It can be incredibly frustrating if you’re technically confident and possess strong communication skills, but your resume isn’t getting shortlisted. Without your resume being selected, you won’t have the chance to showcase your skills in an interview. So, what should you do to get your resume selected? Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is crucial.
This article will explain what ATS is, how to create an ATS-friendly resume and provide 10 steps to ensure your resume stands out.
What is ATS?
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. ATS is a resume shortlist software application that automates the hiring process by scanning, parsing, and ranking resumes based on specific criteria set by the employer. ATS software is designed to filter out resumes that don’t meet the job requirements, helping recruiters and hiring managers focus on the most qualified candidates. ATS can scan for keywords, qualifications, and even the formatting of your resume, meaning that if your resume isn’t ATS-optimized, it may never even reach a human reader.
What is an ATS Friendly Resume?
When applying for a job at a large MNC or even a mid-sized company, your application is often one among thousands, sometimes even lakhs, for a single position. It’s impossible for a human HR professional to manually review each resume to determine if a candidate is suitable. This is where the “ATS – Applicant Tracking System” comes into play, and it’s something every applicant needs to understand.
Interestingly, less than 2% of applications get shortlisted and move on to the next round of interviews. To put that in perspective, for every 100 applications, only 2 proceed to the next level, while the remaining 98 are set aside. Often, when resumes aren’t shortlisted, students and even experienced professionals tend to focus on their projects and certifications. While these are important, the real question is: is your resume ATS-friendly?
How do I Optimize my Resume for ATS?
Here are the 10 essential points to follow to make your resume ATS friendly Resume for freshers:
1. Use a Simple Format
A simple resume format is key to ensuring yours is an ATS-friendly resume. Many people use multiple columns in their resumes, making it difficult for ATS systems to recognise and understand the content. A one-column layout is usually the safest option, though a two-column format can work if necessary. Keeping it simple helps the ATS software parse your information correctly.
2. Avoid Headers and Footers
Some people include content in the headers and footers of their resumes. However, this can be problematic as ATS resume shortlist software systems often struggle to read and understand the information within these sections. It’s better to keep all your important content in the main body of your resume.
3. Choose a Simple Font
Yes, font choice matters. Complex fonts can be difficult for ATS to parse. Stick with standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. These fonts are easier for ATS to read and ensure your resume looks professional.
4. Properly Organize Section Headings
Section headings like Work Experience, Education, Projects, and Certifications are crucial. Make sure these are clearly labelled and easy for both the ATS and recruiters to navigate. Proper organisation of these sections helps ensure that your resume is parsed correctly.
5. Avoid Images, Graphics, and Charts
Images, graphics, and charts should not be used in your resume. ATS systems cannot read or understand these elements, so sticking to plain text is essential. If you want to enhance the look of your resume, use bullet points or numbering—these are ATS-friendly alternatives that can still make your resume visually appealing.
6. Maintain Consistency Throughout Your Resume
Consistency in your resume format is critical. For instance, if you mention dates, ensure you use the same format throughout the document (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY). The same goes for fonts and font sizes—keep them consistent throughout the resume. Consistency helps ATS read your resume more effectively and makes it more visually appealing to human readers as well.
7. Pay Attention to File Format
The file format of your resume is important. It’s best to use .docx (for Word) or .pdf formats. Older formats like .doc can also be acceptable. If you use a format not supported by the ATS, your resume rejection might be common, no matter how strong your technical skills are.You won’t get the chance to prove your skills in the next round without a proper resume format.
8. Include Relevant Keywords from the Job Description
Always read the job description thoroughly and ensure you include relevant keywords in your resume. If your resume lacks these crucial keywords, your chances of being selected are extremely low. For example, if you’re applying for a digital marketing role, you should mention keywords like SEO, SEM, and email marketing. Without these, your resume might be overlooked by the ATS.
9. Be Cautious with Acronyms
Using acronyms can be a double-edged sword. Common ones like SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are fine, but if there’s an acronym that’s specific to your company or is less popular, make sure to expand it clearly. This helps the ATS and recruiters understand your qualifications better.
10. Proofread Your Resume
Proofreading your resume is essential. A spelling mistake might be ignored by ATS, but if it’s caught by a human reader, it can create a negative impression. Proofreading ensures that your resume is error-free and represents you in the best possible light.
How do I check if my resume is ATS friendly?
After you’ve implemented these tips, it’s important to test how ATS-friendly your resume is. Many free tools available online allow you to upload your resume and receive a score that indicates how well it’s likely to perform with ATS resume shortlist software. These tools can identify any weaknesses in your resume, and resume makers help you to make improvements and increase your chances of getting shortlisted.
If your resume isn’t getting shortlisted despite your strong technical and communication skills, it’s time to assess whether it’s an ATS resume. By following these 10 steps—using a simple format, avoiding headers and footers, choosing the right font, organising sections properly, avoiding images, maintaining consistency, choosing the proper resume format file, including relevant keywords, being cautious with acronyms, and proofreading—you can significantly increase your chances of getting past the ATS and securing that all-important interview. Additionally, enhancing your communication by taking Spoken English Classes in Chennai can further improve your profile.
So, the next time you’re worried about why your resume isn’t being selected, refer to these steps and make the necessary adjustments. Best of luck with your job search!
