What Are Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?
Last week, a LinkedIn article was trending on how resume-sorting robots work. Since the start of the year, recruiters are completely overwhelmed reviewing hundreds, if not thousands, of application documents seeking the proverbial diamond in the rough.
So how do they sift through so many applications? Enter ATS!
What is ATS?
Ok, the cute little Disney-esque, cartoon talking robot you have in your mind right now after reading the words “resume-sorting robots”… yeah, that is not exactly the one reviewing your resume. Calling the computer programs that actually scan, read and sort your application information “little robots” seems to speak to more people when talking about seriously complex, computer coding languages. So if robots works for you, go with it.
But in actuality, we are talking about ATS or Applicant Tracking Systems. Organizations range in their use of ATS. If an organization is hiring for an entry level role with historically high applicant interest, they usually consider hosting the position in their ATS as to well… track applications!
If an organization is hiring a super senior high level role, they might engage in an “invite-only search” and only ask a small number of folks (3-5) to formally apply. In this case, the ATS isn’t actually doing anything but just serving as a legal collection point for hiring materials.
Given my readership- hi students and YPs!- I am going to talk about scenario one, high interest, entry level roles where ATS is critical in the hiring process.
“Optional” is not optional
When you read a job description, there is typically a brief bit on the company (the introduction), job responsibilities (usually a long, ugly laundry list of bullet points) and then basic and preferred qualifications.
If you are seeking a job right now, you know the routine. You skip over most everything and go straight to the qualifications. If you aren’t qualified, you likely aren’t going to waste your time reading a lengthy description.
Additionally, a job might sound awesome, you are hooked and then you get to the qualifications and see (for an entry level position) you need 3-5 years’ experience to apply. FOR ENTRY LEVEL?!
This is happening far too often! Recruiters- fix this!
Sorry, I digress. Anyways, once you decide, yes, I meet the qualifications for this job, I am ready to apply, there is usually an outline of what application materials are required and what materials are optional.
Submit the optional documents!
These documents are usually cover letters, transcripts, letters of recommendation or a sample of work. The ATS scans all your documents in your application profile to assess your fit for the role. Give the system as many data points as you can.
The more material the ATS can scan, the more likely you’re going to hit a certain word, phrase or skill the system is programmed to look for. If you have a one page resume, half filled out, you aren’t giving the ATS much too work with. Feed the robots!
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) eBook
Secrets to breaking through online applications
Parting Words...
If you’re applying for entry level roles, you’ll start to see a lot of the same language in all the job descriptions you’re reading. Give the ATS what it wants! It might require a slight resume edit for each job you apply for, but more often than not, if you are applying to 25 business analyst roles or Java developer roles in a row, one resume will likely meet all your needs for that specific job title.
BONUS TIP!
Apply in the morning! A LOT of people apply to jobs after school or work- so at night. It’s like getting emails. I close my laptop at 5pm with zero emails in my inbox, I get up the next morning and somehow, BY MAGIC!, I’m back to 50-60 emails! How did that happen?!
If you can apply in the morning, that might get your resume seen sooner because many ATS have a notification system (just like the annoying pop up box for Outlook email) and humans are curious creatures. If we see a little preview pop up, we might be more inclined to give it a quick look, right there in the moment, when it comes in. Remember the human element of the hiring process.
Get your application in front of people when you know they are looking at their screens.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
