This is Why Your Resume Gets Rejected ➤ ATS Resume Format & Tips 2024

Summary

This video educates viewers on the importance of making resumes ATS-friendly for better job application outcomes. It explains what Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are, their role in the recruitment process, and why a non-ATS friendly resume can lead to rejection. The video offers actionable tips on improving resume ATS scores, including using simple fonts, chronological order, clear headings, bullet points, action verbs, tailored keywords, quantifiable achievements, correct formatting, concise length, and proper grammar. It also recommends online tools like Jobscan and Skill Syncer to enhance resume quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, a software that screens resumes before they reach HR.
• 🔍 If your resume isn't ATS-friendly, it may not be read by the software and could be automatically rejected.
• 🌐 The importance of ATS is growing as recruitment processes become more automated with AI.
• 💼 Use online tools like Jobscan, Resume.com, Resume Worded, or Indeed Resume Builder to check and improve your resume's ATS-friendliness.
• 📝 Choose simple and standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman for your resume.
• 📅 Start your work experience and education sections with the most recent entries to match the software's reverse reading pattern.
• 📑 Use clear headings for sections like education and work experience to make them easily distinguishable.
• 🔑 Incorporate bullet points and powerful action verbs to improve readability and signal important resume points.
• 🔍 Tailor your resume with keywords relevant to the job or internship opportunity you're applying for.
• 📊 Quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or metrics to signal significant accomplishments.
• 📄 Submit your resume in '.doc' or '.txt' format, as PDFs are often not recommended for ATS compatibility.
• 📄 Keep your resume to one page long to ensure it's fully scanned by ATS software.
• 📝 Use grammar checking tools like Grammarly or QuillBot to avoid grammatical or spelling errors that could lead to rejection.

Q & A

What is the full form of ATS?

The full form of ATS is 'Applicant Tracking System'.

What is the primary function of an Applicant Tracking System?

The primary function of an ATS is to screen resumes by checking qualifications, skills, and work experience to determine if they are suitable for a job or internship opportunity.

Why is it important for a resume to be ATS-friendly?

A resume needs to be ATS-friendly so that the Applicant Tracking System software can read and understand it properly, ensuring it doesn't get automatically excluded from the screening process.

What happens if your resume is not ATS-friendly?

If your resume is not ATS-friendly, the software may not be able to read it correctly, leading to the resume being deemed irrelevant and excluded from both automatic and manual screening.

How can you check your resume's ATS-friendliness?

You can use online tools like Jobscan, Resume.com, Resume Worded, or Indeed Resume Builder to input your resume and receive an ATS score along with suggestions for improvement.

What is the significance of Applicant Tracking Systems in the era of artificial intelligence?

In the era of artificial intelligence, Applicant Tracking Systems are becoming more important as recruitment processes are increasingly automated, including AI-based interviews and primary shortlisting.

What are the recommended fonts for an ATS-friendly resume?

For an ATS-friendly resume, it is recommended to use simple and standard fonts such as 'Arial' or 'Times New Roman' without italics.

How should you present your work experience and education on an ATS-friendly resume?

On an ATS-friendly resume, you should present your work experience and education in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

Why are bullet points important in an ATS-friendly resume?

Bullet points are important because they improve readability and help the Applicant Tracking System software to easily identify and understand the key points in each section.

What is the role of action verbs in framing sentences for an ATS-friendly resume?

Action verbs make sentences more powerful and signal to the software that these are significant resume points, enhancing the impact of your work experience and achievements.

How can you ensure your resume contains the right keywords for a job or internship opportunity?

You can tailor your resume to include the right keywords by comparing it with the job or internship description using online tools like 'Skill Syncer', which can identify missing keywords.

Why is quantifying achievements with numbers or metrics recommended in an ATS-friendly resume?

Quantifying achievements with numbers, percentages, or metrics signals to the Applicant Tracking System that you have accomplished significant results, adding credibility to your resume.

What file format should you use for your resume to ensure it is readable by ATS software?

It is recommended to use '.doc' or '.txt' file formats for your resume as they are more readable by ATS software, while PDF is usually advised against.

How long should your resume be to be considered ATS-friendly?

Your resume should be kept to one page long to be considered ATS-friendly, as some software may only scan the first page.

Why is it crucial to check your resume for grammar and spelling errors before submission?

Grammar and spelling errors can lead to direct rejection by the Applicant Tracking System, so it's crucial to use tools like Grammarly or QuillBot to ensure your resume is error-free.