How to Beat the Applicant Tracking System

Knowing How to Beat The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is an integral part of job search. 

When we understand what it does we can make it works for us and ensure all our applications stand out. 

If we ignore the ATS our CV or documents are likely to remain unseen on a database regardless of how well qualified or experienced we are.

An Applicant Tracking System basically uses a key word search to find information on a database. It is used by the vast majority of recruiters as well as approximately 97% of Fortune 500 companies.

This is understandable when we consider how many people are applying for jobs every day – it would not be possible for all the CVs to be checked by individuals. 

Over the last few years, recruiters have become more and more reliant on the Applicant Tracking System. This has been  aided greatly by LinkedIn and the fact that we almost universally apply for jobs on-line now rather than using hard copy documentation.

When we know how to beat the Applicant Tracking System we are winning twice.  Firstly, we are winning against the competition who don’t understand it. Secondly, we are ensuring that our CVs get read by the right recruiters.

How to Work the System

1. Be absolutely clear on what you want to do so you can create a focused LinkedIn profile.
2. Analyse any job description when you want to apply, so you can Tailor your CV and cover letter to individual jobs.
3. Match key words and prioritise the information in the same order as the job description.
4. Be sure to avoid using acronyms, abbreviations or jargon. So write things out in full and use generically understood language
5. If possible, use the traditional Reverse Chronology CV, which is well understood and will usually have the most relevant information up front (so long as you are wanting to continue to do what you have been doing most recently). If you are wanting to change roles/careers this may not be possible but all the other points will still apply. (for more information on other CV formats see CV Formats https://truecolourscoaching.com/?p=1918  or Step by Step CV Step By Step CV Workbook – True Colours Coaching
6. When writing your CV don’t use too much formatting, it is better to:
   1. use commonly understood headings.
   2. avoid tables if possible (some systems will still not read what is inside a table!). You can use columns if absolutely necessary for creating a good visual layout.
   3. make sure you use a font is universally available, has been around for a while and is not one that is under copyright.
   4. Don’t use graphic or symbols of any kind except for basic bullet points
7. Write and send off your CV in a .docx format – it is almost universally accepted whereas some others, including PDF, may not be.

Also see 5 Common CV Mistakes – True Colours Coaching

By thinking about all these rules the likelihood of our CV/application being noticed by the ATS and flagged for the recruiters’ attention is very high. 

An extra bonus tip

We can include some essential words even if we don’t initially have then in our career history.

There is no intention to mislead recruiters , but rather to let them know of our capabilities and give them, rather than the machines, the choice.  If you feel you are a good candidate for the role but do not have a specific key word or phrase, you might want to introduce this by doing research or taking a short e-learning course.

For example, if you were an experienced Project Manager using MS Projects, but had not used the specific process the company mentioned (maybe Prince II) you might feel you could be rejected by the ATS. However, there are many online courses you could take which would enable you add the relevant key words to your CV.

Then you could then say that you have ‘Managed Projects and that you are experienced with MS Projects and familiar with Prince II’, thus having the right key words on your CV! 

One easy way to gain some training is through LinkedIn Learning.  You do need to be using LinkedIn Premium but so long as you only subscribe for as long as you find it useful it could be a very cost effective way of accessing this support. 

There are many other e-training platforms and I am not suggesting any are better than others, but I am familiar with LinkedIn Learning and it is also used by many Universities  as a useful support tool for their students even though the majority of courses are not certified. Linkedin Learning (reading.ac.uk)