Should You Avoid Applying Through an ATS?
Discover why avoiding ATS like Workday might limit your job prospects. Learn tips for navigating ATS effectively as a job seeker and find your next job.
The advice “Avoid applying through ATS” has been spreading like wildfire across social media - self-proclaimed "job gurus" urging candidates to completely avoid companies that utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). But does this hardline stance actually serve your interests?
These systems have developed a notorious reputation as insurmountable barriers, with tales of qualified applicants being unfairly cast aside by soulless algorithms. The mere mention of ATS can strike fear into job seekers who have invested countless hours tailoring materials, only to have them seemingly disappear into a digital black hole.
The myths and horror stories are rampant. Each week, I receive messages from dozens of frustrated job hunters desperately seeking ways to "beat" or circumvent ATS, stunned when I explain that these systems are not the nefarious enemies they've been led to believe.
But is completely avoiding ATS truly the wisest strategy? Or have these valuable hiring tools simply been tragically misunderstood and unfairly vilified? Before heeding the siren call to boycott nearly half of all job opportunities, let's take a deeper look into this complex issue.
What is ATS?
ATS, short for Applicant Tracking System, is a software application designed to help companies manage and streamline their recruitment process. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet for job applications.
At their core, ATSs are designed to make the lives of recruiters and hiring managers easier by centralizing all job application data in one place. They allow companies to post job openings, collect and store resumes, and track candidates throughout the hiring process.
The Recruiter's Rant: The Love-Hate Relationship with ATS
As a recruiter, I've had my fair share of experiences with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). From implementing new systems to working with a wide range of existing ones, I've seen it all. And let me tell you, the relationship between recruiters and ATS is far from a fairytale romance.
One of the main issues with many ATS is that they are often designed by individuals who have never walked a mile in a recruiter's shoes. They create processes and workflows that don't align with the tried and tested methods that recruiters have honed over years of experience. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just doesn't work.
Regardless of the challenges, we recruiters continue to rely on these systems because they offer invaluable assistance in storing information about application candidates and tracking their progress through the hiring process. This technology has become an indispensable tool in managing the complex flow of applicants efficiently.
The Jobseeker's Dilemma: To Apply or Not to Apply via ATS?
Many job seekers feel a cold shiver down their spine at the mention of ATS. It’s perceived as a black hole where resumes go to vanish. Some believe that they're rejected outright by a heartless algorithm.
However, it's not entirely the truth. In reality, it's often a human on the other side, examining your fit for the position and, unfortunately, finding it lacking. (I wrote a couple of articles busting myths about ATS! Check out "How ATS Bots Could Reject Your Resume and Job Application" and "Is It True That Over 75% of Resumes Aren't Read by Humans?")
In recent months, a piece of job search advice has gone viral on social media: avoid companies using Workday's ATS at all costs, warn the so-called "gurus" on Instagram and TikTok.
But as with any advice that sounds too good or simplistic to be true, it's worth taking a closer look.
According to data from ONGIG, Workday ATS held a significant market share a few years ago. Even if we assume that the numbers have remained relatively stable, avoiding Workday would mean potentially missing out on 22 out of every 88 job opportunities. That's a significant chunk of the job market to ignore.
Furthermore, a staggering 98.8% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS, with 130 of them opting for Workday (Source: Jobscan). By following the advice to steer clear of Workday, job seekers risk severely limiting their options and potentially missing out on incredible opportunities.
Workday is also one of the most widely used ATS on the market, followed by Taleo and SuccessFactors - systems that also don't have the best reputation among job seekers. Collectively, these major ATS platforms are utilized to manage hiring for approximately 48% of job openings posted.
With such a large portion of opportunities funneled through these systems, can you really afford to take the advice of supposed "gurus" telling you to boycott companies just because they use a particular ATS?
While frustrations with these systems are understandable, writing off nearly half of the job market seems like an overreaction.
How to "Avoid" Workday ATS
As a job seeker, you've likely encountered the frustration of applying for a position through the Workday ATS. Known for its cumbersome process of requiring applicants to copy and paste their entire resume, Workday has earned a less-than-stellar reputation among job seekers.
However, there is a way to navigate this system without the tedious task of duplicating your entire resume.
The Trick: Selective Resume Copy-Pasting
Note: This is a strategy I personally employ when conducting my own job search, and it's one I also recommend to my clients.
When prompted to copy and paste your resume into Workday, consider this alternative approach:
Upload your complete resume as required by the system.
When asked to copy and paste your resume, include only your most recent job experience and delete anything else.
