Have you ever wondered why you’re not getting responses to all those resumes you’ve been sending to employers? There could be various reasons for this, but one that consistently prevents candidates from securing job interviews is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
ATS is an AI-powered hiring software tool that helps employers collect, filter and assess candidates’ resumes. While this system can help decrease the amount of unqualified job applicants brought to a recruiter’s attention, quickening the hiring process, it can also make the application process trickier for job seekers.
Because employers receive multiple resumes in response to job openings, they often use ATS software to assess resumes. LinkedIn reports that almost 99% of Fortune 500 companies use computerized ATS in hiring.
If a potential employer may be using an ATS, below are some tips to customize your resume and increase your chances of receiving a request for an interview:
Format Matters
When writing your resume, do not use pictures, tables, columns, text boxes or any other type of graphic element. This will confuse the software and put your resume at the bottom of the pile. Do not use headers when labeling sections on your resume; bold the section name instead.
Choose Font Wisely
Your resume should have an ATS-friendly font such as Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Georgia or Times New Roman. For body text, use a font between 10-12 points. Do not use bold or fancy fonts; the ATS software won’t recognize them.
Use an ATS-Friendly Format
When saving your resume, make sure it is saved as a PDF or DOCX file. Saving as a PDF means no one can edit your resume, accidentally or intentionally. Do not save your file as a GIF, PNG, JPG or TXT, as the ATS may not be able to read them. If you are unsure what format to use, recheck the application or job listing to see if there are any specific directions.
Use Keywords Naturally
While you want to use keywords in your resume, be sure to put them where they make sense. You can list keywords in the descriptions of your previous positions or under your skill sets.
Use a Resume Checker
Once you have formatted your resume, you can check to see how it stands out using a free online resume checker tool. Some examples include Jobscan, LiveCareer and Resume Worded. Be sure to check online reviews before using any tools to see how widely accepted they are.
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