How can you ensure your resume passes the ATS and reaches human hands?

Navigating the job market can be daunting, especially when it comes to making sure your resume gets past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and into human hands. An ATS is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment needs, primarily used by employers to screen candidates' resumes. To increase your chances of success, you need to understand how these systems work and tailor your resume accordingly.

1 ATS Fundamentals

An Applicant Tracking System can seem like an insurmountable gatekeeper. Essentially, it's programmed to parse your resume and evaluate it against specific criteria set by the hiring company. To pass this initial test, use a standard word processing format like Microsoft Word or a PDF to ensure compatibility. Include relevant keywords that match the job description, but avoid overstuffing as this can be flagged. Your goal is to make your resume as machine-readable as possible while still engaging for the eventual human reviewer.

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Yvonne Cohen

🔹 Career Coach 🔹 Executive Coach 🔹 Leadership Coach 🔹 Career Change Coach 📩 yvonnecohen@careerfix.com.au
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To ensure your resume passes ATS and reaches human hands: Use relevant keywords and phrases tailored to the job description. Use a clean and simple format with standard fonts and file types, avoid graphics, lines and icons as these don't often get through the ATSs. Include clear contact information, mobile, email and LinkedIn URL. Optimize section headings for easy categorization. Ensure you have achievements and they are qualified and/or quantified for impact. Avoid complex formatting, keep it simple and clean, no tables or colors. Proofread very carefully for errors. Customize for each application. Submit in the preferred format. Network and follow up for direct contact with recruiters or hiring managers where possible. Good luck!

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2 Resume Formatting

The layout of your resume is crucial in passing the ATS. Use a clean, professional format with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid headers, footers, and tables as they can confuse the ATS. Instead, organize your work experience and skills in a logical order that the system can easily navigate. Remember, the simpler the format, the better the ATS can read and process your information.

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Medhat Youssef

Pharmaceutical Sales Management | Expert in Market Access & Drug Launches | Building High-Performing Teams & Exceeding Targets | Leading & Coaching Teams|Strategic Management|Leadership|Motivation.
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Text and word is the best way to nail your dream job , No fancy colours, No tables, Graphics , symbols No photos Business fonts , Arial, Georgia , New times Roman Font from 10 to 12

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Caitlin Bach, M.Ed, CPRW

Higher Education Professional | Leadership Development | Career & Academic Support Services | Greek Life
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Keep everything simple and consistency. It doesn't need to be visually impressive- it needs to be easy to follow and logical. Avoid templates- they limit your abilities. Work in a Word or Google Doc to accomplish what you need. Keep everything concise and use important vocabulary from the job description. Don't get fancy with fonts- keep it normal and simple, something easy to read and standard across all platforms.

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3 Keyword Optimization

Keywords are the lifeline in an ATS-friendly resume. These are specific words or phrases that relate to job requirements and industry-relevant skills. Carefully examine the job description and note the skills and experiences that are emphasized. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume, mirroring the language of the job posting. This strategy will help your resume rank higher within the ATS and increase your chances of it being reviewed by a recruiter.

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4 Relevant Skills

Highlighting your skills is imperative, but relevance is key. The ATS is designed to identify candidates who match the job criteria closely. Therefore, tailor your skills section to reflect the job description. If you have a wide range of skills, prioritize those that are most applicable to the position you're applying for. This targeted approach can make a significant difference in passing the ATS filter.

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Manuela Velez Londoño

Executive Search I Top Tier Leadership Opportunities I Trusted Consultant with 15 years of Hypergrowth Experience
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Busca palabras clave en la oferta de empleo, sobre el rol, país, kpis… Usa un formato sencillo para tu CV. Etiqueta cada apartado correctamente. Pon suficientes skills técnicas y funcionales

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5 Professional Experience

Your professional experience should be presented in a way that resonates with both the ATS and potential employers. Start with your most recent job and work backward. Use clear job titles and bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Where possible, quantify your accomplishments as this can add weight to your application. Remember, consistency in presenting your work history will help the ATS recognize and value your experience.

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6 Education and Certification

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of detailing your education and certifications. These often carry specific keywords that can boost your resume's visibility in an ATS scan. List your highest degree first and include any relevant certifications or licenses, especially if they are listed as requirements or preferences in the job posting. This section can provide the additional credentials that push your resume through to a recruiter.

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Jorge Ivan Gomez

Gerente de Talento Humano | Estrategia, Cultura y Desarrollo | Psicólogo y MBA | Mentor en Empleabilidad con LinkedIn + IA | Executive headhunting | POTENCIALIZANDO EL TALENTO HUMANO
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Uau qué tema tan sonado! o al menos para mi que ando de mentor en empleabilidad, todo está cambiando a alta velocidad, entonces mi aporte va a ser un poco más detallado. Para maximizar las posibilidades de que tu currículum supere el ATS y capture la atención de los reclutadores, personaliza tus logros 🌟 para reflejar las necesidades específicas de la empresa. Utiliza palabras clave 🔑 y sus sinónimos estratégicamente y asegúrate de cuantificar tus éxitos 📈, como "incrementé ventas en 20%". Incluye resultados específicos y relevantes que demuestren tu impacto directo en roles anteriores. Estas tácticas harán que tu currículum no solo sea compatible con el ATS, sino también atractivo para los ojos humanos. 🚀💼

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure your resume passes the ATS and reaches human hands?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 ATS Fundamentals

2 Resume Formatting

3 Keyword Optimization

4 Relevant Skills

5 Professional Experience

6 Education and Certification

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

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How can you ensure your resume passes the ATS and reaches human hands?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 ATS Fundamentals

2 Resume Formatting

3 Keyword Optimization

4 Relevant Skills

5 Professional Experience

6 Education and Certification

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

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