What’s ATS Compliance and How Do Make Sure I Have it?

Your guide to cracking the code of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compliance

I think we can all agree, one of the worst feelings in the world is rejection.

That’s a feeling almost all of us have experienced at some point in our life when applying for jobs. You spend an extensive amount of your time crafting and creating a perfect resume and cover letter, only to have your application blend in with the hundreds of others and not ever be seen by a hiring manager. 

But you DO have something to offer and you DO work hard! So, why does this keep happening? 

One of the trickiest parts of applying for jobs today is that we are working against the approval of a high-tech machine, hoping the way our professional story is told aligns with the set algorithm enough so recruiters take time to look at it. And even then, we are trusting that less than 500 words on a piece of paper convey our professional story well enough that we actually sound interesting. It can seem like a shot in the dark. And it’s challenging. 

BUT, that is what we are here to help you with! Our team is made up of experts for cracking the recruiter code and mastering strategies that optimize your chance at beating one thing standing in your way: ATS compliance. 

First off, what even is ATS compliance?

ATS stands for “Applicant Tracking System.” These systems act as an electronic gatekeeper for hiring managers and recruiters to scope out and scan through applications, narrowing down all the applicants to the “most qualified” candidates. It’s essentially a tool that recruiters use to optimize the efficiency of their hiring process. 

Applicant tracking systems scan your resume and score your qualifications in alignment with the job description. From there, the ATS will rank your application to help focus recruiters and hiring managers on the most qualified candidates. 

These systems can be very picky about wording, formatting, and design. That means if a resume template is not formatted correctly or the template is not ATS compliant, a qualified candidate can quickly be passed over! 

Well, why is this important?

Since 90% of Fortune 500 companies and 98% of other large corporations use ATS to manage high volumes of job applications, odds are that your resume will encounter one in your job search. Suppose you’re applying for a new role, particularly within a larger organization. The hiring manager looking for candidates likely uses an applicant tracking system or other resume-filtering bots to cipher through applications. 

According to TopResumes, large corporations receive an average of 250-300 resumes per job posting. Of all the applications sent to companies regarding a job posting, 75% of them are never seen by a recruiter. And of these applications, only an average of 4-6 candidates get called in for an interview. That means a lot of highly qualified candidate applications won’t be considered by a hiring manager even for an interview due to a low score or lack of ATS compliance. 

Okay, so now how can I improve my professional documents?

There are a few key strategies to create an ATS compliant document that will help you get your resume seen by recruiters:

Formatting 

Depending on the role you’re applying for, the design of your resume can play a huge part in optimizing ATS compliance. Unless you’re applying for a position that is graphically inclined (like a Graphic Designer or UX/UI Developer), we recommend keeping your design simple and organized. Avoid adding multiple textboxes or information within your document’s header to ensure resume-filtering systems can easily read your resume. 

Keyword Integration 

Applicant tracking systems filter through resumes by finding keywords and phrases that match the job description or other hiring managers’ qualifications. Translate your experience into language that aligns with your target role by integrating keywords.

Start by reviewing the job descriptions and identifying keywords that align with your experience. Feature them throughout your resume to boost your ATS compliance. 

An easy way to integrate keywords within your resume is to add a “Skills” or “Core Competencies” section, then pepper in those keywords throughout your experience and summary sections. 

Remember: Some applicant tracking systems measure your skills with the length of experience associated with that skill. For example, if you include “financial reporting” in a job you held for three years, it will conclude you have three years of financial reporting experience. If this skill is listed again in a skills section, it will add more time to that skill. That’s why it’s essential to include these keywords and skills throughout your entire resume!

Spell Out Acronyms 

Particularly the first time an acronym is used, it is wise to spell it out. For example, if you’re highlighting your competency in maximizing SEO. The first time you mention your skills in SEO, spell out “search engine optimization” to ensure ATS picks up this particular skill. 

Review, Review, Review!

The biggest key to optimizing ATS compliance when applying for jobs is to tailor your resume to specific target roles. Avoid shortcuts (like copying the job description in white font within your resume), as recruiters and hiring managers can see right through these!

Spend time on your resume before applying to different roles, ensuring your professional story is told in a way that makes you look well-fit for the specific responsibilities within that role.

Do you still have questions about ATS compliance? Or, do you need help optimizing your documents? We’re here to help!

Ellie Jackson
Content Strategist / Brand Development & Social Media Manager

As one of the dedicated members of Clarity Career Solutions, utilizes an advanced skillset in content development and recruiting strategy to support clients as they navigate the crossroads of purpose, passion, and profession.

Need help optimizing your resume for ATS compliance? Our team of career experts would be happy to be a resource for you! Learn more about the Clarity Career Solutions team here. We’d love to learn more about you and your career goals!