Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

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What is it all about?

The job market is more competitive than ever, and standing out among a sea of candidates can be challenging. This is where Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) comes into play. Whether you’re a job seeker trying to get your resume noticed or a hiring manager aiming to sift through applications efficiently, understanding ATS can give you a significant edge.

What is Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)?

Applicant Tracking Software ("ATS") is a digital tool used by employers to streamline the recruitment process. ATS helps in managing and organizing resumes, screening candidates, and tracking the hiring process from start to finish. Originally developed to handle the influx of applications for large corporations, ATS is now used by companies of all sizes.

You may have now read that many Companies are now using a screening software to assist in various job postings. Have you ever applied for a job and been directed to fill out an online application using Taleo, iCIMS or WorkDay, to name a few?

In understanding that a single job posting could potentially have thousands of applications, ATS is making the hiring process more efficient and effective for employers while also impacting how job seekers prepare their applications.

The following list breaks down how ATS works and what it seeks out from each applicant:

1. Job Posting: Employers create a job listing in the ATS, which is then posted to various job boards.
2. Application Collection: Candidates submit their applications through the job boards which are funneled into the ATS.
3. Resume Parsing: The ATS parses each resume, extracting relevant information such as work experience, education, and skills.
4. Keyword Matching: The system matches resume content against predefined keywords and criteria set by the employer.
5. Candidate Ranking: Candidates are ranked based on how well their resumes match the job requirements.
6. Shortlisting: Recruiters review the top-ranked candidates and move them forward in the hiring process.

You can see by the list above that an outstanding resume is quintessential in making it past the first stage of the hiring process. Without a cover letter and resume that meet the required ranking, you may not ever be considered for the role you’ve applied for.

Some of the main points of focus for a successful resume are as follows:

1. Keyword Optimization: To improve chances of passing through an ATS, job seekers should include relevant keywords from the job description in their resumes.
2. Formatting: Simple, clean resume formats are more easily parsed by ATS software.
3. Tailored Resumes: Customizing resumes for each job application increases the likelihood of matching the employer's criteria.

Here are the key points to understand about the functionality of ATS software from the Companies’ standpoint:

1. Resume Screening: Automatically scans resumes for keywords and relevant information, ranking candidates based on their qualifications.
2. Job Posting Management: Helps employers post job openings on multiple job boards and social media platforms.
3. Application Management: Collects and organizes applications, allowing recruiters to manage large volumes of candidates efficiently.
4. Communication Tools: Facilitates communication between recruiters and candidates, including automated emails and interview scheduling.
5. Reporting and Analytics: Provides insights and reports on hiring metrics, helping recruiters make data-driven decisions.

Considering you may have been using the same resume for years by simply updating your work experience and your resume is no longer getting call backs, you may want to consider using a professional resume writer that can ensure your resume exceeds the base ranking and lands on the desk of the hiring manager. Being data-driven decisions for who to move on to the next stage of the hiring process in offering an interview, it is imperative that your resume targets the proper key works, formatting and understanding of the job posting and specified industry.