3 Tips for Success with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for Executive Job Seekers
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Even executive job seekers do not escape the reality that applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used by companies and recruiters for all levels of potential candidates. Because of their efficiency to track keywords and phrases, these ATS systems have an influence in the hiring process that is not likely to go away in the near future.



1. Resume format is very important – ATS systems tend to grab information in predictable locations of the resume. To maximize your chances that the resume will be imported into the ATS properly use a reverse chronological resume format. This is preferred by ATS systems and makes it easy for the recruiter to find your information.



2. Keywords from job description – These keywords are what the systems search for to find the perfect candidate match. Distribute keywords throughout your resume from the job description. For instance, the job description may ask for an executive with a strong “global” background. In your resume, you may have used the word “international” instead. If you want to match keywords in an ATS system, you have to be exact. So consider swapping the word “international” for “global” in the resume you are submitting for that specific job.



3. Readability on mobile devices – Many recruiters and hiring managers are opening resumes on mobile devices, and people using ATS systems are no exception. ATS systems are being adapted to integrate into the mobile device world. While most systems accept a Word file, you’ll want to have a .txt format of your resume to submit when asked for a text file.



We all know the purpose of the resume to get the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager for an opportunity to interview. If you optimize your resume to get through the ATS system, you have a chance to interact with the hiring authorities and ultimately a job offer.