How ATS Bots Could Reject Your Resume and Job Application
Are you applying for a job and worried about your resume being rejected by an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?
We all know how stressful the recruitment process can be, and it's likely that many of us still hear the many myths about recruitment. However, not all of these myths are true - in fact, some of them can be quite misleading!
Let's take a look at why this is the case, and explore one of the most common recruitment myths that has been circulating for years.
The ATS robots can automatically reject your resume
Where did this myth come from? It may stem from many job seekers feeling like they are constantly applying for jobs and never hearing back. However, there are many reasons why an employer may not respond to a job application, and it's not necessarily because the ATS rejected the candidate.
It's also possible that this myth has been spread by resume and career coaches to encourage job seekers to optimize their resumes for ATS software. While it's true that improving your resume could help you get attention from recruiters, it will NOT help you with ATS nor increase your chances of getting through the system!
So why do some job seekers feel like ATS systems constantly reject them? It could be that their resumes are not a good fit for the job or that they are applying to positions for which they are not qualified. Job seekers must carefully read the job posting and ensure their resumes align with the requirements and qualifications listed.
ATS systems are not automatically rejecting candidates after they apply. Job seekers need to remember that many factors can influence whether or not they will be considered for a job, and optimizing their resume for ATS is just one of them.
“ATS Reject More Than 70% of Resumes” Myth
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) has become a staple in the hiring process for many companies, but there is a common misconception that these systems automatically reject candidates after they apply. This is NOT true.
While ATS software filters and organizes job applications, it cannot automatically reject candidates based on their resumes. ATS software aims to help employers efficiently review and evaluate job applications, not to eliminate candidates from consideration.
Your resume could be automatically rejected if the company uses "filtering" questions. These questions are designed to screen out certain candidates based on their responses.
For example, if a company asks if you require a work permit and you select "Yes," the ATS may automatically reject your resume within a few days. Some companies add a delay before rejecting a resume to give someone on their team a chance to review your profile again or to create the impression that someone has reviewed it.
However, many companies do not use this option because candidates sometimes select "No" even if they need a visa to avoid rejection. It's important to note that even if a company uses filtering questions, your resume will not necessarily be rejected by ATS robots. Recruiters may look at the resumes of individuals who were rejected by an ATS.
Despite a well-crafted resume or “ATS-proof resume template”, it's your answers during the application process that likely weighed heavier in the decision not to move forward.
If you need to apply for a visa and the company does not offer visa sponsorship, your resume will likely be rejected in the end by a recruiter, not an automated tracking system (ATS). And there is no "ATS proof" resume template that can help you in this situation.
How to Create a Resume that Will Beat ATS Robots
Creating a resume that will beat applicant tracking systems (ATS) robots can be challenging because, as you already know, there are no ATS robots you could beat.
So it would be best if you focused on creating a resume that will stand out and get noticed by hiring managers and recruiters.
Here are some tips to help you create a resume that will get attention:
1. Use a proper format
It sounds obvious, but formatting matters as ATS systems are designed to scan and parse resumes for specific information, so it's important to use a proper format that will be easy for the ATS to read and understand. Make sure your resume is in an easily readable format like Word or PDF and free from fancy fonts or graphics. Focus on readability; this means using clear, concise headings and bullet points and standard font styles and sizes.
2. Avoid using tables or text boxes
While tables and text boxes can be a useful way to organize information on a resume, they can often cause issues with ATS software. Instead, try using bullet points or headings to break your resume into easy-to-read sections.
3. Focus on achievements
Recruiters and Hiring managers are looking for specific keywords and phrases that indicate you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for.
One way to make your resume stand out is to focus on your achievements and accomplishments rather than just listing your responsibilities. Include quantifiable achievements: Include specific numbers, such as percentage increases or dollar amounts, to illustrate the impact of your work.
Use action verbs to describe what you did and how you contributed to your previous employers.
4. Keep it simple
It's important to keep your resume as simple and easily read as possible. Avoid using fancy fonts or graphics, as these can often cause issues with ATS systems. Stick to a simple, clean layout and use bullet points and short, clear sentences to make your resume easy to read and understand.