The reasoning behind this strategy is simple. By uploading your full resume, you've already provided the company with a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and work history.
If a company rejects your application solely based on your decision to include only your last job in the copy-pasted section, it may be a red flag. A company that fails to thoroughly review the resumes of potential candidates may not be the best fit for you.
Addressing Concerns About Automatic Resume Rejections
Some job seekers may worry that providing incomplete information in the copy-pasted section could trigger an automatic rejection by the ATS. However, this concern is often unfounded.
While Workday may include knockout questions to screen applicants, it is unlikely that the system employs sophisticated AI algorithms to instantly reject resumes based on the content of the copy-pasted section. In fact, Workday is often criticized for lacking the advanced features that other ATS platforms have offered for years.
Trust Your Judgment
Ultimately, the decision to follow this advice is a personal one. As with any job search strategy, it's essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits and trust your own judgment. By selectively copy-pasting your resume and focusing on showcasing your most recent and relevant experience, you can streamline your application process and avoid the frustration of redundant data entry.
Should You Avoid Applying via ATS?
This advice, “Avoid any companies that use ATS!” is not only misguided but can also significantly limit your job prospects.
Let's explore why this notion falls short and how you can navigate the ATS landscape effectively:
1. The Prevalence of ATS in the Job Market
With over 200 companies offering ATS solutions and even more providing ATS as part of their broader services, the use of these systems is widespread.
In fact, popular ATS platforms like Workday, Taleo, and SuccessFactors collectively account for approximately 48% of job opportunities. By avoiding these systems, you risk missing out on nearly half of the available job openings.
2. The Pitfalls of Blanket Statements
One of the main issues with the advice to avoid certain ATS is that it relies on blanket statements that rarely hold true across the board. Every ATS, including Workday, has its own strengths and weaknesses.
What may be a challenge for one job seeker might not be an issue for another. It's overly simplistic to label an entire ATS as "bad" without considering the unique circumstances of each job seeker and the specific requirements of the position.
3. The Ever-Evolving Nature of ATS
Another factor to consider is that software platforms, including ATS, are constantly evolving. What might have been true about Workday or any other ATS a year ago may no longer be accurate today.
Companies are continually working to improve user experience, address user feedback, and enhance the effectiveness of their systems. By avoiding a particular ATS based on outdated information, you risk missing out on valuable job opportunities.
4. Focusing on the Job, Not the ATS
At the end of the day, your primary goal as a job seeker is to find a position that aligns with your career aspirations and allows you to showcase your skills and experience.
If your dream job happens to be listed with a company that uses an ATS you've been advised to avoid, it would be counterproductive to let that deter you from applying. The ATS is merely a tool; it's the job itself that should be your main focus.
5. Preparation is Key
Instead of dodging companies based on their choice of ATS, a more proactive approach is to learn how to optimize your resume for these systems. There is a wealth of resources available that provide guidance on formatting your resume, using relevant keywords, and ensuring that your application makes it past the initial screening process.
By taking the time to prepare your application materials properly, you increase your chances of being seen by human recruiters, regardless of the ATS being used.
6. The Human Factor
It's important to remember that while ATS serves as a filtering tool, the final decision always rests with human recruiters. These professionals are the ones who will review your qualifications, assess your fit for the position, and ultimately decide whether to move forward with your application.
By focusing on crafting a compelling resume and cover letter that showcases your strengths and aligns with the job requirements, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression on the recruiters, irrespective of the ATS.
Should You Avoid Applying Through an ATS?
Blanket advice to avoid applying for jobs that utilize ATS is misguided and can severely hurt your prospects. Rather than letting overblown claims and outdated information sabotage your job search strategy, focus your efforts on optimizing application materials, tailoring your approach thoughtfully for each position, and having confidence in your qualifications.
By taking the time to understand how to navigate different ATS platforms effectively, you'll expand your horizons and increase your likelihood of landing interviews for roles that are a strong fit. Don't let unfounded fears abnegate nearly half the job market opportunities.
With a well-informed approach leveraging best practices, you can succeed in making ATS a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block on your path to rewarding career growth.
Share this article or any other article to unlock exclusive premium content (guides, strategies, insights) that is behind a paywall. Discover how to do it here!
ATS: Your Unexpected Ally in Your Job Search
When it comes to finding a new job, many job seekers view Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) as a hurdle to overcome. However, what if I told you that ATS could actually be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal?
Here is how ATS can help you find jobs that you wouldn’t find anywhere: