The volume of applicants applying for any one job role means that an estimated 90% of employers have now sought the aid of a computerised system, which can sift through the CVs and cover letters faster than a human.
So, how exactly should you tackle writing a CV that will be received by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
Read on to learn how to survive the screening process.
The answer lies in the job description
An ATS works by ranking your CV against others by assessing which have the most keywords and are therefore most relevant to the recruiter. The relevant keywords related to the position, the skills required and the type of experience required.
A job description will contain the qualities, skills and experience required by a successful candidate. Therefore, it should be your go-to tool when writing your CV and cover letter.
Sift through the job description and highlight keywords and phrases. For example, an accountancy role job description is likely to contain the keywords payroll, wages, salaries, bank reconciliation, deductions and reports.
Once you have identified the keywords, you can then incorporate the terms in your CV and cover letter easily.
By including keywords, you’ll make it clearer to the employer, as well as the ATS, that you’re an ideal match for the role. You will allow the company to see that you have the right experience and knowledge before inviting you to interview.
Keyword placement matters
Whilst trying to include every keyword in your CV and cover letter is good practice, you need to be strategic in how you do it.
Even though an ATS is a clever system, it’s still only a computer and it cannot make assumptions. You need to include the listed terms throughout your application in a systematic and uniformed approach.
If you have had four jobs which all included being a team leader, then make sure each description includes the word team leader. Or, if you have always worked in research analysis, make sure you type that specific job title in your employment history.
Don’t try to come up with a more creative job title out of fear of looking boring as the ATS may interpret this the wrong way. It may instead pick up that only one of your jobs has involved research analysis and throw away your CV for not having enough relevant experience, for example.
So, if you’re highly qualified for a position but your CV and cover letter keep being rejected, consider this as a reason why and you may be able to overcome a hurdle.
Keep it simple
As mentioned in the previous point, an ATS is clever, but not foolproof. Keep your CV simple when uploading it to an online system. After all, the ATS only recognises what it’s looking for.
Try to use the terms that were in the job description and don’t deviate from this. For example, if the job description says the position is a team leader and your CV says your previous positions were as a manager, the ATS might deem you inappropriate for the position.
Also, an ATS can only understand simple formatting. Most ATSs cannot read tables, graphics or symbols (except for bullet points). So avoid including these elements or it may throw your CV into the abyss of rejection.
You should also consider what file type you are using. Microsoft Word and PDFs are the most common file types. But many employers will specify what file types you should upload, so pay attention.
Keep it human
Whilst tailoring your application for an ATS will increase your chances of getting through the first round, don’t try to be too clever.
An ATS is also designed to pick up on applicants who are trying to cheat the system and will reject any CV or cover letter that is spammed with keywords.
A good general rule is to repeat any one keyword no more than four times in your document. This will ensure that you’re using the keywords in an optimal way without sending the ATS into autopilot rejection.
About the author: Bec Cartwright is a graduate of Communication, Media and Culture from Oxford Brookes University and has also studied at Zhejiang University, China and Macquarie University, Australia. Bec now works within the marketing sector for 3D print technology company, Stanford Marsh Group.
