In this installment of the Virtual Vocations “Ask a Job Coach” series, we chat with our very own Holly Leyva, Division Manager of Customer and Career Services at Virtual Vocations, about how to optimize your resume to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) software.
If you’re a jobseeker, sometimes the most difficult obstacle is just getting your foot in the door. Even if you apply for dozens or hundreds of jobs, you might not get a single response from a potential employer. But in today’s remote work world, this is far from an anomaly. Perhaps you’re applying to jobs with 500 other applicants, you don’t quite have the right skill set, or you don’t have enough experience. All of these can remove you from consideration, even if you’re a diligent worker with a strong work ethic. However, one aspect of job applications that jobseekers may not know about is applicant tracking systems or ATS.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System?
Applicant tracking systems are a type of software that human resources departments use to screen candidates for jobs and recruit new candidates. At its simplest, ATS software scans your application for different metrics, including keywords, experience, and more. Once the software gathers this information, it puts applicants in a job database with the most qualified candidates at the top of the shortlist.
In the past, human eyes were the first thing to read your resume, but now ATS software is first in line. According to one survey, 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software. Moreover, small- and medium-sized businesses are moving in the same direction. So why do companies do this? Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also a faster way to sift through hundreds or thousands of candidates.
While passing a test against a software program sounds straight out of a sci-fi novel, it’s not impossible by following a few suggestions. And that’s where Leyva comes in. As a job coach with certifications in resume writing and job coaching, she’s an expert at passing ATS software. So if you’re struggling with your job hunt or the concept of ATS software is new to you, use these tips to retool your resume.
What Should I Look for in the Job Listing as Far as Keywords and Keyphrases?
The first step to creating an ATS-compliant, keyword-optimized resume is to do some market research. Once you’ve determined your specific career focus, gather a sample of job descriptions (3-5 that you feel are a good fit for you within that focus).
Review each job description to determine what employers in that industry are looking for in a qualified applicant. Make a list of the key skills/requirements from each job description. You should see that many of the skills required are the same across job descriptions.
A great place to look for keywords is in the requirements section of the job posting. A good list should have about 50 keywords or key phrases. Check out your list and mark all keywords/skills that match up with what you bring to the table and use those keywords/phrases sprinkled throughout your resume. Look for ways to use these keywords in your summary, areas of expertise, professional experience, and education/training sections.
Highlighting keywords is just one of the ways you can tailor your resume to pass ATS. For more ways to tailor your resume while job searching, take a look at our 4 Steps for Tailoring Your Resume:
How Do I Transition These Keywords or Keyphrases Into My Resume?
If you’ve been keeping a list of achievements and successes throughout your career, pull relevant stories to use on your resume, including specific keywords from your research. Make sure to use STAR formatting for each bullet point and use keywords within the context of each bullet point.
If you need to create a list of successes before creating your resume, consider the main requirements from the job description and create one or two STAR-formatted stories for each skill requirement using specific keywords within these examples. A simple Word table is a great format to use for this exercise. Not only will it be helpful in creating your resume, but it will also make answering those behavioral interview questions easier to answer!
What Are the Key Points I Should Know About ATS?
The goal of keyword optimizing your resume is to match up to the set of criteria the recruiter/hiring professional has listed for the job description. Be sure to use the exact wording used in the individual posting. For example, if Microsoft Word vs. MS Word. The goal is to match up/score at least 75% with the ATS so your resume gets passed along to the hiring manager.
Are There Any Other Tips or Suggestions You Could Provide About ATS and Keywords?
Be careful to use simple formatting for your resume. Stay away from content within text boxes, shapes, or graphics as most ATS cannot read the content within these formats. Word formatting is preferred over PDF for online applications as many systems have difficulty reading resumes in PDF format. Instead, use borders, shading, and fonts styles to add visual interest to your resume while maintaining an ATS-friendly resume.
Seem Like a Lot? It’s Well Worth the Effort
Although sifting through dozens of job descriptions and retooling your resume is a time-consuming process, it’s well worth the effort. And when you’re done, you’ll have a resume that shines. In some cases, what ATS software searches for on your resume isn’t all that different from what a hiring manager seeks. With the added benefit of a dual-purpose resume for humans and software, you’re one step closer to that job you’ve always wanted.
Holly joined Virtual Vocations in 2011 after deciding to take a break from corporate life to focus on her family. She enjoys using the skills and experience gained from her previous role as a corporate trainer and hiring manager to coach jobseekers in their career search strategy so they can achieve success and satisfaction in their careers.
She has earned certifications in both resume writing (ACRW) and career coaching (CPCC), is an “Ask the Experts” contributor for the National Association of Resume Writers, and has been featured in several online publications. When she is not working, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, hiking, and learning something new every day.
Do you have questions to ask a job coach about creating a resume for remote jobs or any other questions? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and questions. We’d love to hear from you!
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