Applicant Tracking System 101
An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is a recruitment software used by most companies and recruiters to automatically collect and scan through high volumes of job applications.
An Applicant Tracking System looks for ATS-compatible resumes that contain specific keywords that the ATS is programmed to look for. If a resume fulfils the criteria, it is then passed onto the next stage.
While this speeds up the initial process of filtering candidates, it also means that creating an ATS compatible resume is crucial if you’d like to stand a chance of obtaining interview opportunities.
Need help in creating ATS compatible resumes to stand out and pass the first test? Here are some tips for you to create an ATS compatible resume.
A Guide on Creating ATS Compatible Resume
1. ATS Compatible Resume Format
No matter how fancy your initial resume is, it can still get rejected if its information cannot be read by the ATS. To allow ATS to scan through your majestic resume, your resume format must first be ATS-friendly.
Here are some ATS compatible resume format tips:
- The functional resume format is a no-go – ATS normally prefer the reverse-chronological and hybrid resume formats because these formats present clear structure and work history. They allow the ATS to better understand an applicant’s experience.
- Only use ATS compatible resume fonts – These fonts are normally preset fonts and do not require any downloading. For example, Calibri, Helvetica, Cambria, Lato, Georgia, and Verdana are safe, ATS compatible resume fonts.
- Ignore the header and footer of your resume – Most ATS cannot read the information present in the header or footer of a document. Strictly keep your content and especially resume contact information in the body of the resume.
2. Keyword is Key
Literally, they are the key to creating a successful ATS compatible resume. Since ATS is programmed to catch specific keywords in your resume, inserting highly-relevant KEYwords should be one of your KEY strategies.
It’s easy to identify what the company’s ATS wants. Research the company’s job advertisement and look out for the job title and job description.
Once you have noted down the phrases used, skills and personalities needed for that specific job position, it’s time to mix and match! Try to slot them into your resume as much as possible.
3. Simple, But Professional
Remember that the ATS is just software, designed to function without human intervention. This means your resume’s design will not matter when it comes to the ATS step.
Here are a few things to note:
- Omit fancy designs, images, charts and graphics – Even though these items are attractive to human readers, they usually get ignored when it’s going through the ATS. The ATS is unable to read images, charts, and tables.
- Less is more – Use simple bullet points only. Again, skip the fancy characters when creating bulleted lists on your resume. Instead, use the solid circle, open circle, or square to make it readable for the ATS.
- Clear & well-structured – ATS is not as patient and understanding compared to human readers. If your resume is messy with no clear structure, the software will not be able to process it right. Keeping it simple and tidy is the least you could do.
4. Use The Right Type of File
The first step is to understand what file format the company wants the resume to be in. For example, if you’re required to upload your resume as a PDF, then you should do so.
However, if the company does not specify which type of file your resume must be in, your default file choice should be .docx or .doc. Resume saved as a plain-text file is also ATS compatible, but they limit your formatting options.
That said, PDF is surprisingly not the most ATS compatible file type. Even though some people prefer PDFs because they are good at preserving the resume’s design and format, sometimes the system may miss out on important keywords in a PDF.
5. Proofreading & Testing
An ATS compatible resume cannot be full of grammatical and spelling errors. ATS is even more unforgiving than humans when it comes to this issue. A slight spelling error would render the entire keyword or even crucial phrases useless.
Remember to spell-check your resume, and ask someone else to proofread your resume before sending it to an ATS. Alternatively, you may use an ATS simulator like this one.
If the ATS resume checker is unable to read important information on your resume, it is a sign for you to further optimise your resume to pass the ATS compatibility test.
Final Thoughts
In order for your resumes to be ATS compatible, your resumes must be curated according to the ATS’ standards. However, honestly is still the best policy. Always ensure that the resume’s keywords and content are 100% true, and not there just to pass the ATS test.
With your ATS compatible ready, it’s time to land the Majestic job in Malaysia you’ve always dreamt of. To prepare you for the job interviews ahead, our team of career experts have created crucial interview and career guidance on our Job Majestic Channel.
How about pairing your ATS compatible resume with a video resume? Or supplement your job application process with an effective cover letter? Job Majestic has all the resources you need.
