How to get your CV through ATS

What is ATS?

The mere mention of ATS to some job seekers can see them coming out in a cold sweat such is the terror they seem to evoke. However, as long as you follow a few golden rules, there is no need to fear ATS (applicant tracking systems). Just as you do not have control over the human who will make the final decision on whom to invite for interview, neither do you have control over how your CV will rank through ATS.

Think like a search engine

If you type a word or phrase into Google or any other search engine, it will present the websites it thinks best match what you are looking for. ATS work in a similar way. ATS algorithms try to match the key words and phrases in applicant CVs to those within the job description and person specification. So the key thing to do before writing or updating your CV is to read the job description first and identify the key words and phrases within. By matching these in your CV, you are going to give yourself a good chance of getting your CV through ATS filters.

ATS compliance

ATS prefer Word documents to PDFs, so send your CV as a Word document. Make sure all the information in the Word document is contained within the main body. ATS do not like headers, footers or tables as this confuses them. Make sure you use commonly understood headings so it can piece the CV together and understand the information within each section. It can also help to get your CV through ATS by using industry standard job titles rather than anything fancy your own company may have come up with to differentiate the job in some way.

What words and phrases are important?

In addition to job titles, look for key terms and phrases that are used more than once. These can include qualifications, technical or hard skills as well as soft skills. No two job descriptions are written in the same way so you cannot rely on one version of your CV – even when applying for similar type roles. Creating a ‘key skills’ section can be helpful and used a container device for key words and phrases. You can adapt this section for each application. However, you should also weave key words naturally throughout the CV.

Tailor your CV for every application

If there is one message more than any other that is important to help your CV get through ATS it is this: do not rely on one generic version of your CV. There are over 200 ATS systems in the marketplace all with their own algorithms and configuration possibilities, so there is no guarantee in getting your CV through. However, tailoring your CV for each and every application by mirroring the key words and phrases is the best way to help get your CV through ATS filters.

Neville Rose, Director at CV Writers

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