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Job seekers often face a gauntlet of challenges when it comes to being noticed by hiring managers.  Many however, aren’t even aware that their biggest potential roadblock lies with the computer program tasked with processing their job application.  These programs are built to screen job applicants so only the best and more qualified make their way to the desk of the hiring manager, and those who aren’t, don’t get seen.  These programs are called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and as one can imagine, this process of hiring is often wrought with a little bit of controversy.  On the job seeker side, many dislike the long and somewhat bureaucratic applications that many companies require them to fill out in order to “screen” applicants properly.  Additionally, many job seekers feel as though they’re not being fairly evaluated by the computer program, and would rather be measured on the merits of their past accomplishments by an actual person.  On the side of the hiring organization, they’re saving money by lowering recruitment overhead costs by not having to staff a position solely focused on screening the potentially hundreds of candidates who might apply for their jobs.  Their hiring team’s time is best spent talking with candidates who actually meet the requirements they’ve set for their jobs, as opposed to those who are just applying to apply.

Knowing that these systems are becoming more and more prevalent, and are now found with most large- and medium-sized companies, job seekers need to learn how to work with them.  Below are a few simple, yet effective techniques that many job seekers can benefit from when filling out an online job application and working within the confines of most ATS.

Resume Customization is Key
This is basic knowledge, but many job seekers oftentimes get burnt out when completing job applications and fail to customize their resume for the posting.  Since many ATS look for specific key words and phrases within an applicant’s resume to determine qualifications, customizing a resume based on the skills and text found within the job description is the only true way to ensure all of the major points are covered that the employers is looking for.

Tables Are Messy
Stay away from tables on your resume, as well as pictures, logos, and non-standard type/symbols. Tables specifically aren’t read correctly (if at all) by most ATS, and any text found within them will either not be seen, or misread and jumbled up on the backend system recruiters look at.

Be Consistent
Large corporations typically have linked ATS–even between divisions–which means that if an applicant is applying for multiple jobs at the same employer, the company will have visibility to all of their applications.

Recruiters quickly and easily pick up on discrepancies – big issues such as a candidate stating that they’re looking for $50,000 on one application and $80,000 on another is typically a reason for them not to call the applicant back.  Another example would be claiming five years of experience on one resume and seven years of experience on another.  This is a big red flag, and most savvy recruiters will stay far away from that applicant.

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