The CV Writing Ultimate Guide: How To Beat The ATS System

By Ruoro Kairu 

A few years ago, you had to mail your application when looking for a job. Then came emails, and all you had to do was visit a cyber café to send your application. Further still, with the spread of the internet, you can now apply for a job through your phone, laptop or tablet, from any location.

The recruitment side has also had technological advancements through time. The most notable change is perhaps the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Essentially, the ATS helps to manage and sort applicants. When you make an application, the ATS software goes through your CV and decides whether you’re fit for the job or not. While it is not widespread in the country, more employers are turning towards the ATS software.

Having a software go through your CV can help or hurt your application. Since the software has been fed specific instructions on what to look for, if you don’t meet these guidelines, your CV will be rejected.

Then, how do you beat the ATS software? How do you ensure your CV goes through to the employer?

Here are a few tips to help you craft an ATS proof CV.

1. Keywords

What are keywords in your CV?

In the job description, the employer has detailed the professional they are looking for. For example, for an accounting position, keywords may include; accountant, auditor, QuickBooks, accounting, and so on.

If you’re a graphic designer, there’s little likelihood your CV will include the above words.

The ATS goes through your CV and searches for the key words and phrases. If you want to beat the ATS software, add words that are relevant to both your profession and the job advertised.

To learn the keywords the software is looking for, look at the job description, most notably the requirements. If your CV has these keywords, the ATS software is likely to accept your CV.

NB: Do not crowd your CV with the keywords, let them appear naturally.

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