Getting past the ATS (applicant tracking system)
As a career recruiter, I've dealt with a lot of systems meant to help me sort through the hundreds of applications I might receive for each job. Unfortunately, these systems can make the application process feel like a Black Hole to the job seeker. Here are some tips to get past the ATS:
- Use keywords - look at the job posting and use the exact language that's in the description, including titles & acronyms. Be true to your own experience (don't add words just to trick the ATS), but if possible, match how things are described in the job posting.
- Simple formatting - unless you're applying for a design position, don't use a special font/colors/funky formatting; it is likely to confuse the tracking system and you'll never know it. Stick to a font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Courier. No emojis, charts, or columns please!
- Use spell check - a recruiter might give you some slack for a misspelling, but a computer will/can not
- MAKE SURE your contact info is up to date! After all that work, you WANT the recruiter to call you!!!
Good luck Jobcasers ~ we BELIEVE IN YOU!
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Nice
Thank you for sharing!!!.. this is great information!!!
Marijoy: Thank you VERY much!
what do you do? you are applying for junior developer and they asked you to interview for the senior level? is a mistake or a coincidence? I am a little confused.
Here is what I heard to get by this.
You copy the entire ad and put it into word. Then remove line spaces periods and commas. Select the entire ad change the font size to 1. It will now look like a thick line. Put this under your name.
The machine will see you matched perfect for the job and put you in the good bin.
This is really insightful information Marijoy Bertolini !!!
Thank you for sharing these amazing insights Marijoy Bertolini ! It's great to get an inside scoop from an actual hiring manager on why ATS are used and see how an application can get kicked out before even making it to a human.
Thank you Marijoy Bertolini this information is very useful.