Applicant tracking systems (ATS), or resume bots as they are often called, are computerized systems that review resumes before employers.
ATS are reserved for larger companies that receive a big number of applicants, but other businesses are beginning to utilize this technology, as well, recognizing its unique benefits. Basically, an ATS will determine whether a resume is worth consideration by identifying certain keywords, finding relevant context and scoring each resume based on how qualified an applicant appears. While this system is great for recruiters who would otherwise spend hours pouring over resumes, it can be troublesome for applicants. However, there are ways to combat this system. You can discover how to beat resume bots and increase your chances of getting hired.
Resume bots are programmed systems that help process resumes, and may also recruit new employees via social media. These bots are designed to save employers time, and to eliminate some of the guesswork involved in selecting new employees. Because resume bots, or ATS, may overlook potentially great applicants, in favor of applicants with resumes that meet arbitrary requirements, many claim that ATSs are unfair selection methods. This is mainly attributed to the fact that human beings are excluded from the selection process. In fact, an estimated 75 percent of applications are rejected by ATS, prompting resume resources to emerge such as “ATS-friendly resume templates.” Nevertheless, countless employers and recruiters use an ATS to not only sort through resumes, but also to organize lists of potential employees and highlight certain information about them.
ATS operate simply, relying on the number of keywords present in resumes. These keywords correspond to certain qualifications, skills or other aspects of resumes companies may choose. Typically, resumes are reviewed after a position has opened. Consequently, applicants may benefit from ATS by being entered in the selection process for multiple job openings. ATSs, then, rank applicants based on the number of keywords in their resumes and distribute high-ranked resumes to recruiters and employers for further review. Once they have thoroughly reviewed the resumes, they will either contact applicants to schedule an interview or immediately hire them, depending on their application process.
You may have been considered by a potential employer via an ATS, and never known. Many ATSs store resumes they deem decent or viable for future positions. This means that an ATS may send your resume to recruiters or employers long after you have applied to the company. ATSs may also scan social media sites, such as LinkedIn, to find suitable employees. Since these sites tend to contain details about your education and work experience, it is not uncommon for ATSs to recommend potential employees in this manner.
Although ATSs seem to be difficult to surpass, there are plenty of ways you can make your resume likelier to reach human hands. Still, beating resume bots can be challenging, and requires a different approach to job hunting than you may be accustomed to. A list of methods you can employ to beat the system includes:
Keywords are essential for resumes. In short, keywords are words that demonstrate your abilities that pertain to the job. For example, if you are applying for a position in customer service, the words “customer service,” “computer skills” and “communication skills” may be appropriate keywords. Resume bots search for keywords in resumes to assess their quality, so you should be sure to use keywords in your resume in order to surpass applicant tracking systems. To find the right keywords to use in your resume, you should follow these simple steps: