What is an ATS system?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software application organizations use to automate the recruitment process. ATS systems typically scan resumes and cover letters for keywords and phrases relevant to the job opening. This allows recruiters and hiring managers to identify the most qualified candidates quickly.

What companies use ATS?

According to a study by CareerBuilder, 75% of employers use an ATS system. This includes companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations.

How many resumes are scanned in a year by an ATS?

The number of resumes scanned by an ATS system in a year is staggering. According to a study by Ladders, the average company receives over 2,500 resumes for every open position. This means that millions of resumes are scanned by ATS systems every year.

These facts show that ATS systems are essential to the modern recruitment process. Companies can quickly and easily identify the most qualified candidates for open positions using an ATS system. This can save companies a significant amount of time and money.

How does an ATS system work?

ATS systems typically work in four steps:

Data entry: The applicant submits their resume and cover letter to the ATS system.

Parsing: The ATS system parses the resume and cover letter to extract keywords and phrases.

Matching: The ATS system matches the keywords and phrases in the resume and cover letter to the job description.

Ranking: The ATS system ranks the candidates based on their match to the job description.

It’s important to note that how an ATS is used varies by company. Some use it to house applicants only, while others rely on it to feed the best matches to the recruiter. In any case, a human can ALWAYS see your resume - but if it’s a larger company and they use the ATS to score and rank applicants, you will most likely never get seen by a human simply based on the sheer volume of applicants.

Myths about ATS systems

There are several myths about ATS systems that can be harmful to job seekers. Here are a few of the most common myths:

Myth: ATS systems only look for keywords.

Fact: While keywords are important, ATS systems also look for other factors, such as experience, education, and skills.

Myth: ATS systems discriminate against certain groups of people.

Fact: ATS systems are not designed to discriminate against anyone. However, if a resume or cover letter is not formatted correctly, it may be rejected by the ATS system.

Myth: You can beat the ATS.

Fact: No one can guarantee that they will beat the ATS. However, you can do several things to improve your chances of getting past the ATS system, such as using keywords, formatting your resumes correctly, and tailoring your resumes to the specific job opening.

Best practices for ATS systems

You can follow several best practices to improve your chances of getting past the ATS system. Here are a few of the most important best practices:

Use keywords: When writing your resume, be sure to use keywords relevant to the job opening. You can find keywords by reading the job description and using a keyword research tool.

Format your resume correctly: Make sure your resume is formatted correctly for the ATS system. This means using a standard font, font size, and margins. It also means avoiding tables, graphics, and other formatting that may not be compatible with the ATS system.

Tailor your resume to the specific job opening: When you are applying for a job, take the time to tailor your resume to the particular job opening. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.

Get feedback: Once you have written your resume, get feedback from a friend, family member, or career counselor. This feedback can help you identify any areas that need improvement.

ATS systems are becoming more sophisticated all the time. They can now scan resumes for a broader range of keywords and phrases, and they can rank candidates more accurately. ATS systems are an important part of the modern recruitment process. By understanding how ATS systems work and following the best practices listed above, you can improve your chance of getting past the ATS system and getting an interview.

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