Changing Careers? How To Get Your Resume Seen By ATS Algorithms

In the digital age, your first hurdle in landing your dream job isn’t a human gatekeeper; it’s an algorithm. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) sift through thousands of resumes, filtering out candidates based on keywords, phrases, and other predefined criteria before a human eye ever sees them. With current unemployment rates fluctuating and a significant portion of the workforce actively seeking new opportunities yearly, standing out in the digital crowd has never been more crucial.

To gain an edge over the ATS, tailor your resume to align with the narrative of the company you wish to join.

Sixty-five percent of American workers are actively searching for a new full-time job. From a company’s point-of-view, it costs the average employer $4,000 and 24 days to find and hire a new employee, which doesn’t account for onboarding time and costs. That’s why organizations have turned to ATS. This system reduces hiring time by increasing the speed at which they vet applicants.

However, the system doesn’t always get it right. Many qualified candidates don’t even get an interview if they don’t have the right keywords on their CV—the system marks them unsuitable for the position based on the criteria the hiring manager inputs on the backend.

Keyword Optimization

Use the job description as a guide for your resume. It contains all the keywords and phrases that the company’s ATS is likely programmed to pick up. Your task is to mirror the language of the job listing in your resume, which includes specific skills, software names, job titles, certifications and even general industry lingo.

If the job description mentions project management and you have relevant experience, ensure that that exact phrase appears in your resume. This simple step can significantly increase your chances of passing through the ATS filters.

Formatting

Beyond keywords, formatting plays a significant role. Some algorithms struggle with overly complicated designs or non-traditional resume formats. Here’s what you should do:

• Use standard resume headings like Work Experience, Education and Skills.
• Avoid tables and columns as they can confuse the ATS.
• Stick to traditional fonts like Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri.

A one-size-fits-all resume isn’t a smart strategy. Tailor your resume for each job application based on the job description. This involves emphasizing the most relevant experiences and skills for each position and reordering bullet points to highlight the most pertinent details first.

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Working With The Algorithm

• Macro-skills refer to wide-ranging, transferable abilities that are applicable across different roles, industries and situations. These foundational skills are not tied to particular job duties or technical specifications. Rather, they embody essential capabilities that allow individuals to overcome professional obstacles, adjust to new circumstances, and succeed in varied settings. Key examples of macro-skills include effective communication, critical thinking, flexibility and efficient time management.
• Micro-skills encompass the narrowly focused, job-specific technical skills, aptitudes and competencies essential for excelling in a specific position or field. These skills are directly tied to the daily tasks and responsibilities of particular roles. Key micro-skills can range from mastery of specific programming languages and graphic design platforms to expertise in financial analytics, customer service methodologies and digital marketing strategies.
• Write clearly and to the point. Empty descriptions and the use of fluff words on a resume can significantly hinder your job application’s success, as they do not provide meaningful insight into your abilities and accomplishments. Fluff words, or generic terms that do not offer concrete information, such as hardworking or team player, do not match the ATS’s criteria for skills or experiences. Consequently, resumes overloaded with these empty phrases may fail to pass the ATS screening, preventing your application from being reviewed.
• Standard job titles still hold weight. When describing your previous job positions, remember that unique or unconventional titles may not be recognized by algorithm-based screening systems. It’s advisable to use more standardized titles that clearly communicate the essence of your role. For instance, rather than listing your position as Digital Dynamo, which might sound catchy but unclear, opt for a straightforward title like Digital Marketing Manager.
• Stay away from adding blocks of keywords. Although it might sound enticing to copy and paste blocks of popular keywords into your resume, ATS will most likely reject the application. Keywords should flow naturally throughout your resume and be relevant to the job description.

Everyone, including hiring managers, are in pursuit of ways that help them work smarter, not harder. Become friends with the algorithm, leveraging strategic thinking and paying attention to details.