The first introduction of any applicant while applying for a job is typically through a resume. It is a harsh truth today that the job market has become so competitive that your dreams might just slip away from you within a matter of seven seconds. According to a report by Workopolis, only 20% of the CVs are able to pass the first screening, and only 1 out of 10 reaches a human recruiter. Another report by Gitnux states that 75% of resumes aren’t able to pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) because of lack of keywords, formatting, content, etc. 

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a tool that companies use to manage the large volume of applications they get for job vacancies. It allows them to save time and swiftly pinpoint the most suitable candidates without the need of reading each resume manually.

The majority of companies today, including over 98% of those in the Fortune 500 companies employ an applicant tracking system to assist with managing their recruitment process. Many job applicants are unaware that when they submit their applications online, their resumes do not go directly to a recruiter. Instead, they are stored in a database by the ATS. Recruiters then use keywords to search through that database for suitable resumes. Consequently, even if you are highly qualified, your resume may not appear simply due to the lack of appropriate keywords. 

Why Is Resume Scoring Important?

Your resume score indicates how closely your resume matches industry benchmarks and job listings. Knowing your score aids in refining your resume, improving the likelihood of it passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and attracting the attention of recruiters.

Resume scoring is altering the recruitment process by automating evaluations for determining the best-fit candidates. It uses advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to rate resumes according to established standards such as skills, qualifications, and experience. This guarantees a just and efficient evaluation process. It eliminates the recruitment bias and guarantees that the merit of the candidates becomes the only basis for getting selected to the next round. It acts as a boon for the organizations that receive floods of applications, as it saves the HR teams a considerable amount of time and streamlines the initial screening process. 

Steps to Use Resume Scoring Tools

1. The first step is to check your score with reliable ATS score checkers. 

• ResuScan tool: Upload your resume to receive a comprehensive score report derived from genuine ATS standards. The unique aspect of ResuScan is its in-depth analysis: instead of just presenting an ATS score, it offers insights into your formatting mistakes, keyword discrepancies, and absent information in sections like Skills and Experience.
• ATS score calculators: They mimic how various systems from companies will evaluate your resume. This allows you to see your ranking and make adjustments before submitting your application.
• Check score every time: After making any changes, utilize several different tools to assess your resume’s ATS score to ensure you are consistently enhancing it.

2. The second step is to optimize the keywords in your resume. One of the simplest methods to boost your resume score is by improving the relevance of keywords. AI tools often require their users to look for a defined group of terms found in the job description. They reveal the missing keywords that are lowering your score and highlight the ones that are irrelevant or outdated. It also suggests strategic keywords to raise your score. 

3. The third step is to correct your formatting. Not even extensive experience can rescue an ATS score if the format is poor. The majority of resumes are turned down by AI filters solely due to their intricate designs. An ATS will certainly give a higher score to a resume that is well-designed and straightforward, while a resume with complex and messy formatting may result in a lower score. Revise the resume for better formatting and then assess its compatibility by using an ATS Score Checker like ResuScan. 

4. The fourth step is to customize your resume according to your job description. The biggest mistake by any applicant is to send a single resume for all the job applications. Customized resumes generally score higher. You must edit the summary, experience, and skill sections, fitting your job description, and then check your score. 

Conclusion

Editing and enhancing your resume is not a one-time effort. Continuous evaluations and quality checks should be run from time to time to keep your resume up to date for being relevant in the job market. With the rising competition in the job market today, it is not just your skills that matter, but also the way you present them in your resume. The aforementioned steps and resume scoring tools can be effectively used to perfect your CV so that you get more callbacks and interviews. 

FAQs – ATS Friendly Resume Guide

Q1. What is an ATS friendly resume?
An ATS friendly resume is a resume designed with simple formatting, clear structure, and job-specific keywords to pass applicant tracking systems.

Q2. Why do I need an ATS friendly resume?
You need an ATS friendly resume because most companies filter applications through software before recruiters ever see them.

Q3. How do keywords affect an ATS friendly resume?
Keywords determine whether your ATS friendly resume matches the job description and ranks higher in search results.

Q4. What formatting works best for an ATS friendly resume?
Simple formatting, standard fonts, and clear headings ensure your ATS friendly resume is easy for systems to scan.

Q5. Should I use graphics in an ATS friendly resume?
No, avoid graphics. An ATS friendly resume must be text-based so that important details aren’t missed by the software.

Q6. Can an ATS friendly resume still look professional?
Yes, an ATS friendly resume can look neat, polished, and professional while maintaining compatibility with hiring systems.

Q7. How often should I update my ATS friendly resume?
Update your ATS friendly resume regularly to add new skills, certifications, and experiences aligned with job descriptions.

Q8. Is one-page better for an ATS friendly resume?
Yes, for most applicants, a one-page ATS friendly resume is easier to scan and highlights only the most relevant details.

Q9. Does an ATS friendly resume work for all industries?
Yes, whether in tech, business, or healthcare, an ATS friendly resume increases your chances of reaching recruiters.

Q10. How do I test if I have an ATS friendly resume?
You can upload it to ATS score checkers like ResuScan to see if your ATS friendly resume meets hiring standards.

References

• https://www.jobscan.co/applicant-tracking-systems 
• https://novoresume.com/career-blog/resume-statistics 
• https://goghr.ai/resume-scoring/#:~:text=What%20Is%20Resume%20Scoring?,best%20candidates%20in%20less%20time 
• https://www.mployee.me/blog/how-to-optimize-resume-for-ai-algorithms