Your CV is one of the most important factors determining whether or not you land a job. In today’s tech-driven world, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are widely used by companies to filter CVs and streamline the recruitment process.
The term ATS may be relatively new, but it has quickly become an essential tool for many businesses in the recruitment process. In practice, it helps reduce the workload of HR departments and enhances the efficiency of the hiring process. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in improving talent acquisition efforts for companies.
However, according to a survey by Glints, only about 33% of participants are familiar with what an ATS is. This lack of understanding can become a barrier, preventing candidates from advancing to interviews with potential employers. Without a clear grasp of how this system works, it can be challenging to create an ATS-friendly CV, which may hinder your chances of passing the initial screening and getting closer to your dream job.
You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of what an Applicant Tracking System is, how it operates, and receive a guide on how to craft a CV that meets ATS standards.
Maximize Your CV’s Potential – Reach Out to The Nest Asia for Expert Tips!
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
Applicant Tracking System is a software system used by many companies and businesses to manage the recruitment process and handle job applications. It helps automate the screening and classification of CVs, improving CV tracking efficiency and saving time and resources for employers. In simple terms, it is an automated resume filtering system that selects and ranks candidates based on how well they match the job requirements.
For Recruitment
- Posting job openings
- Collecting and securing candidate data
- Screening CVs for ATS compliance (both formatting and content)
- Evaluating and ranking candidate quality
- Communicating with candidates online
- Tracking candidates throughout the process
- Generating recruitment effectiveness reports
For General HR Management
- Assigning and tracking tasks for recruitment specialists
- Evaluating KPIs for the HR department
- Systematizing ATS-compliant CVs from applicants
- Connecting multiple communication channels to share job postings
- Comparing the effectiveness of various recruitment websites
- Responding promptly to candidates’ inquiries
How Does an ATS Work?
The Applicant Tracking System works by automating the management and processing of job applications during the recruitment process. Here’s how it operates:
- Collecting CVs: Collects CVs from various sources, such as job boards, social media platforms, or online CV submission applications.
- Analyzing CVs: Uses algorithms to analyze candidates’ CVs. These algorithms identify relevant keywords and important information in the CV.
- Evaluating CVs: Using the identified keywords and important details, it evaluates the CVs. Candidates whose profiles match the job requirements are added to the shortlist of potential applicants.
Some of the key data ATS looks for includes:
- Personal Information: Name, address, email, phone number, etc.
- Education: Degrees, certifications, etc.
- Work Experience: Positions, companies, employment duration, etc.
- Skills: Hard skills, soft skills, etc.
- Achievements: Notable accomplishments, etc.
To ensure your CV is friendly, make sure it includes all relevant details and uses keywords that align with the job requirements. Optimizing your CV for this system will increase your chances of passing through the system’s screening process and getting noticed by recruiters.
Why Should You Write an ATS-Friendly CV?
There are several reasons why you should write a CV that complies with its standards, including:
- Increase Your Chances of Passing the ATS: If your CV doesn’t meet the its criteria, you could be eliminated right at the initial stage. Writing an ATS-friendly CV boosts your chances of passing through the system and being considered by recruiters.
- Enhance Your Competitiveness: More and more candidates are using ATS to submit their CVs. Writing a CV that complies with ATS standards helps create a professional, impressive CV that stands out compared to other applicants.
What Makes a CV ATS-Compliant?
1. Follow the Proper CV Layout
A standard ATS-friendly CV typically includes the following sections:
- Personal Information: This section includes basic details such as your name, address, phone number, and email.
- Education: This section covers your qualifications, degrees, and certifications.
- Work Experience: Include details about your job experience, such as positions held, companies worked for, and employment dates.
- Skills: List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the role.
- Achievements: Highlight notable achievements such as awards, recognitions, or significant milestones.
For section headers, make sure to highlight them by increasing the font size, bolding the text, and writing it in uppercase. This will help ATS systems easily recognize and scan the information.
2. Use Relevant Keywords
To ensure that your CV is properly scanned and evaluated by ATS, make sure it includes relevant keywords related to the job position.
Here are some tips for identifying the right keywords for your CV:
- Research the Job Description: Job descriptions typically contain keywords and phrases that describe the skills, experience, and achievements the employer is seeking in an ideal candidate.
- Review CVs of Other Applicants: You can find relevant keywords by reviewing CVs of others who have been hired for similar positions.
- Use Keyword Analysis Tools: Several online tools can help you identify appropriate keywords for your CV.
3. Format Your CV for ATS
Here are some tips for formatting an ATS-friendly CV:
- Use Simple Fonts: Choose simple, readable fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.
- Font Size 12: A font size of 12 is standard and easy to read.
- Proper Margins and Spacing: Use appropriate margins and spacing to make your CV look neat and easy to read.
- Avoid Special Characters: Refrain from using special characters, and limit the use of complex charts or images.
4. Common ATS-Compatible CV Formats
ATS supports several common CV formats, including:
- PDF: PDF is the most widely supported format and works well with ATS.
- Word: Word documents are the second most common format supported by ATS.
- HTML: HTML resumes are compatible with many browsers and are supported by certain ATS systems.
Top AI Tools for CV Tracking
Jobscan
If your CV isn’t getting responses, Jobscan helps optimize it by aligning it with the job description. It highlights gaps, suggests keywords, and increases ATS compatibility. Upload your CV and JD on Jobscan.co for a detailed analysis.
TopResume
TopResume combines AI and expert recruiter insights to improve your CV. It provides feedback on strengths and weaknesses, ensuring your CV stands out to employers. Upload your CV on TopResume.com for expert reviews.
VietnamWorks AI – CV Review
For Vietnamese candidates, VietnamWorks AI – CV Review scans your CV, compares it with the JD, and gives personalized improvement suggestions. It provides a competitive score and industry-specific advice, supporting both Vietnamese and English CVs.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive job market, optimizing your CV for ATS is essential for success. Tools like Jobscan, TopResume, and VietnamWorks AI – CV Review offer valuable insights and help improve your CV’s chances of passing ATS screenings. For those looking for expert assistance, The Nest Asia provides the best CV review service, ensuring your CV is not only ATS-friendly but also stands out to employers. Let us guide you in optimizing your CV and enhancing your job search strategy for the best results.
Struggling With Your CV? The Nest Asia Can Help You Craft the Perfect Resume!
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Disclaimer: The Nest Asia is not an authorized provider of official government or non-government services. The information provided is intended for general guidance only. While we strive to offer accurate and timely information, we make no representations or warranties regarding its completeness or accuracy.
