Beating the ATS at Its Own Game

Did you know that your meticulously crafted resume, which you spent hours perfecting, might be discarded by a robot before a recruiter even has a chance to look at it?
Surprisingly, this is the case for 𝟳𝟬% of us!

So, it’s crucial to understand, and then beat the "robot," known as an 𝗔𝗧𝗦 (𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺) in its own game, and we're here to help with just that.
• First, let’s talk about resume formats. Avoid fancy designs that confuse the software; stick to minimalist layouts that highlight your skills clearly.
• Next, file type matters. While PDFs are great for preserving formatting, not all ATS can read them. Always check the job posting for preferred formats—sometimes, a simple .doc or .docx is your best bet.
• Labeling sections properly is another key step. Clearly marked sections like “Work Experience” and “Education” help the ATS understand your qualifications better.
• Don’t forget about keywords to improve resume ranking! These are the magic words the ATS scans for, often pulled directly from the job description. Incorporate them naturally into your resume to increase your chances of passing through. Just remember, save this keyword wizardry for the top-tier job posts—after all, you wouldn’t waste your best spells on a pumpkin patch!
• Finally, remember to keep your resume simple. Avoid headers, tables, and complex graphics—these can confuse the ATS and lead to missed information. Take a look at the image shown below; it illustrates how a resume is interpreted by the software. You can see that the tables and other complex elements are not read in a sequential manner.

By following these steps, you'll not only outsmart the ATS but also dazzle the human eyes that follow. So... Hold on the scrolling for a minute, and ensure you check all boxes —because your resume deserves a standing ovation, not a silent exit.

Ready to make your resume ATS-friendly and get noticed? Drop us a DM and let us help you take your job search to the next level!