1. Understanding the ATS: Your Resume’s First Hurdle
‍
‍Before diving into how to optimise your resume, it’s important to understand how ATS works. ATS is a software that companies use to streamline the hiring process by screening resumes. It scans resumes for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description, ranks them based on relevance, and forwards the top resumes to hiring managers.If your resume isn’t optimised to match the system’s requirements, it might not even reach the human reviewer. So, let’s make sure your resume passes this crucial first step.

2. Optimise for Keywords: Speak ATS’s Language

‍One of the biggest factors that determine whether your resume passes the ATS filter is keywords. ATS uses algorithms to search for specific terms that align with the job description, so you’ll want to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for.

How to Use Keywords Effectively:

1. Job Description Matching
Start by carefully reviewing the job description and identify keywords related to skills, responsibilities, and qualifications.
2. Industry-Specific Terms
‍Make sure to include industry terms, such as “project management,” “customer service,” or “data analysis,” depending on your field.
3. Contextual Placement
‍ Don’t just stuff keywords in your resume. Use them naturally in your work experience, skills, and education sections.

‍3. Keep It Simple: Avoid Fancy Formatting

While creativity is important in some areas, ATS isn’t impressed by fancy fonts or designs. In fact, they can cause problems, as ATS might not be able to parse your information correctly. Here’s what to keep in mind:
‍
‍1. Stick to Standard Formatting
Use simple fonts (like Arial or Times New Roman) and avoid text boxes, images, and other design elements.
2. Use Standard Headings
ATS scans for specific section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education,” so avoid using creative alternatives like “My Journey” or “Career Highlights.”
3. Keep it Clean
Use bullet points to organise information and make it easy for both the ATS and the hiring manager to read.
‍

4. Customise Your Resume for Each Job

‍Every job you apply for is different, so don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach for your resume. Instead, tailor each resume to highlight the skills and experience that match the specific job description.

‍How to Tailor Your Resume:

1. Highlight Relevant Skills: Adjust your resume to emphasise the skills and qualifications the company is looking for.
2. Showcase Related Experience: If the job requires certain experience, be sure to highlight projects or previous roles where you’ve demonstrated that experience.
3. Be Honest: Never exaggerate or lie about your skills and experience, as this could come back to bite you during the interview.
‍

5. After ATS: Acing the Human Review

‍Once your resume passes the ATS, the real work begins—getting noticed by the hiring manager. While ATS plays a big role in filtering out unsuitable applicants, a hiring manager is still looking for more than just keywords. Here’s what to keep in mind:

‍1. Be Clear and Concise: Hiring managers typically spend only a few seconds scanning a resume. Keep your achievements clear and quantifiable, such as “Increased sales by 25% over six months.”
2. Show Passion: Highlight your enthusiasm for the role and the company. This can set you apart from other candidates.
3. Professional Formatting: Once the ATS has done its job, it’s up to you to make sure your resume is easy to read for the human eye. Keep it professional and organised.
‍

Conclusion: Getting Your Resume Noticed
‍
‍From optimising for ATS to impressing the hiring manager, getting your resume seen and noticed requires a strategic approach. By tailoring your resume for each job, using the right keywords, and keeping your formatting simple, you can increase your chances of passing through the ATS and landing that coveted interview.

Remember, your resume is the first step in your job search journey. Make it count!
‍