Optimising Resumes for ATS: Get Noticed and Hired

Gone are the days when job seekers simply “pounded the pavement,” searching for employment opportunities by handing out dozens of printed resumes to workplaces with “HIRING” signs. In the past, job applicants would walk from office to office, leaving their resumes behind, hoping to land a job either on the spot or with a follow-up phone call.

While this may have been a common practice decades ago, the rise of technology has completely transformed how job applications are submitted and processed. Today, digital tools, especially Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), play a crucial role in hiring processes, making it essential for job seekers to adopt a more technologically savvy approach. 

In modern workplaces, especially large companies and organizations that receive hundreds or even thousands of applications daily, the traditional methods no longer cut it. Instead, employers rely heavily on ATS to filter and manage incoming applications. These systems help streamline the hiring process by identifying the most suitable candidates based on their resume content, keywords, and other key criteria. As a job applicant, understanding how ATS works and how to tailor your resume accordingly can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. 

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? 

An ATS is a software tool that employers use to manage the entire recruitment process. Much like search engines like Google, ATS scanners trawl through resumes looking for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. When a hiring manager inputs search criteria such as “administrative assistant” or “marketing coordinator,” the system scans through the submitted resumes to identify those that contain the most relevant keywords. 

Think of it as a digital filter. When you type something into Google, it retrieves results based on the content that best matches your search terms. Similarly, an ATS works by scanning resumes for specific keywords—whether they relate to job titles, skills, industry experience, or qualifications—and ranking applicants accordingly. The more your resume aligns with the keywords the system is programmed to search for, the higher your chances of making it to the next stage of the recruitment process. 

How ATS Scans Resumes 

ATS technology is used by a wide range of employers, from small local businesses to large multinational corporations. The basic principle remains the same: the system identifies resumes that contain the right keywords. For example, if a company is looking to hire an administrative assistant, they may set the ATS to search for terms like “verbal communication,” “computer proficiency,” “customer service,” and “secretarial duties.” Any resume that includes these keywords—and scores well based on their relevance—will stand out to the system and be prioritized for further review. 

Employers can customize the ATS by adding different search criteria depending on the role they are hiring for. It might involve searching for resumes that have “time management,” “prioritization,” “accuracy,” or even “composure” embedded within them. By pinpointing applicants who meet these keyword specifications, the system efficiently narrows down the applicant pool. 

How to Spot and Use Keywords 

The first step in optimising your resume for ATS is identifying the right keywords. This may seem challenging at first, but with a bit of practice and knowledge of how these systems operate, it becomes easier. Job descriptions are a valuable resource for finding the keywords that matter most. Look for sections like “About You,” “What We Are Looking For,” or “Selection Criteria.” These areas typically outline the specific skills, experiences, and qualifications employers are seeking. 

Keywords can also be embedded directly into the text of the job description, so be on the lookout for these subtle indicators. Additionally, focusing on both the “Essential” and “Desired” criteria listed in job postings can help you determine which keywords are most relevant to include in your resume. 

Once you identify the keywords that align with your experience, include them naturally in your resume’s summary, job history, and key competencies sections. Be mindful that ATS systems prioritize authenticity, meaning it’s important not to simply “stuff” your resume with keywords that don’t reflect your actual skills and experience. ATS scanners are sophisticated enough to detect this, and you risk disqualifying yourself if your resume comes across as overly artificial or forced. 

The Importance of Keyword-Rich Resumes 

In today’s job market, a generic, one-size-fits-all resume is unlikely to get you noticed. Every job application should be tailored to reflect the specific job description and the qualifications the employer is looking for. Tailoring your resume allows you to speak directly to the search criteria that ATS will be scanning for. 

Your resume should tell an honest and clear story about your skills and experience, and it should be tailored to reflect the keywords and phrases listed in the job ad. This makes your application more relevant and increases the chances that your resume will make it past the ATS filter and into the hands of a real human recruiter. 

Remember, even if your resume is shortlisted by the ATS, you’ll still need to go through a face-to-face (or phone) interview. Employers will verify your skills and experience in conversation, so it’s essential that your resume accurately represents who you are. 

Get Expert Help with ATS Optimisation 

If you’re finding the process of optimising your resume for ATS overwhelming, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many applicants struggle with knowing how to create a resume that ticks all the right boxes. Luckily, expert resume writers can help. 

We specialise in crafting keyword-rich resumes that are tailored to each unique job opportunity. Our resume writing services have helped countless individuals land their dream jobs by focusing on ATS optimisation, selecting the right keywords, and ensuring resumes stand out in a competitive job market. 

Contact Adrienna, your Perth Resume Writing Specialist, at 0423 686 904 or email hello@adriennasresumes.com today to learn more about how we can assist you in crafting a resume that gets noticed. Together, we can improve your chances of landing your ideal role in today’s competitive job market.