Applicant Tracking Systems: An Introduction

Many organizations use software to sort (and reject) resumes before they ever reach a human.

Technology is everywhere in our lives. And job search is no exception. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help manage the hiring process. These systems let companies sort through hundreds of job applications efficiently. For job seekers, understanding how these software systems work can improve the chances of landing an interview.

An ATS is a software tool that scans, organizes, and ranks resumes submitted for a job opening. When a job seeker applies for a position online, their resume is often sent to an ATS, which analyzes the document to see how well it matches the job description. Keywords, skills, education, and experience are among the main factors the ATS looks for.

A wide range of companies use these systems, including large corporations, staffing agencies, technology companies, government agencies, and more.

The primary benefit for an employer is that an ATS saves time. Instead of manually reviewing every resume, hiring managers can focus on the candidates that the ATS has deemed most promising. These systems are especially useful for big companies that receive a large volume of applications. However, for job seekers, this means that your resume may never reach a human unless it meets the system’s screening criteria.

To make your resume ATS-friendly, it’s important to tailor it to the job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description. Also, keep the format simple. Fancy designs, unusual fonts, or images might land your resume in the reject pile. Use standard headings (such as “Work Experience” and “Education”) so the ATS can easily recognize and sort your information.

In short, applicant tracking systems play a significant role in job search. Creating a resume that’s easy for an ATS to process can improve your chances of finding work faster. That said, there’s a strong argument for pursuing opportunities in a way that lets you steer clear of these automated screeners.