You’ve polished your resume, written a compelling cover letter, and hit Submit, but then… nothing.

If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with the hiring world’s invisible filter; the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS.

Forbes says 90% of companies now use ATS software to streamline their hiring, yet only about 25% of resumes make it through to an HR professional. This tool filters through resumes before they ever reach a hiring manager’s desk.

Don’t worry, though; once you understand how ATS works and follow a few steps to optimize your resume, you’ll increase your chances of landing that interview.
Here’s how to make sure your resume gets through.

Think of ATS as a digital helper that companies rely on to make hiring easier. 

Instead of sifting through hundreds of resumes one by one, ATS software quickly scans each application for keywords and qualifications that match the job. This helps hiring teams find top candidates quickly. 

For anyone applying, understanding how ATS works can indeed open doors, turning this digital tool into a way to stand out and move closer to that next big opportunity.

ATS screens resumes by comparing your qualifications to keywords from the job description. 

The system is programmed to look for specific terms and phrases, such as skills, job titles, software tools, and qualifications. 

Each time it spots a match, it gives your resume a higher ranking. Think of it as a checklist; the more items your resume checks off, the more likely it is to move forward.

Early in the ATS process, you’ll encounter knockout questions; direct prompts that quickly check if you meet the basics. 

These questions might ask if you’re available to start soon, have specific certifications, or can work in a particular location. For example, are you willing to relocate? 

If your answer doesn’t align with the job’s needs, the ATS could stop your application instantly. Approach these questions carefully; a single response can make or break your chances. Answer thoughtfully to show you’re a strong match for the role.

Once your resume passes the initial screening, hiring managers use ATS to dig deeper. They might search for particular skills, certifications, or even past employers, allowing them to locate candidates who stand out. 

This step is essential because ATS enables managers to quickly identify applicants with the experience and skills most relevant to the role. Here’s where a well-crafted resume, full of relevant keywords, can really make an impact.

After the initial screening, many ATS platforms assign each resume a score, usually from 0 to 100, based on how well it matches the job description. 

Think of it as a compatibility rating; the higher the score, the more likely your resume will reach a hiring manager’s desk. 

Resumes scoring 80 or above often stand a good chance of moving forward, while those under 60 may not make the cut. 

So, how can you raise your score?

• Use Relevant Keywords:

Look for important skills and qualifications in the job description and naturally include these keywords in your resume. For example, if the job description highlights project management and data analysis, make sure these words appear in relevant sections, like your skills or experience.

• Avoid Keyword Stuffing:

Yes, keywords matter, but don’t overload your resume with them. Use them naturally within your descriptions.

• Make Each Application Specific:

Adjust your resume for each role by highlighting experience and achievements that align with the job’s needs. For instance, if you’re applying for a sales position, mention specific sales targets you’ve met or exceeded, such as Increased annual sales by 25% through targeted marketing campaigns.

ATS can be picky with formatting. Many complex designs don’t translate well in these systems, causing essential information to get overlooked. 

Here’s how to make sure ATS reads your resume well:

• Stick to Standard Sections:

Use simple titles like Experience, Education, and Skills. Fancy section names may not get recognized by ATS.

• Choose a Clear Layout:

Avoid images, charts, or graphics. These visuals often confuse ATS, so it’s best to keep the format straightforward.

• Use Simple Fonts and Structure:

Fonts like Arial or Times New Roman are safe bets. Avoid unusual fonts, headers, or footers, as they may disrupt ATS reading.

ATS technology is always advancing, bringing new tools and trends that are changing the hiring process. 

Here are a few updates that you might see in the near future:

• Smarter Search Capabilities With AI

Newer ATS platforms are starting to use smarter algorithms to read and interpret resumes, recognizing specific skills, experiences, and even career progressions. Soon, the system may pick up on your potential even if your resume isn’t a perfect match for every qualification.

• Video Resumes and Personal Introductions

Video resumes are becoming a new way for candidates to showcase their skills and personality, allowing hiring teams to connect with applicants on a more personal level. While not widespread yet, video introductions could give applicants a chance to highlight their strengths in a way that words alone can’t.

• Instant Feedback for Applicants

Applying and waiting without any feedback can be frustrating. To make the experience better, some companies are exploring ways to give job seekers instant, automated feedback on their applications. Knowing where your resume fell short could help you make specific improvements for future roles.