Let’s face facts, AI is inescapable when it comes to screening job applications and CVs on a large scale, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. The best way to beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is to know how to work with it. In this article, we’ll let you know more about how these trackers work and how to optimize your CV to end up on top.
Designing the Gatekeepers
There are hundreds (if not thousands) of applicants for any one advertised job, and the same number of CVs for HR personnel and interviewers to plow through. Many applicants aren’t even fully qualified for a job. This means even just a few advertised positions still mean mountains of reading. More reading, more time. More time, more money.
Put it like this: it’s no wonder companies have taken to ATS so readily. These AI systems are designed to streamline the hiring process: narrowing down applicants via keywords that the hiring organization is looking for. The more keywords in a CV, the higher up in the rankings it goes.
It goes beyond keywords, too. The AI tracks things like years of experience, the suitability of an applicant based on the most recent experience, and transferable skills.
How to Bypass ATS for CVs
Now that you know what you’re up against, it’s time to start making your CV work for you. We’ve assembled a few pointers to get your CV to the top of the heap for whatever position you’re applying for.
Tailor Your CV
While there are plenty of roles out there that are functionally the same, each posting (and ATS system attached) is a little different. Be sure to read each posting carefully, noting keywords and job requirements. It’s good to have a basic framework of a CV that you can tweak for every application, emphasizing certain strengths over others as needed. Essentially:
- Match keywords and terms used in the ad as closely as possible in your own application. Use AI or your own eyes to identify them.
- Refine your CV for each posting, cutting out experience and skills that aren’t directly beneficial for the advertised position.
Make sure your CV speaks as closely as possible to what’s being asked for.
Format for an AI
Since ATS will be looking over your CV for the first few rounds, it’s important that you make things easy for it to process. Here are a few pointers:
- AI scans top to bottom, left to right. Format your CV with the most relevant information accordingly.
- Use headings and subheadings to clearly mark out sections.
- Reverse chronology is best for job experience, listing your most recent experience first.
- Choose a reliable format like PDF. If the recruiter asks for a specific format, oblige them.
- Avoid too many images and diagrams that can’t be processed by the ATS.
Beyond the ATS, remember that the top CVs will still be read by a human. Don’t make your CV too plain, or stuff it with too many keywords and terms.
Don’t Lie
It might be tempting to fabricate experience and overemphasize skills that aren’t as professional as you’d like. But the truth is, such lies will only help in the short term, if at all. You might get the interview, but your lack of skills will quickly become apparent to the flesh-and-blood person grilling you. Companies and recruitment organizations will also blacklist candidates who aren’t honest in their CVs.
Don’t Give Up
It might seem dystopian to know that your fate is in the hands of a machine, but keep at it. Applying for jobs was a slog even before AI. Follow the tips and remember it’s your skills, achievements, and personality that’ll still win the job during a final interview with a human.
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