When you’re looking for a job, it’s all about standing out in a crowd. With more than 14 million Americans looking for work, that’s one huge crowd.
How do you stand out in such a group? A few years ago, you might have only been up against a handful of other people for a job. Today, that number could be double or triple.
Unable to handle the sheer volume of applicants, large and medium-size companies have turned to Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). For those not in the know, ATS is “a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment needs.” In other words, ATS acts as a filter for applications and resumes so that the HR department only has to deal with the most viable candidates.
To get your application and resume through the ATS and one step closer to the hiring managers hands be sure to do these things:
Read (and follow!) the directions
There is no easier way to get nixed out of the ATS database than to not follow posted directions. Since you’re dealing with technology, follow these directions to a T. If it requires resumes to be attached as .docx or a 100 words-or-less biography, do that.
Steer clear of the generic
If you’re using the same resume and cover letter for every single company and position you apply for, you need to quit it. While broad resumes are easier to pass around, they’re not helpful to employers and software that are trying to pull out reasons why you are a good fit specifically for that company.
Pick your words wisely
Just like your blog, keywords and language are crucial to those who want to stand out in an ATS database. Software like this is given specific terms to look for in applications worth weeding out of the applicant pool. Use numbers whenever possible along with strong, dynamic words that aren’t just fluff. Pay special attention to the original job posting – using the employer’s language from the start is ideal.
Keep it simple
As much as we like to think so, computers lack certain traits that humans have. One notable difference would have to be the ability to sort out a cluttered document. Keep things simple, linear, and logically ordered so that the ATS can figure you out. Steer clear of messy templates or excessive formatting. If it took you two hours to format, it’s going to be a tricky read.
What do you think? What other ways can job seekers stand out in the ATS database? Have you ever recruited using ATS? Did you find it effective?
Mary Marino is the founder of EmploymentPipeline.com, a job search resource that inspires job seekers to become their own recruiter. EmploymentPipeline.com has launched its “Occupation Pipeline” widget, a unique tool which enables users to perform broader career searches by sourcing occupations and employers, rather than job titles. Connect with Mary and EmploymentPipeline.com on Twitter and Facebook.
