Do you know the Applicant Tracking System?

To be honest, I’m a little tired of hearing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) being blamed for everything wrong with hiring these days. Sure, ATS software plays a role, but it’s not some all-knowing, hyper-advanced AI that’s deciding your fate. At the end of the day, an ATS can only do what the recruiter programs it to do.

Let’s clear this up once and for all: While you can’t "beat the ATS," there are definitely a few things to keep in mind when applying.

First, make sure your resume is in a format the ATS can read. Those beautiful, snazzy, graphic-heavy Canva templates? They don’t work. The ATS can’t process them, and on the recruiter’s end, they look like a mess. Speaking from personal experience, no recruiter has the time to reformat resumes to make them readable. So, keep it simple.

The best formats for ATS compatibility are Word docs, Google docs, or PDFs—without too much design. If you want a solid example, reply to this email and I’ll send you a Word Doc template I love that works 100% of the time.

Now, here’s something people often overlook: The ATS doesn’t make hiring decisions, but it does organize your resume based on the answers you provide in the application’s screening questions. You know the ones I’m talking about:

• Are you over 18?

• Are you authorized to work in this location?

• What are your salary expectations?

• Do you hold the required certifications?

These questions determine if your resume lands in the "Does Not Qualify (DNQ)" bucket. So, answer honestly and accurately. Misleading answers may get you past the ATS, but they can hurt you in the long run.

Remember, the ATS isn’t the only factor. Sometimes a recruiter or hiring manager has very specific criteria, or internal processes slow things down. It’s not always the system’s fault.

Stay patient, keep refining your approach, and make sure you’re nailing this critical part of the application process. Want more help on how to make sure you don’t end up in the DNQ? Check out this post on Instagram!

Need help with your resume or interview prep? Check out my free guides on my website! And as always, feel free to reach out if you need support.