What is ATS

To be the most efficient in job searching, you need to know what is ATS.

ATS refers to the applicant tracking system software that companies use to filter resume. These scanners will filter through keywords and pass the resumes that meet the basic criteria to the recruiter.

March 2, 2024 by Kazu Fujimoto

If you’ve been applying to many companies, but haven’t been able to hear anything back, it’s because you’re not passing the ATS.

Passing the ATS scanner is easy when you use the right resume writing frameworks and the best resume format.

Many of our clients struggle with getting their resumes past the initial screening.

Keep reading to find more about what is ATS software and how you can get your resume past the initial screening.

Why companies use ATS

Companies are integrating the use of software and tech wherever they can so that they get more bang for their buck. Why spend so much money paying someone to read a resume, when a company can use software to quickly filter through the resumes that are attractive?

Time is money, and companies are always looking to save money. Hence, they integrate and implement software such as ATS to streamline talent acquisition processes.

If it weren’t for the use of ATS software, then companies would literally be adding weeks to the hiring process.

Companies want to do things as fast as they can, but they need to go through many processes when it comes to hiring someone.

Adding the ATS scanner saves companies millions of dollars in HR fees regarding resume filtering.

The resume format you need to get past the ATS Software

We’ve been recommending this very simple resume format for quite some time now, because it works well.

Although the resume looks very simple, this is what the ATS software is programmed to read.

For ATS optimization, the resume should be broken up into three sections:

• Experience
• Education
• Additional – Consisting of technical skills, programming, certifications & training, language if applicable, and awards

We recommend this resume format for all jobs and industries such as art, healthcare, engineering, business, accounting, finance, and many others.

We will note that for creative type of resumes, you will need to supplement your application with a portfolio. This is to showcase your creative work to your recruiter and hiring manager in a very clean and concise way.

How to get past the initial ATS screening for jobs

To get past the initial ATS screening for job applications, you need to be using the best resume format.

Once you have the right resume formatting down, then we need to dig into the keywords.

Look at the job description for specific keywords such as skillsets or duties.

Make sure that you’ve had relevant skillsets or job duties from the job posting into your resume.

Take a look at the job description below.

This is the job description for a Storage Field Engineer I.

If we were to be writing a resume for this job, we would make sure to capture what we can and tailor it to our experience.

We would make sure to have keywords such as “reviewing gas storage well tubing results” or “performing statistical analysis to determine various corrosion growth”.

Keep this in mind when you are writing the bulletpoints in your resume and you will have no problems getting past the initial ATS software screening.

Why you haven’t been getting job interviews

You haven’t been getting job interviews because you haven’t been able to write a resume that gets past the initial applicant tracking system software.

Know you now what is ATS, so there’s no reason that you won’t be able to get more interviews.

You need to be using the correct formatting along with making sure you have the correct key words in your resume.

A simple resume template works fine with getting your resume past the initial screening.

To quickly summarize why you’re not getting job interviews:

• You don’t have enough keywords in your resume
• You’re not using the correct formatting for your resume
• You have way too much text in your resume
• You have way too little text in your resume
• Your resume is not clear and concise
• You don’t include metrics that highlight your business impact in your resume
• Your resume includes pictures

What not to do when companies use ATS

Don’t use a Canva Template Resume

Although Canva Resume templates are very pretty in design, do not use them.

The reason why you shouldn’t be using Canva resume templates it because they are not able to be read by the ATS software.

The ATS software is designed to read the standard “Wall Street” type resume or “Harvard” resume format.

The ATS software is NOT designed to read colorful pretty Canva like resume templates.

Check out: Harvard Resume Template

Don’t use an infographic resume

Make sure you don’t have infographics or pictures on your resume.

These will also mess up with the formatting and the ATS will have a hard time picking up your resume.

The ATS like to see very simple resumes because they’re easy to parse.

When the ATS software can easily parse your resume, you are more likely to get the job interview.

Don’t write your resume without reviewing the job description

Unless you’re on a time crunch, make sure you’re reviewing the job description and making sure that your resume contains keywords.

This is an easy opportunity to make sure you have all the keywords on your resume.

This will increase your chances of you landing your interview with the employer.

Closing Thoughts

Many people don’t know that job applications use an ATS software for resumes.

As a result, people don’t understand the specific guidelines and frameworks to follow when creating their resume.

This is one of the reasons why job seekers struggle with getting job interviews.

There are cases where people apply to thousands of jobs only to never hear back from employers.

Don’t be one of them and make sure that your resume is ATS compliant.

Make sure your resume has:

• Clear and concise formatting
• Keyword optimized
• Displays quantitative results and accomplishments

And you’ll be good to go and getting 10X more interviews in no time.