We are living in an era of a competitive job market and companies are getting hundreds or sometimes thousands of applications for a single position. Sorting through all these resumes manually would be a time-consuming nightmare. That’s where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) come in.
An ATS is software designed to streamline the hiring process by automating resume screening, organising candidate information, and simplifying communication between recruiters and applicants. By using advanced algorithms, ATS can quickly identify the most qualified candidates based on specific job criteria. This will ensure that the best talent rises to the top and meets the recruiters’ criteria.
But how does an ATS work? What impact does it have on job seekers? And how can employers maximize its potential?
Most of the candidates does not aware of what need to do for making ATS to land in a better job. No worries! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about ATS. In this blog we will cover its benefits, challenges, and how both recruiters and candidates can make the most of it.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a type of software that assists organisations in managing and optimising their recruitment processes. It simplifies and automates various stages of hiring, from job postings to final candidate selection.
These systems are designed to efficiently handle large volumes of job applications by organising, filtering, and analyzing candidate data. Below are some of the core functionalities typically found in an ATS:
- Job Distribution: Shares open positions across multiple job boards and the company’s career site with a single submission.
- Resume Analysis: Scans and pulls key information from resumes, such as skills, experience, and contact information.
- Candidate Filtering: Uses set parameters like keywords, qualifications, and experience levels to identify suitable applicants.
- Built-in Communication Tools: Allows recruiters to message or email candidates directly from the platform.
- Process Tracking: Monitors each applicant’s progress through the recruitment stages, from initial application to final decision.
- Data Insights and Reporting: Offers metrics on hiring performance, such as time-to-fill and the effectiveness of various recruitment channels.
For hiring teams, an ATS has become an essential tool for improving recruitment outcomes and identifying top talent more efficiently.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
Applicant Tracking Systems use keyword scanning to quickly identify resumes that match specific job requirements. The software analyses the text in resumes and cover letters to find relevant terms and phrases that align with the job description. This helps recruiters filter out unqualified candidates and focus on those who best fit the role. Lets analyse how ATS analyses keywords.
- Keyword Matching: ATS compares keywords from the job description (e.g., skills, job titles, qualifications) with those found in resumes.
- Contextual Scanning: Advanced systems assess how keywords are used within the context of the resume, not just their presence.
- Boolean Search: Recruiters can use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine searches within the ATS.
- Ranking System: Resumes are often ranked based on how well they match the keyword criteria.
- Customisation: Employers can set custom keywords or phrases to prioritize during the screening process.
To increase the chances of your resume being selected, ensure that you include the following elements in your CV.
- Professional Abilities (e.g., teamwork, programming, strategic leadership)
- Official Credentials (e.g., “Certified in First Aid,” “Project Management Professional”)
- Academic Background (e.g., Bachelor’s in Media Studies, Doctorate, High School Diploma or equivalent)
- Previous Employers (e.g., Amazon, IBM, Meta)
- Employment Experience (e.g., business development, technical support, retail operations)
- Position Titles (e.g., “Operations Coordinator,” “Licensed Practical Nurse”)
- Power Verbs (e.g., “led,” “developed,” “collaborated with”)
Tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume
Creating an ATS-friendly resume doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or personality—it’s about ensuring your resume is both readable by machines and appealing to hiring managers. Let’s follow below tips to improve your chances of making it past the digital gatekeeper and landing an interview.
1. Use a Simple and Clear Resume Format
ATS software reads resumes from top to bottom and left to right, just like a human would. To ensure nothing is missed, use a clean, straightforward layout without complex formatting. Avoid tables, text boxes, graphics, headers, and footers, as many ATS programs can’t interpret them correctly.
Tip: Stick to standard fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and organise content using bullet points and clear section headings (e.g., “Experience,” “Education”).
2. Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description
This is an inevitable and most important part of ATS resume making. One of the main functions of an ATS is to scan for keywords that match the job description. Identify important words and phrases used in the posting such as required skills, qualifications, and job titles. Keyword stuffing will negatively affect your resume, thus you need to incorporate them naturally in your resume.
Tip: Use variations of keywords (e.g., “Project Management” and “Project Manager”) to improve your match rate.
3. Optimise Job Titles and Headings
Ensure your job titles match industry standards and, where possible, reflect the titles used in the job listing without being misleading. Clear headings (like “Work Experience” or “Professional Summary”) also help the ATS categorize your resume properly.
Tip: Avoid creative or vague section headings like “My Journey” or “What I’ve Done.”
4. Use Standard Resume Sections
ATS software expects to find information in predictable places. Stick to conventional sections like:
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
Tip: Organizing your content in this way improves readability for both the ATS and human recruiters.
5. Save and Submit in the Right File Format
Most ATS platforms prefer resumes in .DOCX or .PDF formats, though some older systems struggle with PDFs. Always check the employer’s submission instructions and, when in doubt, opt for a Word document (.docx).
Tip: Avoid using scanned documents or image-based files, as ATS software cannot read them.
6. Avoid Overuse of Acronyms and Jargon
While acronyms (like “SEO” or “CPA”) are often recognized by ATS, not all systems interpret them correctly. It’s best to include both the full term and the acronym to ensure compatibility.
Tip: For example, write “Certified Public Accountant (CPA)” instead of just “
Land Your Dream Medical Job with an ATS Resume
Looking to land your next role as a licensed medical practitioner? Let CareerLink HR guide you toward success with a professionally crafted and ATS-optimised resume tailored specifically for the healthcare industry. Our team understands what top employers and hospital networks are searching for and thus we can ensure your resume stands out in every digital scan.
If you aspire to become a licensed healthcare professional such as a doctor, registered nurse, or allied medical specialist, we provide comprehensive assistance to help you obtain license such as DHA, MOH, HAAD, and others
Don’t let formatting or missed keywords hold you back. Partner with CareerLink HR today and take the first step toward your next medical career opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most ATS-friendly resume format is a simple, text-based layout with clear section headings like “Experience” and “Skills.” Avoid using images, graphics, or complex designs that ATS may not recognize.
To convert your resume to ATS format, remove non-text elements like tables or graphics and ensure it’s in a standard format like .docx or .pdf. Focus on using simple, readable fonts and clear section titles.
To get a 100% ATS score, tailor your resume with relevant keywords from the job description and align your skills with the job’s requirements. Keep the language straightforward and use a simple layout for easy parsing.
To pass your resume through ATS, include keywords from the job description and avoid complex formatting like headers or footers. Make sure your contact details and job experience are easily readable for the system.
