We have spoken quite a bit about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and what they mean for you and your resume. Now, over the next upcoming blog posts, we want to help educate our readers as to how they work, what is resume parsing, and why it is important to be aware of “professional” writing companies who claim they can “beat” the ATS by using their own, internal programs.
When these claims are made, you are being deceived. Because ATS software differs depending on the company who designed it, their capabilities and uses will vary. Depending on the brand used, some are more reputable than others and will have advanced features. It is important to note that other than the individual who inputs the keywords into the system for hiring purposes, there is no way for an outsider to know exactly what words have been included.
The critical feature of ATS is resume parsing. We have received several questions regarding this, so let us discuss in greater detail:
What is resume parsing?
The basic function of the ATS software is the automated storage, organization, and analysis of resumes. Resume parsing software enables companies to easily identify keywords to efficiently sort through a significant number of applications. Using resume parsing helps companies identify the best applicants, based on the information they have input into the system. This allows hiring managers the ease of focusing on the most qualified applicant.
How does it work?
There are a few steps regarding resume parsing. To begin, all applications are queued into the parsing software, then the documents are scanned for relevant information based on the needs of the company. In general, the software will scan for job skills, work experience, credentials, and professional certifications. Using this software removes the task of having to manually sort through each application. This saves time and money for organizations.
What are some challenges?
While technology is wonderful, it is not without its flaws. Understanding and interpreting language is a process, so relying on a computer program to do this job can be challenging. Therefore, depending on the ATS software being used, some are more efficient than others. This is a perfect example of why “beating an ATS”, as claimed by many professional resume writing companies, is not possible. According to an article from Matchr, there are approximately 350 ATS programs to choose from. With such a variety to choose from, and no way to know which one is being used by each business or organization, it would be impossible to compare the rating of one program to another.
We will do our best to help you reach your career objectives, and provide you with a superior, skills-based resume crafted by our expert wordsmiths. If you have questions about the ATS, or your resume, give a us a call.