Understanding the Technology Behind Resume Screening

Consider a dedicated digital assistant going through hundreds of resumes in search of a position. In simple terms, this is the function of an applicant tracking system or ATS. Companies of all kinds use such applications to automate the hiring process. 

• It's the Gatekeeper, many companies rely on ATS to shortlist resumes before human review. If your resume gets past the ATS scan, your skills and experience might reach a hiring manager.

• Imagine sifting through hundreds of applications manually. ATS saves recruiters time by prioritizing applications that best match the job description.

• By focusing on keywords and qualifications, ATS helps eliminate bias during the initial screening process.

• Understanding ATS doesn't mean your resume becomes a robotic checklist. It simply means presenting your qualifications in a way that speaks both to the system and the recruiter.

So, how do you get your resume noticed by the ATS gatekeeper? Here are some key strategies that you could use - 

• Keyword Magic - Carefully read the job description and identify relevant keywords and skills. Don't just stuff them in – weave them naturally throughout your resume, especially in your summary, work experience, and skills sections

• Think Format, Not Fancy - Use a clear and concise layout with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid fancy graphics, tables, or coloured text, as they can be misread by the ATS.

• Bullet Point Power - Structure your experience with strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements.

Example - 

• Before ATS Optimization -

Creative Writer (Freelance)

Responsibilities included writing blog posts and website content.

• After ATS Optimization -

Freelance Content Writer

Created engaging blog posts and website content, resulting in a 15% increase in average session duration.

Many online resources like Mployee.me and others that offer free ATS scanners. Run your resume through one to identify any formatting issues or missing keywords.

While keywords are important for ATS, remember your resume is also meant for human eyes. Here's how to make it stand out for a potential employer -

• Don't send the old resume to every employer. Highlight the specific skills and experiences that the job description cites to make your resume stand out.

• Make use of powerful action verbs to highlight your achievements. Use verbs like "managed," "developed," or " driven" in place of "responsible for."

• Numbers speak volumes! Did you increase sales, improve efficiency, or manage a large team? Quantify your contributions with metrics whenever possible.

• Grammatical mistakes and typos can provide the wrong impression. 

• Make a lasting impact by showcasing your value proposition through narrative and targeted examples.

The ATS might screen resumes, but the cover letter is your chance to shine beyond keywords. 

• You can convey your personality and sincere interest in the job and company with a cover letter. Expand on your experiences and abilities in the cover letter, as they might not be properly conveyed on the resume.

• Customize your cover letter according to every application you submit, highlighting details of the company and the role that interests you.

• If you want to stand out from the competition, send a unique, professionally formatted PDF cover letter instead of submitting it through the applicant tracking system (ATS).