Proven Ways to Beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Land More Interviews

You know what? Keywords aren’t just words, these are the tickets to get your resume past the digital gatekeeper, we mean ATS (Application Tracking System). Getting noticed in a crowded job industry can be challenging, especially with ATS handling initial resume reviews. However, ATS software helps companies filter through resumes, but it can also lead to qualified candidates being overlooked. Fortunately, familiarity with how these systems work and building a resume designed to pass through ATS filters can give you a significant edge. Discover the techniques that will help you stand out and increase your chances of securing more interviews. Take control of your job search and watch your opportunities multiply.  

What Is an Applicant Tracking System?

Companies use ATS to streamline hiring, organizing, and ranking resumes efficiently. It’s challenging to review each one manually. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools companies use to organize, screen, and rank applicants based on their resume data. ATS programs scan resumes to find keywords and phrases relevant to the job role, then rank or filter applicants based on criteria set by the hiring team. They help identify candidates who meet specific job requirements faster than manual methods. 

• Keyword Search - ATS scans resumes for words matching the job description. It identifies key terms related to qualifications, skills, and experience that match with the job. Including the right keywords can help your resume pass through these systems and reach a recruiter’s hands.
• Organization - These tools categorize data into sections like experience, education, and skills. A structured resume helps the ATS easily recognize and rank the information. Properly formatted sections ensure that important details are not missed during the scanning process.
• Sorting and Scoring - Applications are ranked based on how well they match the employer’s criteria. ATS assigns scores to resumes depending on keyword relevance and other factors. The resulting scoring helps hiring managers quickly identify top candidates who meet the qualifications for the job role.

How do Applicant Tracking Systems Work?

Applicant tracking systems primarily scan resumes for specific keywords and formatting standards. You can simply optimize your resume using AI for smart job hunting in the future. If you have knowledge of the basic workings of an ATS can help you see how to optimize your resume effectively. ATS programs simplify the recruitment process, but it’s up to applicants to guarantee their resumes contain the right information in a compatible format. 

• Resumes are first scanned for structure and readability. Complex designs often get rejected
• Information is parsed into fields such as job title, years of experience, and certifications
• Keywords, especially from job descriptions, are important in determining relevance

These systems rely on algorithms to find resumes that match certain criteria. Many proficient candidates fail to pass through because of formatting or missing keywords. Writing your resume to meet ATS standards is crucial. Failing to optimize for these systems can result in your resume being overlooked, even if you’re a perfect fit for the role. The right keywords and simple formatting allow the ATS to properly assess your skills and qualifications. Ensuring that your resume meets these standards significantly boosts your chances of landing an interview.

Keyword Match 

ATS programs look for specific keywords related to job titles, skills, and experience. The more keywords your resume contains that match the job description, the better your score. Including role-specific terms and common industry phrases can improve your compatibility. ATS algorithms often prioritize exact matches, so matching language precisely can help your resume stand out.

Resume Parse

The ATS breaks down your resume information into predefined categories like education, experience, and skills. It’s important to structure your resume in a clear, logical format to make this parsing process easier. Avoiding columns or complex designs also ensures that your details are accurately extracted and categorized.

Applicant Rank  

Resumes are scored or ranked based on criteria programmed into the ATS. This ranking helps hiring teams quickly identify top candidates, often highlighting those with the highest compatibility for the role. High-ranking resumes save recruiters time, allowing them to focus on the most qualified applicants. Moreover, involving quantifiable achievements and specific keywords can improve your score significantly. Resumes that follow ATS-friendly guidelines have a higher chance of progressing to the next stage.

How to Beat an Applicant Tracking System?

Knowing how ATS filters work can help you create a resume that gets through to hiring managers. Success with an ATS (Application Tracking System) starts with an optimized resume that balances structure, readability, and keywords. Using job-specific terms and avoiding overly complex designs increases your chances of passing the screening process. Focusing on measurable achievements and industry-relevant skills makes your application more compelling. An organized, ATS-friendly resume opens the door for career growth opportunities and potential interviews. Here’s how: 

Use Simple Formatting

“The right format can turn rejection into recognition.” Fancy fonts and graphics may look appealing, but they often confuse ATS systems. Keep the design clean and stick with traditional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, in single-column format without graphics or tables. Simple formatting ensures your resume is easy to read and process for both ATS and hiring managers. You should avoid colored text or background images, as they can interfere with the ATS parsing. Verify the font size is consistent and readable, ideally between 10-12 points for body text. 

Incorporate Job-Specific Keywords

Look closely at the job description and pick out the keywords it emphasizes, especially in the tools, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications sections. Include these words naturally in your resume without overloading any section. Ensure that your most relevant experience corresponds to the keywords you use. Doing so helps ATS systems match your resume with the job requirements more effectively. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can make your resume sound unnatural and may lower your chances of passing ATS filters.

Stick to Standard Headings

Headings like Education, Work Experience, and Skills help ATS software categorize information correctly. Uncommon headers may cause sections to remain ignorant and unread. Thus, label sections properly to help the systems interpret them correctly. Clarity increases your chances of having all your sections accurately parsed by ATS. A clean, predictable structure ensures that no vital information is lost in the scanning process.

