If you are looking for a new job, you might have encountered the term ATS or Applicant Tracking System. But what is it, and why does it matter for your CV? In this article, we will explain what an ATS is, how it works, and how to create an ATS-friendly CV that can pass the bots and land you more interviews.
What is an ATS CV ?
An ATS CV is a CV that is designed to be easily read and understood by an ATS, which is a type of software that employers use to manage their applications more effectively. An ATS works by scanning through each CV that is submitted for a vacancy, using a keyword tracker to find the candidates that have the required skills and experience needed to carry out the role.
According to some estimates, more than 70% of CVs never reach the eyes of a human recruiter just because they need to pass the ATS test. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that your CV is ATS compatible otherwise, you might miss out on many opportunities.
Why do you need a CV compatible ATS ?
It would help if you had an ATS compatible CV because it increases your opportunities of being selected for an interview by the recruiters. According to some sources, more than 70% of CVs never reach the eyes of a human recruiter just because they need to pass the ATS test.
This means that if your CV is not ATS-friendly, you might miss out on many opportunities, even if you have the right qualifications and skills for the job.
An ATS compatible CV makes it easy for the “ATS” to read & parse your resume accurately and rank you higher among other candidates. This way, your CV has a good chance of being seen by a recruiter/ hiring manager, which can lead to a job interview.
How to know if your CV is ATS-compatible ?
There are a few ways to check if your CV is ATS-friendly and ready to be submitted for a job application. One way is to use an online tool that scans your CV and gives you feedback on how to improve it for the ATS.
For example, you can use Jobscan or ZipJob to upload your CV and compare it to the job description you are applying for. These tools will tell you how well your CV matches the keywords, skills, and qualifications that the ATS is looking for. They will also give you suggestions on how to optimize your CV format, layout, and content for the ATS.
Another way to check if your CV is ATS-compatible is to review it yourself and follow some best practices for writing an ATS-friendly CV. These include:
- Use a standard and simple CV format, such as reverse-chronological, functional, or hybrid, and avoid any images, graphics, tables, or columns that might confuse the ATS.
- Use clear and consistent headings for each section of your CV, such as Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and so on, and make sure they are aligned to the left.
- Use keywords & phrases that are relevant to the job you are applying for and match them to the ones used in the job description. You can also use synonyms or variations of the keywords to increase your chances of being found by the ATS.
- Use bullet points to list your achievements, responsibilities, and skills, and quantify them with numbers, percentages, or metrics whenever possible.
- Use a simple & professional font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and a font size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid using any fancy or cursive fonts that might be hard to read by the ATS.
- Save your CV as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF file, and make sure the file name is clear and descriptive, such as Your_Name_CV.docx or Your_Name_CV.pdf.
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How to write an ATS CV in 5 steps?
Writing an ATS CV is easier than it may seem. You will need to follow simple steps and use some best practices to make sure your CV is readable and relevant for the ATS. Here are the five steps you can take to write an ATS-friendly CV:
1. Pick the right CV format
The format of your CV is important for both the ATS and the recruiter. You want to choose a format that is clear, consistent, and easy to scan.
The most common and recommended CV formats are reverse-chronological, functional, or hybrid, depending on your experience and skills. Avoid using any fancy or creative CV formats that might need to be clarified for the ATS or distract the recruiter from your content.
2. Choose the appropriate file type
The file type of your CV is also crucial for the ATS. You want to choose a file type that is compatible with most ATS software and preserves your CV layout and formatting.
The best file types for an ATS CV are Word documents (.doc or .docx) or PDF files, as long as they are not scanned or password-protected. Before you submit your CV, check the job description for any specific instructions on the file type and name.
3. Use an ATS CV template
A template can save a lot of time and ensure that your CV is ATS-friendly. A template can provide you with a standard and simple CV layout, structure, and headings that are suitable for the ATS.
You can find many ATS CV templates online, such as the ones from Jobscan or ResumeLab, and customize them for your own experience and skills. Make sure to choose a template that matches the industry and role you are applying for.
4. Use keywords and phrases
Keywords and phrases are the words and terms that the ATS uses to match your CV with the job description. They are usually related to the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required for the role.
You want to use keywords and phrases that are relevant and specific to the job you are applying for and match them to the ones used in the job description. You can also use synonyms or variations of the keywords to increase your chances of being found by the ATS. For example, if the job description asks for “excellent communication skills,” you can use words like “communicate,” “communicated,” “communication,” or “communicator” in your CV.
5. Proofread and edit your CV
The last step to writing an ATS CV is to proofread and edit your CV for any errors or inconsistencies. You want to make sure that your CV is free of any spelling, grammar, or even punctuation mistakes that might affect your ATS score or your impression of the recruiter.
You also want to check that your CV is clear, concise, and coherent and that it highlights your achievements and value for the role. You can use online tools like Grammarly & Hemingway to help you with proofreading and editing your CV.
Final word
An ATS CV is a CV that is designed to be easily read and understood by an ATS, which is a type of software that employers use to manage their applications more effectively. An ATS CV can increase your chances of being selected for an interview by recruiters, as it matches your skills and qualifications with the job description.
To write an ATS CV, you need to follow some simple steps and use some best practices, such as choosing the right CV format, file type, template, keywords, and phrases and proofreading and editing your CV for any errors or inconsistencies.
