Have you tried to apply for a job online recently? Applied for something you were perfect for but didn’t even get a reply? You’re not alone and it’s posing a real problem for job applicants.
Most online job applications now use robot CV scanners called ATS or Applicant Tracking Systems.
It’s a lazy way to work, automating that initial filtering phase of a job application to save a recruiter’s time. Like most things with software right now, it’s not very good and is hardly a suitable solution.
But most recruiters use it, so it’s the system we have to work with right now.
I know someone in recruitment. They were there before ATS and now have to use it on a daily basis. I won’t repeat what they say about it here, suffice to say, they don’t think it’s a fair system.
They also shared some actionable tips to help get through it, which is the point of this post.
How to beat the Applicant Tracking System when applying for a job
Like it or loathe it, the Applicant Tracking System is here to stay. That means working within its limitations and figuring out how to make it work in your favour.
Using these tips will help.
Tailor the CV to the job
The most effective way to get a job application past the Applicant Tracking System is to tailor your CV to every job you apply for.
Read the description carefully and pick out key words. Add those words to your CV and you’ll stand a much better chance of getting through.
For example, if you’re a writer and editor like me, going for an online magazine editor position, read the advertisement and take key words or phrases.
Think ‘editor’, ‘magazine’, ‘writer’, ‘schedule’, ‘content’ and so on. Then add specifics to the ad around the type of magazine, any specific skills they ask for.
Mention each once or twice and you should be fine.
Keep CVs simple
There are lots of companies and platforms out there that make CVs look amazing. They will use tables, images, columns, charts and all kinds of things to make your CV stand out.
They won’t work with an ATS as it won’t understand them.
Use a simple document format, simple text with headers and avoid any images or charts.
Be imaginative with layout, fonts, colours and so on, but make sure it can be understood by a machine.
Keep fonts simple though, use readable fonts, avoid fancy or handwritten fonts and make sure your CV can be scanned and understood.
Use a key skills section
Key skills sections in CVs went out of fashion a while ago but are now coming back thanks to Applicant Tracking Systems.
It’s a small section of your CV with a bulleted list of your key skills. It’s here you can add any relevant skills mentioned in the advert.
The more skills you can add from the advert, the higher your chances of making it through.
Just make sure to be truthful!
Use a qualification summary
Qualification summaries are similar to the skills section. They are a bulleted list outlining your key qualifications.
Make sure to match yours as closely as possible with the ad while remaining truthful.
Add dates to all roles
Recruiters use dates as deciding factors for applications as they outline how much experience you have in any given role.
Dates also show career progression and highlight any empty spaces. If you have significant gaps, make sure to explain them briefly within the CV to avoid any doubt.
Use PDF format if you can .doc if not
CV format is minor but important consideration. It is widely thought that a PDF document is the best format for a CV.
However, not all Applicant Tracking Systems can work with PDFs, so make sure to have a Word document version of it.
As most of us will create a CV in Word and save it as a PDF, that should work for most of you.
Read the application carefully to check acceptable formats before sending.
Always follow up an application
Applying for a job is now largely a soulless process but it doesn’t have to be. Machines may do the initial filtering but it’s a human that will make decisions after that.
You’ll probably get an automated acknowledgement of an application telling you when you can expect a response or telling you only successful candidates will get a response.
Ignore that. Give it a few days and follow up with a phone call.
Phone calls are harder to ignore than emails and show a personal touch. Not all recruiters will welcome them but it’s part of the job.
It’s also your livelihood we’re talking about so the more effort you put in, the more you get out.
Applicant Tracking Systems and job applications
Like most things, the Applicant Tracking System was designed to make life easier for recruiters, not for applicants.
It has removed any of the human element from job applications. While it may be necessary to filter out the chaff, there’s no doubt it has a detrimental effect on applications and the types of applications that make it through.
If you’re looking to better your situation with a new job, I hope this guide has given you a few tips to help make it through.
Good luck with your application!
