How to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems to Get More Interviews in 2025

Summary

In this video, career coach Miraj shares five essential tips for optimizing your resume to beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). With over 10 years of hiring experience, Miraj provides actionable advice such as tailoring your resume to the job description, using standard formatting, and avoiding complex graphics. He also emphasizes the importance of following company application instructions and using standard section headers. These strategies will help job seekers increase their chances of landing interviews and getting closer to their dream job.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tailor your resume to the specific job by including relevant keywords from the job description.
• 😀 Use ChatGPT to analyze the job description and suggest keywords that will make your resume stand out.
• 😀 Be strategic with the placement of keywords in your resume, but avoid overstuffing it to maintain readability.
• 😀 Use standard formatting and fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.
• 😀 Stick to standard file types like .docx or PDF, and avoid using headers or footers that could cause issues in ATS scanning.
• 😀 Organize your work experience in reverse chronological order for better ATS readability.
• 😀 Label resume sections with standard titles such as 'Work Experience', 'Skills', 'Education', and 'Certifications'.
• 😀 Avoid using complex layouts, graphics, or tables as ATS may have difficulty interpreting them.
• 😀 Follow the company's specific job application instructions to avoid your resume being rejected by the ATS.
• 😀 Consistently update your resume with the right formatting and keywords to increase your chances of landing interviews.

Q & A

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software used by many companies to manage their recruiting and hiring process. One of its key functions is to screen resumes, often rejecting candidates before the resume even reaches the recruiter or hiring manager.

Why is it important to tailor your resume to the job description?

Tailoring your resume to the job description helps you include relevant keywords that match the qualifications, skills, and experience the employer is looking for. This increases the chances of your resume passing the ATS and being noticed by recruiters.

How can I use ChatGPT to help tailor my resume?

You can use ChatGPT to analyze the job description and suggest the top keywords that should be included in your resume to align with the role you're applying for. You can prompt ChatGPT by providing your job description and asking for keyword suggestions.

What are the risks of overusing keywords in my resume?

Overusing keywords in your resume can make it look unnatural, and the ATS may detect keyword stuffing. It's important to include keywords strategically while ensuring your resume remains readable for the hiring manager or recruiter.

What kind of fonts should I use for my resume?

You should use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are easily readable by both the ATS and hiring managers, avoiding any scanning issues that might arise with more decorative or unusual fonts.

Which file types are best to submit with my resume?

It's best to submit your resume in standard file types like .docx or .PDF. These file formats are compatible with ATS and are commonly accepted by recruiters.

Why is reverse chronological order important for my resume?

Reverse chronological order is important because it helps both the ATS and hiring managers easily understand your most recent work experience first, which is typically the most relevant.

What are the best practices for using section headers in my resume?

To make your resume easily understandable for the ATS, use standard section headers like 'Work Experience,' 'Education,' 'Skills,' and 'Certifications.' This ensures the ATS can correctly categorize the information and increases the likelihood of your resume being reviewed.

How do graphics and complex layouts affect my resume's chances?

The ATS struggles with interpreting embedded images, tables, and other visual elements. Therefore, it's best to avoid using graphics or complex layouts in your resume to ensure it can be properly scanned and interpreted.

Why is it critical to follow the company's job application instructions?

Following the company's job application instructions is crucial because failure to do so can lead to the ATS rejecting your resume. This might happen if you don't provide the correct information, include the necessary sections, or use the requested file format.