{"id":667,"date":"2021-02-12T10:32:52","date_gmt":"2021-02-12T17:32:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogschapman.wpenginepowered.com\/career\/2021\/02\/12\/what-is-the-applicant-tracking-system-ats\/"},"modified":"2021-02-12T10:32:52","modified_gmt":"2021-02-12T17:32:52","slug":"what-is-the-applicant-tracking-system-ats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/career\/2021\/02\/12\/what-is-the-applicant-tracking-system-ats\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m sure we have all been in the position where we see a post for a great job or internship at a great company that couldn\u2019t feel more perfect. We go through the process of writing a cover letter<\/a>, tailoring our resume, filling out the application, and then we never hear back. We\u2019ve been ghosted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fast Fact!<\/strong><\/em> Recruiters and hiring managers can search their ATS by keyword to discover well-matched applicants. You have a chance to create a resume that is compatible with their system to catch their attention!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Would it make you feel better if you knew that it was likely a robot that ghosted you and not a human?<\/span><\/p>\n

This robot is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).<\/span><\/p>\n

With the increase in virtual job applications<\/a> and the tedious nature of hiring candidates, the applicant tracking system is an Artificial Intelligence system that plays an important role by screening and \u201cdeciding\u201d which applications go through to the next level and which ones don\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the Applicant Tracking System? <\/span><\/h2>\n

The applicant tracking system is a software that was originally used by larger companies to scan, detect, and rank <\/span>resume and cover letter documents <\/span>during the hiring process, and has since been adopted by smaller companies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It started as a software used by companies that received hundreds to thousands of applications per open position. It helped them cipher through applications in a matter of seconds, a procedure that would have taken hours if done manually by a person or hiring team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that your resumes and cover letters are no longer, primarily, being seen by people. Before your application is reviewed by a hiring manager, it must pass through the ATS.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How does ATS work?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The applicant tracking system scans for specific keywords in both resumes and cover letters that the recruiters and department managers decide would transfer to the job best. They will enter these keywords into the system and let it weed out those that the system deems \u201cleast qualified\u201d while the \u201cmost qualified\u201d are ranked based on how well their resumes match the job description<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, even if you are a qualified candidate, if your resume is not written to pass the applicant tracking system, your application could be passed over.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

How to Beat the Applicant Tracking System\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Use Customized Keywords<\/h3>\n

Quick Tip!<\/strong><\/em> You can optimize your resume with keywords that represent skills you possess and expertise that qualify you for the job.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The most important thing that you can do to pass the ATS is to tailor both your resume and cover letter using keywords from the job description. Look at the action verbs used to describe the job roles and incorporate them into your documents. Pay attention to what the job description is \u201casking for\u201d and make sure you\u2019re answering those \u201cquestions\u201d throughout both your resume and cover letter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not using keywords could increase the chances of your documents being tossed during the hiring process.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This does not mean you should use the same words again and again or write invisible keywords at the end of your document. Use a reasonable number of keywords through the document and in the Skills section but remember, do not<\/strong> lie!<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Use Standard Section Headings<\/h3>\n

The ATS uses headings to help itself navigate through the document to be correctly understood. Most often, the applicant tracking system will separate your document into these sections. It is important to have these titles as your headings to separate the sections on your resume:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n