Get Noticed! Steps for Writing a Winning ATS Resume

With hundreds of resumes flooding in, in response to every job posting, hiring managers look to streamlining the recruiting process. You are either designing your resume to align with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or, no matter how extraordinary your skillset and experience, recruiters and decision makers will never find you. The good news? All you need to do is learn the specific steps to take to develop a strategic ATS resume, and you’re in the game.

Your Top-Line Guide to ATS Resume Writing

WHAT IS ATS?

ATS is specially designed software that helps recruiters and employers manage resumes, job applications and candidate information. When you submit your resume, ATS automatically scans and analyses the documents you submit (cover letter and resume or application). It then runs a keyword search based on the qualifications, experiences and job requirements the employer has identified. Based on the analysis, ATS sorts and ranks those that most keenly match, and those rise to the top of the list.

As you can see, if you don’t nail the keywords and specifics of what is being searched for, you may have the qualifications, but you are essentially invisible to the ATS system. It is reported from numerous sources (including CIO and Careerarc) that between 70% and 75% of resumes get disqualified without ever being read.

Essential then, that you understand what is required and tailor your resume for the specific job you are applying for and make it ATS friendly. Here’s how …

STEPS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR RESUME FOR ATS

1. KISS – Keep It Short and Simple!

ATS, and human resource (HR) staff, like concise resumes, kept to One Page Only. No fancy graphics or designs that ATS cannot understand. Standard fonts, clean layout.

2. Select Best Format

There are three format options that work, reverse-chronological (in order of skill importance), functional (skills based), and a combination of the two. But most popular worldwide and what hiring managers like to see is reverse-chronological.

This format puts your most recent work experience front and centre and dialed in on what HR is seeking and what ATS will pick up on.

3. Use Clean and Clear Layout

A pull away from traditional resume writing where descriptive language, and creative headlines, were encouraged to show your literary and personal flair, ATS needs the basics first and foremost. Headings need to be as simple as “Skills,” “Work Experience” and “Education.”

But there is a balance to be struck here – you want to use a clean layout and keywords that ATS needs to pop your resume to the top, but when a human reviews it, you want them to see the compelling reasons why you are the one for the job.

For the layout you’ll want to consider:

• Margins, one inch on all sides.
• Line spacing, 1.0 between text and 1.15 between double lines for subheadings.
• Choose a font that is standard but not overused, think Roboto. And keep your heading size to 14 to 16 pt and body text to 10 to 12 pt.
• Use bullet points, makes it easier to scan.

4. Choose Keywords – the Key to Success

ATS scans for specific phrases and keywords, matching your experience and skills with job requirements, so you need to determine and use the words they are looking for.

• Read the job description in detail and find the action verbs, skills and requirements they list.
• Use these words in a natural way throughout your resume.

5. Provide Work Experience Details

This is where you want to succinctly relay the specific work experience you have had that connects with the job they are hiring for. Include relevant accomplishments and responsibilities that precisely mirror those words used in the job description. This way ATS will flag the keywords and your accomplishments to back that up.

6. Align Skills with Job Relevance

Review and consider the skills an employer would be looking for in relation to the job they are hiring for, and tailor your skills, specifically and clearly to those keywords.

7. Follow this ATS-Resume Layout

This is the flow that your resume should take in that one page.

• Objective or Summary – Brief paragraph that shows what you offer at a glance, crucial qualifications and skills that match the job description.
• Work Experience – Describe your roles and achievements in language that mirrors the job posting.
• Skills – Include hard and soft skills that match the job description.
• Education – Keep it short, as ATS is just looking for a degree/major. But if you are new to the workforce, include projects, coursework, relevant topics that relate to the job description.

DOUBLE CHECK ATS RESUME COMPATIBILITY

Before you submit, you can always double check that your resume is ATS friendly. Some options you can use are:

• Jobscan
• Resume Worded
• Enhancev
• MyPerfectResume
• SkillSyncer
  __________________________________________________________________________

Now you have precisely what you need, to create an ATS resume that will appease the digital database gods and give you the best shot at getting your resume noticed by the hiring manager. Then all you need to do is nail that interview and you’ve got it made!

And remember, if you are an Anderson College student or graduate, you’ve got our Career Services experts’ support – for life. We’re here to help you navigate all you need, always. Your success is our success.

Considering what training you may need to take your career and life to new levels? We can help. Take the “Anderson College Career Training Readiness Quiz” or let us help you understand your best options within our 30+ leading-edge programs. Connect with one of our Admissions Advisors today and let’s get you started.

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Anderson College – Programs for You
• Anderson College – Second Career Financial Aid Options
• Midlife Career Change? Your Guide to Success at Any Age
• Top 10 Benefits of a Career College Education