How to get your resume past the bots

What are resume bots?

Before your application ever reaches a hiring manager, it likely has to get through a resume bot. Also known as an applicant tracking system (ATS), employers use this type of software to screen resumes before a human reviews them. Mid-sized and large companies use resume bots to filter unqualified candidates, but the software sometimes also filters qualified applicants because it’s unable to read the formatting of their resumes.

How to get through any applicant tracking system

To improve your chances of getting an interview, create a resume that accounts for both an applicant tracking system and a hiring manager.

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Use keywords wisely

Resume bots primarily filter applications by scanning your resume for keywords relevant to the position. Often, the application tracking system directly compares the words in your resume to the words used in the job description. Update your resume to include keywords from the listing. If an application doesn’t have a detailed description, check out the company’s website or look at the LinkedIn profiles of current employees to see how they describe their roles.

While some advisors recommend “hiding” keywords on your resume by typing them in white text, you should never attempt this tactic. Although it’s possible you can trick resume bots this way, it’s just as possible that the hiring manager will notice. Avoid leaving a bad first impression by organically integrating keywords into your application.

Keep it simple

Creative formatting and design look great but might unintentionally lead to your resume getting tossed. Applicant tracking systems typically can’t pull information from text boxes or tables, so when in doubt, stick to the basics.

Customize your resume

It’s tempting to apply to as many jobs as possible, as quickly as possible. However, before you press submit, make sure you’ve customized your resume for each role you apply to. Keep a standard copy of your resume and tailor the information and phrasing to specifically target each job. If you apply to similar roles at different companies, each new rendition of your resume might end up looking similar, but it’s worth paying attention to the minor details anyways.

Add a skills section

If you can’t incorporate enough relevant keywords into the experience section of your resume, consider adding an additional section. A skills section can be especially useful for positions that require knowledge of specific tools, like Microsoft Excel or graphic design software.

Include dates of employment

Resume bots often screen for the amount of experience a position requires. Clearly note the dates you spent working at each job on your resume to avoid being accidentally filtered out by resume bots.

Your resume should always be tailored for the eyes of a human hiring manager, but in order to first make it through resume bots you’ll need to consider other factors. Before you submit your next job application, keep these tips in mind and overcome any applicant tracking system.