Did you know that the average time a hiring manager looks at a resume is just 6 to 7 seconds?[1]
That is, if they look at it at all?
It’s true.
Most hiring managers are pretty picky on which resumes they give notice to, and which they ignore. And, in part, there’s a big “technical” reason why.
It’s called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and if you’re using a resume template, this software may view your resume as run-of-the mill and reject it, even before a hiring manager has the chance to see it.
In fact, around 75% of all companies use an ATS, and as many as 98% of Fortune 500 companies use it.[2]
So, what exactly is ATS?
According to tech giant Oracle, “An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software for recruiters and employers to track candidates throughout the recruiting process. This software can come equipped with capabilities ranging from simple database functionality to a full-service suite of tools that makes it easy for business of any size to filter, manage, and analyze candidates.”[3]
Or more simply put, its software that helps streamline the hiring process.
However, Applicant Tracking Systems may also be responsible for rejecting a whole lot of great candidates like you, just because of the resume template you’re using.
So, even if you’re highly qualified for the job, and have all the skills the employer requires, using a resume template may be one of the reasons you’re getting overlooked.
Clearly, if you do want to get noticed, you shouldn’t ever use a resume template. Instead, you should spend a great deal of time creating a unique, tailored-to-the-job, one-off resume, right?
Well, not so fast.
Putting your best foot forward with a unique resume that’s tailored to the job will certainly give you the best odds of getting noticed. However, there are resume templates you can use that will get past ATS filters and potentially right into the hands of hiring managers.
Now, before we share how to get around ATS while still using a resume template, you’ll need to find a job you want to submit your resume to.
FindYourJobNow.com has made finding that job easy.
Simply visit FindYourJobNow.com and use the search bars to discover the thousands of different jobs that are available, right now!
Better yet, sign up for the free job alerts (HERE) and you’ll be emailed new job opportunities that fit your search criteria, the moment they become available.
But before you submit your resume through FindYourJobNow.com, you’ll want to be sure it gets through the company’s ATS, giving you a better chance of getting noticed.
Here’s how:
While there are hundreds of resume templates available on the internet, you’re going to want to search for an “ATS-compliant” resume template.
These templates allow various ATS systems to understand the formatting and parse the resume data easily. ATS-compliant resumes should also contain keywords that match the job posting and allow for highlighting of relevant work experience and skillsets.
There are countless ATS-compliant resume templates available for free on the web, and even tools you can use to check if your current resume is ATS-compliant.
So, if you’re writing a new resume, you should choose an ATS-compliant template. Or, if you’ve already written a unique resume, you’ll want to double-check it to be sure it will get past the ATS filters.
While a unique, job-specific resume will almost always win out, ATS-compliant resume templates are designed to get you noticed too!
Once you’ve updated your resume to ATS-compliance, head to FindYourJobNow.com and search for the job that best fits you.
Good luck!
[1] Resume Statistics 2022: Cover Letters and Common Mistakes | TeamStage
[2] Resume Statistics 2022: Cover Letters and Common Mistakes | TeamStage