Save Your File in ATS-Compatible Format

Use either Word (.docx) or PDF formats, as these are typically ATS-friendly. Some companies may specify a preferred format in the job posting. Submit your resume depending on employer guidelines. Word documents tend to be the safest option for most systems, but if you are submitting a PDF, ensure it is not a scanned image, as ATS may struggle with parsing it. Stick to the format outlined in the job posting, as ignoring these preferences can lead to your resume being overlooked entirely.

Avoid Complex Designs

Graphics, icons, and even columns can throw off ATS parsing, causing information to be missed. Overly creative designs often confuse ATS software. Stick to a one-column layout with simple bullet points. Avoid placing contact information in headers or footers, as ATS may not be able to read them. Remember, the goal is to make your resume as straightforward as possible to increase its chances of being noticed.

Optimize Resume for Each Application

The most important thing you can do to beat the ATS is to make a modified resume for each role you apply to. Customizing your resume takes more time but dramatically increases your chances of getting a high resume score and moving on to a job interview. And it all comes down to using the right resume keywords. Keywords are specific words or phrases (can be soft and hard skills) that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. 

Only Apply to Jobs You Qualified for

Apply for jobs you are qualified for; otherwise, the ATS may reject your application. It is the easiest way to navigate the system. If your degree, employment history, and talents match the roles you are applying for, the tracking system should automatically find your experience appealing. Customizing each resume to match the job description further increases compatibility. Highlighting specific achievements related to the role can make your profile stand out during the initial scan.

Proofread Before Submitting

One of the most common mistakes people make when submitting their resumes is to include typos and grammatical problems. It is not only inconsiderate and disrespectful, but it can also cause an ATS to malfunction. If you misspell a significant keyword, the software might not recognize it, which could result in a lower score for your resume. Proofreading your resume thoroughly before submission is vital to avoid such errors. Utilizing professional toolsor services can help ensure accuracy and polish.

Run an ATS Check on Your Resume

Finished writing your ATS-friendly resume successfully? Great Job! Now, it’s time to double-check whether your resume truly is ATS-compatible. Taking this step will significantly enhance your chances of standing out in the hiring process. One of the simplest ways to make sure is to take assistance on OfferLanded’s platform and get your resume scanned through the best resume reviewer. 

Add Extra Section

Employers may have varied expectations for the keywords they use, as previously indicated. For some, a separate section devoted to that particular area might be useful. A few examples are as follows:

• Licenses
• Certifications
• Accomplishments

Adding such sections guarantees that critical qualifications don’t get overlooked. It also creates a snapshot of your expertise that stands out to both ATS and hiring managers. Furthermore, it also helps with personalizing your resume further and showcases other relevant skills. Aside from that, it’s a good opportunity to transform your resume by highlighting what makes you uniquely qualified for the role.

How to Write an ATS-friendly Resume 

Creating a resume that gets through an ATS is easier than it might seem. Follow these straightforward steps to boost your chances:

Choose a Straightforward Layout - A single-column format is often the best choice. It makes it easy for ATS software to read your resume without any confusion.

Create a Targeted Summary - A professional summary at the top of your resume allows you to introduce yourself and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. Including a few job-specific keywords here sets a strong first impression.

Emphasize Core Skills with Keywords - Focus on the primary skills and competencies listed in the job description. Keywords are usually related to hard skills and technical knowledge, so be specific and relevant to the role.

Quantify Achievements Where Possible - Resumes that quantify achievements grab attention. Use numbers to show the impact you made in previous roles, such as “Increased team productivity by 40%.”

Use Bullet Points to Organize Information - Listing duties and achievements with bullet points improves readability and allows hiring managers to quickly understand your experience.

Keep Language Simple and Direct - Flowery language and unusual phrasing can be misunderstood by ATS software. Use straightforward terms that accurately describe your experience.

ATS Resume Template Examples                                     

Using an ATS-friendly template can make all the difference. Templates like these are optimized for readability and help ATS systems scan all relevant details without missing key points. Here are several simple templates that ATS programs can read without issues.

Example #1: Standard ATS Resume Template

[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

Professional Summary
Brief summary mentioning your background, key skills, and reasons for being a strong fit for the role.

Work Experience

Job Title, Company Name

[Date Started] – [Date Ended]

Highlight a key responsibility

Include an achievement with a measurable impact

Education

Degree, Institution, Graduation Year

Skills

List of technical skills and competencies.

Example 2: Skills-Focused ATS Resume Template

[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

Professional Summary
Short introduction focusing on experience relevant to the role.

Skills

• Technical Skill 1
• Technical Skill 2
• Related Soft Skill

Professional Experience

Position Title, Company Name

[Dates Employed]

Notable responsibility or achievement

Education

Degree, Institution, Graduation Year

Conclusion

Every small detail on your resume is a step closer to your career goals. Open those doors with your resume. Significant changes are not necessary to create an ATS-friendly resume; minor formatting and keyword tweaks can have a significant impact. A hiring manager is more likely to read your resume if it follows a clear format, emphasizes quantifiable accomplishments, and concentrates on pertinent keywords. Even minor actions can help you stand out and increase your interview possibilities. Last but not least: “Write for the algorithm, but never lose your personal voice.”