In the fast-paced world of job hunting in 2024, it’s crucial to understand how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) work and how they influence your chances of landing the right job. Did you know that a staggering 90% of the time, your resume is being screened by ATS before reaching human eyes? Here are six steps to ensure your resume stands out and makes it past the ATS hurdle.
Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline
Your resume headline is the first thing recruiters see, so make it count. Incorporate the exact job title from the job description to increase the chances of your resume appearing in search results. For example:
- “Results-Oriented Business Analyst with 7 Years of Experience”
- “Finance Manager with 10 Years of Experience in the Banking Industry”
- “Human Resources Professional with 5 Years of Experience in Recruitment and Employee Relations”
Tailor your headline to each job application to maximise its impact. MITSDE’s dedicated placement cell offers free resume building workshops for thorough guidance.
Incorporate Relevant Skills Strategically
ATS not only scans for job titles but also for specific keywords related to skills. Identify these keywords in the job description and integrate them naturally into your resume. Focus on the skills mentioned most frequently, ensuring your language aligns with that used by the hiring manager.
Example: If the job description emphasises “marketing,” ensure your resume includes this keyword strategically.
Use Keywords Effectively
ATS often struggles to differentiate between similar skills. Therefore, use keywords exactly as they appear in the job description. Include both long-form versions and acronyms to cover all bases and increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.
Example: If the job description mentions “leadership experience,” incorporate this exact phrase on your resume.
Adopt an ATS-Friendly Resume Format
While content is crucial, the format also plays a vital role. Opt for the chronological format, listing your work experience in reverse chronological order. Include essential details such as company name, job title, start and end dates, achievements and responsibilities. This format has proven to be the most ATS-friendly.
Enhance Readability for Humans and Machines
Make your resume easy to scan by both ATS and human eyes. Follow these formatting tips:
- Use clear language.
- Choose a common font (e.g., Garamond, Calibri, Times New Roman).
- Maintain appropriate font sizes and margins.
- Use standard formatting features like bold, italics, underlining, and bullets.
- Submit your resume in Word or PDF format for easy scanning.
Avoid Common Formatting Pitfalls
Keep in mind that most ATS systems strip away complex formatting. Avoid headers and footers, graphics, images, and symbols. Stick to traditional section headings to ensure easy parsing by the ATS.
Want to create the perfect resume for your dream job?
Navigating the realm of ATS and crafting an ATS-friendly resume is a strategic move in securing your dream job. MIT School of Distance Education offers one-of-a-kind 100% Placement assistance in the distance/online education world.
With MITSDE, you will not only increase your chances of passing through the ATS screening but also make a favourable impression on hiring managers. Our dedicated placement team tailors each resume to the specific job according to your course specialisation.
MITSDE 100% Placement Support Cell Offers –
- Recruitment drives and Job Listing
- Resume/CV building workshops
- Interview preparations via mock interview sessions
- Corporate networking to recruit top industry talent
- Access to weekly updated job listings via an in-house placement portal for diverse opportunities.
- Career Planning & Counselling through dedicated experts
- Personalised feedback of Interviews up to 3 placement calls
With MITSDE, you will be on your way to standing out in the competitive job market of 2024.