Almost all large companies use some type of applicant tracking system (ATS), which helps them to manage the large amount of applications they receive. This allows them to sift and filter large numbers of applications and CV's for the vacancies they are advertising. The key is to ensure your application gets through this process and gets in front of the hiring manager.
The systems are becoming more sophisticated, and so there are a number of do's and don'ts that will help you in this process.
Do
- Focus on the job you are applying for, and match your CV and application as closely as possible to the job description.
- Make sure you include relevant keywords that relate to the job description and industry, this should not just be a list of key words. Although many ATS systems will filter out CV's that don't contain specific keywords, if you place all your emphasis on this aspect your application will appear stilted, and not reflective of you. Using your industry key words and jargon is an art form that needs to be balanced. Whilst it is important to use them to show you have the knowledge, and skills the company is looking for, it is also important not to put too many in.
- Ensure that employment dates are correct, your qualifications and educational establishments match, and your salary is not inflated above market average. The sophistication of some systems means that they are able to filter out inaccurate information, or obvious discrepancies.
- Check your grammar and spelling because it will be picked up by these systems. Last thing you want is for it to get in front of the hiring manager for it to be rejected at that point.
- Ensure that if you are making multiple applications to the same company that all of your information matches. If you submit information the machine will compare it with your other applications and any discrepancies will reduce the likelihood of being short listed.
- Consider adding a paragraph which explains your key skills, and competencies, these should closely match the wording of the job description.
- Use the following fonts for ease of reading Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, Century, Century Gothic, Bookman, Garamond or Trebuchet.
Don't
- Use fancy text, graphics, or complex page formatting, they may actually confuse the system when it scans the information you have submitted and it may not transfer into their system cleanly.
- Use abbreviations always use the full name of what you are referring to.
- Be tempted to use the information from someone else's application or CV, these systems make comparisons and will pick up on multiple variations of applications.
- Make multiple applications for the same job, the system will make comparisons, and potentially remove all your applications.
- Get disheartened if you are rejected, always contact the HR department of the company to gain feedback.
- Expect an acknowledgement, the volumes of applications the large companies receive often means they rarely contact you unless they want to interview you.
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