Applicant tracking system
An applicant tracking system is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment and hiring needs. An ATS can be implemented or accessed online at enterprise- or small-business levels, depending on the needs of the organization; free and open-source ATS software is also available.
An Applicant Tracking System, usually called an ATS, is a type of software that many companies use to streamline their hiring process. It is an automated system that screens job applications, scanning their resumes for the right qualifications and picking which candidates to consider for an interview.
These systems have quickly become the most common way for large companies to recruit candidates online. Any time you apply for a job using an online portal, your resume will be read by an ATS. Fortunately, applicant tracking systems are automated, which means they can easily be beaten with a bit of optimization.
How to create an ATS-friendly CV
- Include keywords. …
- Format your CV correctly. …
- Include specific qualifications. …
- Avoid the fluff. …
- Use clear job titles. …
- Clean up your social media presence. …
- Save your CV in plain text.
- Use standard section headings
- Use correct spelling and grammar
As a job-seeker, you can no longer create resumes for human eyes alone. While your resume should still look great to recruiters and employers, it first has to pass the initial screening done by the ATS.
To beat the applicant tracking system, you will need the right format, the right keywords, and the right strategy for your resume.

Can ATS read my CV?
The ATS scans your resume to determine if it contains relevant information and experience for a specific job. Don’t submit two pages of experience from a sales position for an accounting job. The ATS software will most likely reject you because your resume contains very little relevant information.

How do you not get rejected by ATS?
Repeat important keywords for the job you are applying for
- The ATS will be looking to match and grade you on these words so ensure that your key skills are repeated so that they are picked up multiple times to gain points – but don’t go overboard and stuff keywords everywhere.