In essence, an applicant tracking system is programmed to scan a resume for key pieces of information to determine whether or not you’re a match for a position, so you definitely need a resume with keywords.
Using its algorithm, it categorizes resume information into various sections based on key phrases. The applicant pool is narrowed by ranking them according to their matches. It’s like a mini Google search.
So the best way to get your resume past the ATS bot is using a readable & scannable format, tailoring key information and ensuring it’s easy to find for a BOT.
Job seekers think that if they cram their resume with too many keywords from the JD, it’s easy to pass the ATS.
While an ATS can recognize key skills or experiences. But interpreting the strength and value of that experience is still for humans to do. And humans want to see how you used your skills. It is critical to demonstrate these skills in your experience rather than just list them.
It’s obvious to a recruiter when you’ve just inserted a keyword because it was in the posting. This is all the more clear when you include them without tying them to a specific personal achievement.
Trust me it doesn’t win you any points.
❎Rather than focusing on copy pasting & repeating a job posting language, focus on your accomplishments and skills and synonyms for the keywords.
Incorporating relevant keywords into your resume is a common practice now, so you won’t be the only one doing it to stand out. Most applications will be resume with keywords.
✅ As an alternative, describe your current and past positions & make sure your bullet points are actually achievements, and use numbers and metrics to highlight them, so instead of just listing to tell recruiters that you have a skill, this will show them how you’ve used it and what the results were.
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