Does it feel like no one’s paying attention to your resume lately? That’s probably because you’re missing some key marks in ATS and AI algorithms! Sound too sci-fi to be true? Dive in with Top Applicant to learn how easy optimizing your resume for ATS and AI screening really is!
What’s an ATS?
Businesses of all shapes and sizes use what is called an ATS to manage applicants. ATS stands for applicant tracking system. These software programs help companies manage the hiring process from start to finish. Essentially, it’s a digital filing cabinet and organizer for all things applicant-related.
Why get AI involved?
Increasing Efficiency
Many companies use an ATS to automate time-consuming tasks, freeing up recruiters to focus on more strategic aspects of hiring, like interviewing and evaluating candidates. What would you do with one or two more hours a day? Top Applicant has a few ideas!
Improving Organization
Applicant tracking systems keep all candidate information organized in one central location. This makes it easy to track applications and find relevant information. It also makes it clearer to applicants how a business likes to structure documents. Standard formatting is key to optimizing a resume for ATS and AI screening.
Reducing Bias
Since AI only uses objective criteria to screen resumes, ATS can actually reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process. This keeps hiring fair and equitable to all qualified candidates.
How to Optimize Your Resume
That all sounds great, but how can you benefit? If you’re a job seeker, it’s important to be aware that many companies use ATS systems. By optimizing your resume with relevant keywords and tailoring it to each specific job, you can increase your chances of getting your application past the initial screening stage These are key strategies when it comes to optimizing your resume for AI screeners and ATS systems:
Know Your Keywords
Staying Relevant
Carefully analyze the job description and industry trends to pinpoint the most relevant skills, qualifications, and experience they are looking for. These keywords often represent the required skills, certifications, or specific job requirements. In the end, doing your homework really pays off!
Getting Strategic
Once you have a list of relevant keywords, strategically incorporate them throughout your resume in a natural way. Don’t stuff keywords unnaturally, as this can flag the ATS. One of the easiest ways to optimize your resume for ATS and AI software is to format your resume to reflect the language of the job description provided by the employer.
Top Applicant takes things even further by hosting video links. Use any videos uploaded by the employer to understand how they describe duties and responsibilities. This kind of insight is what helps applicants get hired around here!
Pay Attention to Formatting and Structure
To clearly state your intentions, you need to pay attention to how you format your resume. Here are the two rules to follow as you find your ideal format:
Clean & Clear
Ensure your resume has a clean and organized layout for the AI to parse information easily. Avoid gradients and clashing colors at all costs. We also recommend clear and concise section headings like “Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education” to help the ATS understand the structure of your resume.
Conventional
Avoid unconventional fonts, fancy layouts, charts, or images. These may seem great to us, but they can actually confuse the ATS and limit its ability to read your resume. A simple and professional format is best. Avoid PDFs if possible, .docx is the easiest for most ATS and AI resume screeners.
Putting in the Human Element
Implement Action Verbs
Use strong action verbs throughout your resume to highlight your accomplishments and quantify your achievements whenever possible. This showcases the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Not only that, but it allows you to tailor your resume to each specific job application and emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Present Your Achievements
Focus on your achievements and results in your work experience, using metrics and data to quantify your impact whenever possible. Bonus points for connecting your achievements to a narrative in your cover letter! These small details are what optimizes your resume and cover letter for AI and ATS screeners.
Check Yourself
Before you start creating your resume and cover letter, these important precautions can save you hours of time and future embarrassment. Trust us, we know because we’ve had to learn too! Take these crucial steps to fully optimize your resume for ATS and AI software:
Organize
Make sure to save your resume and cover letter with a clear and professional file name that includes your full name and the position you are applying for. While clear organization may seem simple, it can take a few passes to make your resume read well.
Proofread
Ensure your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors, as this can negatively impact the AI’s initial screening. Then, have a trusted friend or service review the cover letter to get a second opinion. After all, humans will read this too!
Rise Against Robots
AI presents unique opportunities and threats with every innovation. So, what side are you on in the revolution against robots in recruiting? Sign in to put the human element in your job search with Top Applicant’s expertly crafted tools.
