Are robots reviewing my resume? You can bet! We’ve all wondered if human eyes ever get to see our resumes. As job seekers diligently prepare and submit resumes in response to job openings, it’s important to understand exactly what happens to your resume once you hit the Submit button. You know your resume is being delivered; but what you don’t know is if it reaches the decision maker. This is where technology takes over.

All human resources departments and staffing companies use software technology that scans, reviews, and analyzes resumes before a human touches them. Is that how it works.

1. You submit your resume in response to a job offer. It is captured by an Applicant Tracking System [ATS]

Even before a recruiter can see your resume, they come across the company’s robot software system called the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). There are many ATS providers and they all work pretty much the same. Now, this ATS contains a large database of candidate information that helps streamline an organization’s hiring process.

Businesses large and small use this software because it’s a cost-effective way to keep all resumes in one place and manage the entire hiring process. The ATS adds [parses] your information directly from your resume in a formatted document based on how closely you match the job offer.

So you ask: How can I make my resume talk to this bot effectively? Well, have you heard all the buzz about keywords by now? Well, the robot software is the reason you need keywords on your resume. The company has programmed these keywords into the ATS to help them identify the resumes of the best candidates. So what should I do?

2. There is no need to spend money on a professional resume writer. You can easily format your resume. The format is as important as the content

Within the ATS, recruiters choose and enter the particular skills and qualifications they are looking for in a given position. You want to match these [must haves] with keywords that are in the job description. You may have all the qualifications correct, but if the ATS can’t read your resume, then your phone won’t ring.

So check out these tips on how to optimize your resume:

  • Use keywords in the body of the text and throughout the resume where appropriate. The ATS detects context and relevance based on the placement of keywords. Use the language that the company uses. If they call it “online marketing,” your resume shouldn’t call it “content marketing.”
  • Use easy-to-read standard fonts, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
  • Correct punctuation and spelling matter.
  • The universally accepted file format is a .doc extension. This format is the safest bet, as the ATS will surely recognize your information.

The way you enter your resume is important. Always upload your resume directly to the system instead of typing your information in each field. This way, the ATS can automatically fill in your information, making the entire shipping process easier for you and the ATS.

3. The ATS is used in many ways

With all the advanced technology available in the ATS, it is sometimes simply used as a database to keep track of applicants. Often the “percent match score” is not the final verdict. Good recruiters and HR professionals tend to trust their own instincts about evaluating a machine.

At the end; the important thing is that you apply for jobs for which you are extremely qualified. Tailor your resume to match the job description based on your experiences. Be sure to read the job description and note how the company uses keywords. And more important; we emphasize value proposition statements. Take the time to develop your value proposition statement, as this is what will immediately catch the attention of the hiring manager.