description. Include relevant variations of these keywords throughout your resume, especially in your summary, work experience descriptions, and skills section.
- Formatting for Scannability: Use a simple, clear format with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid fancy fonts, tables, charts, or images, as the ATS might not read them correctly. Opt for bullet points to present your achievements and responsibilities.
- Resume Structure: Maintain a consistent and logical structure. Common formats include chronological, functional, or combination resumes. Choose the one that best highlights your skills and experience for the target position.
- File Format Optimization: Save your resume as a .doc, .docx, or plain text (.txt) file. Avoid PDFs, as some ATS systems struggle to parse them.
- Tailor Your Resume: Don’t submit a generic resume! For each application, customize your resume by incorporating relevant keywords and experiences from the specific job description.
By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of getting your resume noticed by the hiring manager and bypassing the ATS screen.
We, at Odiware bring the latest technologies & industry trends to recommend the best-of-breed solutions for hiring and recruitment challenges in businesses. We help you with your hiring process and digitize the same to create tangible impact on the bottom-line of businesses. Contact us to know more about our ATS solution.
