ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is recruitment software that helps companies manage their hiring process. When you apply for a job online, your CV typically goes through an ATS before any human sees it.
The ATS scans your CV for relevant keywords, qualifications, and formatting. It then ranks candidates based on how well their applications match the job requirements. Only the top-ranked applications are typically reviewed by recruiters.
Understanding how ATS works is crucial because an estimated 75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before reaching a human reviewer. This means your CV needs to be both ATS-friendly and compelling to read.
Key Points
- Most large companies use ATS to manage applications
- ATS scans for keywords matching the job description
- Poor formatting can cause ATS to misread your CV
- Tailoring your CV for each application improves ATS scores
- Simple, clean CV formats work best with ATS
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my CV ATS-friendly?
Use a simple format without tables, graphics, or unusual fonts. Include keywords from the job description naturally throughout your CV. Use standard section headings like "Work Experience" and "Education".
Can ATS read PDF files?
Most modern ATS can read PDFs, but some older systems prefer Word documents. When in doubt, submit a .docx file unless the job posting specifies otherwise.