Many companies nowadays use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and manage job applications. An ATS is software that scans resumes and CVs looking for relevant keywords, skills, work experience, and other details to determine if an applicant meets the basic qualifications for a position.
Getting your CV through the ATS screening and in front of human eyes can be challenging. Here are 5 tips to optimize your CV to make it ATS-friendly:
Use relevant keywords - Identify key skills, qualifications, certifications required for the position and work those words into your CV. Mirror the language and terminology used in the job posting. The ATS looks for matches between your CV and the job description.
Optimize section headings - Use consistent headings for sections like Work Experience, Skills, Education, etc. The ATS looks for specific headings to pull data.
Include your full work history - List out all companies, positions, dates worked. Don't abbreviate company names. The ATS wants details to parse your employment history.
Use a simple, standard format - Avoid fancy fonts, images, tables, columns. Use a standard Word or PDF format. Complex formatting can confuse an ATS.
Check for errors - Carefully proofread for typos, grammar errors. The ATS may discard CVs with many errors.
Following these tips will better optimize your CV for ATS review. It will increase the chance that the ATS will move your application forward for human review. Getting past the initial software screening is critical to landing an interview and moving forward in the hiring process. With some ATS tweaking, you can better highlight your qualifications to employers.