5. Specific Keywords
Using specific phrases or keywords from the job description is OK, but don't cram every keyword into one document; make sure each keyword appears naturally within your resume multiple times and in various places.
6. Use a professional summary
Consider including a professional summary at the top of your resume highlighting your skills and experience in a few short sentences.
7. Use strong headings
Use clear, descriptive headings to organize your resume and make it easy for employers to find the information they are looking for.
8. Check Your Grammar & Spelling
This might sound like a no-brainer, but grammar and spelling are often overlooked when submitting applications - especially if you're up against hundreds of other applicants who don't have such errors on their resumes! Recruiters and hiring managers could reject resumes with mistakes, so it's worth taking the time to double-check your work.
By following these tips, you can create a resume that will stand out and get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Remember to highlight your achievements (or even put them in bold), use relevant keywords, and keep your resume simple and easy to read. With a little effort, you can create a resume that will help you land your dream job.
What is ATS-Friendly Resume Template
What about those ATS-Friendly Resume Templates you heard so much about, and is it necessary to use a specific template or run your resume through job scanners to ensure that it is compatible with ATS systems?
Absolutely not! Using a special template or running your resume through a job scanner is unnecessary to make it compatible with ATS systems. Many of the so-called "ATS-friendly" templates you can find online are basic templates you can download for free.
There is no magic formula for creating a resume that ATS systems will accept, so it is not worth investing your money in these templates.
Instead, focus on using clear and simple formatting, including relevant keywords, and ensuring that your contact information is easily accessible. These strategies will help you create a resume that will be easily readable by both humans and machines.
You can find the entire chapter about this topic in Job Search Guide, but let me share a few tips that will help you save money on those templates and still get your resume in front of a hiring manager or recruiter.
My tip for ATS-Friendly Resume: To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, simply write it in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and save it as a Word document or PDF. Congratulations – you have now successfully made your resume ATS-proof! Yes, it is that easy to make your resume ATS-compliant. So you do not have to pay for any "special" resume templates.
Networking, Networking, Networking
While optimizing your resume is important, it's also crucial to remember the value of networking and reaching out to recruiters, hiring managers, and others. Building relationships with people in your industry can often lead to job opportunities, even if they aren't advertised.
Networking is crucial when it comes to finding a new job! But if you're tired of spending hours trying to craft the perfect LinkedIn connection request message only to be met with radio silence, then it's time to streamline your networking efforts and increase your chances of making meaningful connections.
These 96 LinkedIn connection request message templates have been tested on more than 62,000 LinkedIn users and proven to be highly effective at getting people to accept your request. With these templates at your disposal, you'll no longer have to worry about coming up with the right words.
Simply choose the template that best fits the situation, add your personal touch, and send. It's that easy!
Questions and Answers
Question: What is the best format for your resume?
Answer:
There is no one "best" format, as it ultimately depends on the employer's or hiring manager's preferences. However, two common formats for resumes are DOC (Microsoft Word document) and PDF (Portable Document Format).
One advantage of using a DOC format for your resume is that it is easily editable and customizable. This can be useful if you need to make updates or changes to your resume before submitting it. However, the downside is that DOC files can sometimes be difficult to open or view on certain devices or software, which could be an issue for the employer.
On the other hand, a PDF format for your resume is generally more universally compatible and can be opened on any device or software. However, it is not as easily editable as a DOC file, so you will need to make any necessary updates or changes to the original file before saving it as a PDF.
If you are unsure which format to use, it is generally safe to go with a PDF. This will ensure that your CV is readable and easily accessible to the employer, regardless of the device or software they use. However, if the employer specifically requests a DOC file, it is important to follow their instructions.
Sometimes when you are uploading your resume, you might get an error message that your resume isn't readable or cannot be uploaded. If you are receiving these messages, it could be an issue with the format or file size.
Try saving the file in a different format (such as PDF) or reducing the file size to see if that resolves the issue. Removing your profile photo should help you to reduce the file size of your PDF file. If you are still having trouble, it may be helpful to reach out to the employer for clarification or assistance.
PDF is also a safe bet, as some ATS systems could have difficulty reading your DOC file due to the wrong character encoding.
Questions and Answers
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