How to Beat the ATS and Get Your Resume Noticed

TLDRLearn the three most common problems when writing your resume for the ATS and how to beat them. Keep your resume simple and use a standard word processing format or PDF. Include relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume. Tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Use a free tool to scan your resume and optimize it for ATS.

Key insights

🔑The ATS is a software database used by employers to scan and organize resumes.

🔑The ATS struggles with certain resume formats, fonts, and tables. Keep your resume simple and use a standard word processing format or PDF.

🔑The ATS scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job. Read the job description carefully and include relevant keywords throughout your resume.

🔑Tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight the most relevant skills and experiences based on the job requirements.

🔑Use a free tool like Career.IO to scan your resume and optimize it for the ATS. Make necessary changes to improve the ATS compatibility of your resume.

Q&A

What is the ATS?

The ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is a software database used by employers to scan and organize resumes.

How does the ATS affect my job application?

The ATS plays a crucial role in the hiring process as it scans resumes for keywords and ranks candidates based on relevance. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may not pass the initial screening and be overlooked by employers.

How can I optimize my resume for the ATS?

To optimize your resume for the ATS, keep it simple with standard formatting, use relevant keywords from the job description, and tailor your resume for each job you apply to. You can also use tools like Career.IO to scan and improve your resume's ATS compatibility.

Should I use creative fonts and designs in my resume?

While creative fonts and designs may make your resume stand out visually, they can hinder the ATS's ability to read and parse your resume correctly. It's best to prioritize clarity and readability for ATS compatibility.

Is it necessary to tailor my resume for each job?

Tailoring your resume for each job allows you to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences for that specific role. It increases your chances of getting noticed by the ATS and the hiring manager.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The ATS is a software database used by employers to scan and organize resumes.

00:20The ATS struggles with certain resume formats, fonts, and tables. Keep your resume simple and use a standard word processing format or PDF.

01:03The ATS scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job. Read the job description carefully and include relevant keywords throughout your resume.

02:06Tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight the most relevant skills and experiences based on the job requirements.

05:51Use a free tool like Career.IO to scan your resume and optimize it for the ATS. Make necessary changes to improve the ATS compatibility of your resume.