The Role of Keywords in ATS Scanners: Do They Still Matter

Nowadays the recruitment process has changed with the evolution of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Earlier, hiring managers used to rely on manual techniques to shortlist candidates but now it has transformed into digital techniques. This means that your resume is checked by software and there are high chances that it detects even a small error in your resume and results in elimination. Thus, you have to understand what ATS software is and how it works.

Application tracking system (ATS) is the software used by companies to shortlist candidates. This AI based software scans your resume and evaluates if you meet the company's requirements. An ATS scanner detects certain keywords and terms in your resume to decide whether you pass or not. If your resume doesn't have these keywords you will be rejected even if you have all the qualifications.

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are certain industry-related terms or words that ATS tries to find in your resume. 

For example, a candidate who applied for a marketing analyst role. So it is important for him to use certain trending resume keywords such as SEO, content strategy, or digital campaign management

Why Keywords Matter in ATS Scanners

Using relevant keywords in the resume, helps you in passing the ATS checks and also matches the resume with the job description. A recruiter assesses the candidate's knowledge and understanding through these keywords. So if your resume has certain keywords it can help you get noticed by the hiring managers.

Understand the role of keywords and strategically place the keywords in your resume by:

• Identifying Relevant Keywords: The first step to ensure your resume has relevant keywords to pass ATS Scanner is identifying which keywords you have to incorporate into your CV. Go through the job description and job post to prepare a list of keywords. You can use tools like a free ATS resume checker to identify missing keywords.

• Placing Keywords Strategically: After identification of keywords, place them carefully without overloading it. You can integrate these keywords in the skills, experience, or summary section of your resume. A free ATS resume checker can guide you on where to place those keywords effectively. 

• Maintaining Keyword Density: One thing to remember is that, do not use too many keywords in your resume because it can also backfire on your opportunity. Resume overloading actually decreases your chances of getting shortlisted because ATS Scanners may find difficulties while judging these resumes. You use a free ATS resume checker Like, Mployee.me’s resume keywords tool, which ensures that your resume stays ATS-friendly.

Some tips to pass the ATS resume scanners for job seekers are given here:

• Save Your Resume as a PDF or Docx: Do not use JPEG or PNG format while sending your resume to the hiring managers because a PDF or Docs present your resume in the best quality.

• Include Contact Information Clearly: Many candidates forget to add their contact information, and it costs them at the end. Mention your full contact details and address at the top of the resume. 

• Don’t Skip Cover Letters: Cover letters are very important when you send your application to the recruiters, as they provide space for additional keywords to improve your profile. 

• Apply Early in the Week: Try to submit your application on the starting days of week, i.e. Monday or Tuesday, because early applications are scanned first.

Using relevant keywords in your resume can make you succeed or break your chances of passing an ATS scanner. Thus, we can conclude that the role of keywords in resumes still matters for most of the job roles, even though the value of keywords has increased due to ATS scanners. There are some industries where ATS scanner is often ignored but still 95% of companies in India employ resume shortlisting software for eliminating resumes. By using tools like free ATS resume checker, you can also identify relevant keywords and make an ATS-friendly resume within a few minutes. If you are looking for tools to optimize your resume with relevant keywords from the job description, you can use the Resume Keywords tool by mployee.me.