Unlocking the Secret Trick to Beat ATS: 8 Examples to Get Your Resume Noticed

As a mid to senior level manager in the recruitment industry, you know that beating the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a daunting task. With every job application, you risk being lost in the digital black hole of resumes. However, you can turn the tables in your favor by learning the “secret trick” to beat the ATS. In this blog post, we will provide you with nine examples that will help your resume stand out and get noticed by hiring managers. 

Bullet Points of the Problem:

– ATS is designed to filter out resumes based on specific keywords and phrases.

– The majority of resumes do not make it past the ATS.

– Applicants with the right skills and experience are not getting noticed due to the ATS.

– The recruitment industry has shifted to rely heavily on the ATS for initial screening.

– This has led to the need for a “secret trick” to get past the ATS.

In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of the recruitment process. Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and filter out applicants who do not meet their requirements. While the ATS has made the recruitment process more efficient, it has also created a new challenge for job seekers.

With so many job applications flooding recruiters’ inboxes, it is easy for your resume to get lost in the digital black hole. The ATS is designed to filter out resumes based on specific keywords and phrases. If your resume does not have the right keywords or phrases, it may not make it past the initial screening.

The majority of resumes do not make it past the ATS, which means that applicants with the right skills and experience are not getting noticed. The recruitment industry has shifted to rely heavily on the ATS for initial screening, which has led to the need for a “secret trick” to get past the ATS.

Solution:

1. Identify Keywords: 

The first step in beating the ATS is to identify the keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job description. Use tools like Jobscan, Resume Worded, or RezRunner to scan the job description and match it with your resume. Use these keywords throughout your resume, especially in the skills and experience section.

2. Customize Your Resume: 

Customize your resume to fit the job description. Use the same keywords and phrases that are used in the job description. This will help the ATS pick up your resume and increase your chances of getting noticed.

3. Optimize Your Formatting: 

The formatting of your resume is critical when it comes to the ATS. Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid using images or graphics, as these can confuse the ATS. Also, use headings and bullet points to make your resume easy to scan.

4. Keep It Simple: 

Keep your resume simple and to the point. Avoid using complex sentences or technical jargon that the ATS may not understand. Use bullet points to highlight your skills and experience.

5. Use Action Verbs: 

Use action verbs to describe your skills and experience. This will make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Examples of action verbs include managed, developed, created, and implemented.

6. Include Numbers: 

Include numbers to demonstrate your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” say “increased sales by 20% in the first quarter.”

7. Highlight Achievements: 

Highlight your achievements and accomplishments in your resume. This will make your resume stand out and show your potential as a candidate. Use bullet points to list your achievements.

8. Seek Professional Help:

If you’re finding it difficult to beat the ATS, seek professional help. A professional resume writer or career coach can provide you with the necessary guidance and expertise to create a resume that is tailored to the specific job you are applying for. They can also help you identify keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job description.

By implementing these nine examples, you can increase your chances of getting past the ATS and getting noticed by hiring managers. However, it’s important to remember that the ATS is just the first step in the recruitment process. Even if you make it past the ATS, you still need to impress the hiring manager with your skills and experience.

Conclusion:

Beating the ATS is not easy, but it’s not impossible either. By identifying the right keywords, customizing your resume, optimizing your formatting, keeping it simple, using action verbs, including numbers, highlighting your achievements, networking, and seeking professional help, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and to highlight your skills and experience. With the right strategy, you can unlock the secret trick to beat the ATS and land your dream job.

• Check out our other posts:
• The Ultimate Guide to Explaining Employment Gaps in Your Resume
• The Reason You’re Getting Ghosted by Companies After Sending Your Resume, That No One Is Talking About.
• Maximizing Your Work Experience: How to Effectively Format Multiple Departments/Same Job Title in Your Resume