According to Wikipedia, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment and hiring needs. An ATS can be implemented or accessed online at enterprise- or small-business levels, depending on the needs of the organization; free and open-source ATS software is also available. An ATS is very similar to customer relationship management (CRM) systems, but are designed for recruitment tracking purposes. In many cases they filter applications automatically based on given criteria such as keywords, skills, former employers, years of experience and schools attended. This has caused many to adapt resume optimization techniques similar to those used in search engine optimization when creating and formatting their résumé.

An Applicant Tracking System, also known as (ATS) is a software application utilized for all recruitment and hiring processes. ATS can be accessed virtually by small businesses and large corporations and varies from free, open-source softwares to private, internal softwares. Similar to Customer Relationship Management or (CRM), an ATS differs from its purpose of tracking recruitment. An ATS can automatically filter a number of applications based on factors such as background and experience, education, skills and other relevant information. Applicants have also adapted optimization techniques for better results.

Why Employers Are Using Applicant Tracking Systems All Over the World

Given the advancements in modern technology, most corporations and Fortune 500 companies now utilize ATS with many of their own unique features depending on their company standards. The majority of applications are now conducted via ATS through online forms and links. Top social media platforms for job seekers such as Indeed and LinkedIn now also utilize ATS. 

Due to the abundance of applications received during job openings, ATS are designed to keep most if not all of these resumes in its system making HR responsibilities much smoother.

Furthermore, the ATS can automatically curate top candidates with an almost perfect accuracy.

How Applicant Tracking Systems Work

Through its database collecting capabilities, HR officers are able to access stored resumes based on a number of systems. One simple way to do so is by browsing through applications that are filtered for the type of job being applied for.

A more sophisticated way of filtering out applications is through the process of Automatic Rankings which automatically matches your resume with the job description with the goal to come up with a great match.

Moreover, through Keyword Searches, it is similar in nature to Automatic Rankings with the same goal of filtering out certain keywords based on the information listed in your resume such as education, background, training, skills and accomplishments.

Why Your Resume Matters and How to Dominate Applicant Tracking Systems

The main problem with ATS is that recruiters won’t be able to view your resume as soon as possible since the ATS stores them in its database initially, while also making it accessible on file.

While the ATS are far from perfect, there are instances where resume information seems to be neglected. Latest versions of ATS on the other hand are built to combat these inaccuracies and are designed to function seamlessly.

The steps to dominate through these ATS systems is to build your resume in a carefully tailored manner that matches your resume with the job description, utilizing both the complete and acronym form of keywords for maximum results, a chronological format, avoiding tables, columns, charts and anything else similar, utilizing traditional fonts, avoiding headers and footers by using standard headings instead and finally, by saving your file as a .docx or .pdf format as much as possible.

On the other hand, stuffing or exaggerating your resume to a certain extent may take you through the initial process but when the time comes to sit down and conduct an interview, not to mention the rigorous process of background investigations that these companies conduct, inaccuracies will eventually surface including false information which may only hinder your chances for future applications.

The Benefits of an Applicant Tracking System

With the comprehensive process that comes with ATS, expect also much improved metrics such as time, cost and results especially on more modern and latest versions. Employer to applicant relations are also improved with interview schedules, company requirements and other important updates already accessible virtually.

The Future of Applicant Tracking Systems

The current ATS may be far from perfect, especially the older versions. And unfortunately, these ATS systems aren’t necessarily the formula to combat unemployment today. But it is a great first step to eventually modernize the hiring system of most companies.

Whether we like it or not, acknowledging ATS as the future of the hiring process and learning their ins and outs is the only way to get to the next step, which is an interview with your recruiter. Start by focusing on building a strong and tailored resume first that would successfully go through any ATS.