ATS is Why a Hiring Manager May Never See Your Resume

One of the greatest mysteries of applying for a job is getting the "We're not interested..." letter not long after submitting an application and resume. "Didn't they see how great a candidate I was?" you ask yourself as you continue your job search. What's interesting is that the answer is no, they didn't see how great a candidate you were because they probably didn't see your resume at all.

How is it possible that they didn't see your resume? Well, most companies have become more efficient by using new technology like ATS that filters out unsatisfactory candidates before the hiring manager ever sees them.

What in the World is ATS?

ATS is also known as the Applicant Tracking Systems. This program manages a company's recruiting process by sorting through resumes and selecting a few dozen that meet specific criteria and therefore are good enough to pass on to the hiring manager.

The criteria are determined by each company and could easily vary, but typically, it will look for specific keywords in the resume that show how closely you match who they're looking for in a candidate.

If your resume doesn't offer those keywords then your resume will most likely not be noticed. While those who were able to place the right words into their document will move on to the next round.

How to Know What Keywords Work Well with ATS

As mentioned previously, a specific company's use of ATS will vary, but this doesn't mean that you can't write your resume to take advantage of the system. Whether you're getting resume professional help or writing yours on your own, it's a good idea to speak with professionals in your industry who could tell you what some buzzwords are.

You could also look in industry newsletters and websites to see what words are being used. And don't forget to reference the job posting to pick out the needs of the employer.

ATS could be intimidating to some job seekers because it so boldly stands in between them and a job opportunity. But by taking time to learn the right keywords to use when applying, the system could switch from being your foe to becoming your friend.