Here’s why you get multiple auto-rejects when applying to jobs online

Summary

The article explains the importance of optimizing resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to avoid automatic rejection and increase the chances of being reviewed by a human recruiter.

Abstract

The prevalence of online job applications has led to companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage the high volume of resumes received. These systems parse resumes, score them based on job description matches, and rank them for recruiters to review. Many candidates are automatically rejected because their resumes are not ATS-friendly, often due to formatting issues, lack of relevant keywords, or non-standard document types. To improve the chances of a resume being selected, job seekers should use a parsable format, include specific skills and keywords from job descriptions, utilize common headings and fonts, and submit their resume in a .pdf or .docx format. Additionally, obtaining a referral can significantly increase the likelihood of a resume being reviewed by a human.

Opinions

The author suggests that a significant number of online job applications are automatically rejected due to ATS incompatibility.
Using a "funky" resume format can lead to ATS parsing errors and subsequent rejection.
It is important to tailor the resume to each job application by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description.
The use of common headings and fonts is recommended for better ATS compatibility.
Including a photo on a resume is discouraged as it can complicate ATS processing.
The author emphasizes the value of obtaining a referral, as it can ensure a human reviews the resume.

Here’s why you get multiple auto-rejects when applying to jobs online

If you have applied to hundreds of jobs online with 0 responses, chances are your resume is not Applicant Tracking System (ATS) friendly. Here’s what that means and what you need to do to pull the odds in your favor.

Most companies receive thousands of applications online for their openings, and it is not possible for recruiters to go through every single resume. Hence they have an ATS in place. An ATS parses through every resume, gives a % value depending on how well the resume matches the job description, and then ranks it in a table. The recruiter then goes through the top few resumes in the table.

The ATS also auto rejects several resumes, the majority of the candidates get a rejection email this way. Here’s how you can ensure you don’t get that auto-rejection and an actual human goes through your resume:

Format: Your resume should be parsable. If you have a funky format/template, chances are ATS messes it while parsing and you get rejected. To find out if your resume format is good, google “Free ATS checker” and use any of the tools available.

Keywords: Tweak your resume before applying to different jobs by ensuring you have the necessary keywords in your skills section. Let’s say you’re applying to this role:

Ensure you have the following words on your resume(if you possess those skills):

software design, coding, research, data architecture, algorithm design, scripting, C, C++, C#, Java, data mining, machine learning, acoustic signal processing, image processing, natural language processing, deep learning, masters, Ph.D., problem-solving, big data, innovative, communicating, collaborating, team

You can add those words in the skills section or somewhere in the project/work experience description.

3. Use bullets

4. Use common headings: Headings like Skills, Education, Work Experience, Achievements, etc are preferred.

5. Use common fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, etc.

6. Submit in a pdf or a dox format.

7. Avoid images: I’m seeing a lot of these in my DMs when I get resume review requests. You don’t need a picture of you on your resume.

8. Get a Referral: For most companies, a referral ensures a human goes through your resume. This is why getting a referral makes a huge difference in getting interview calls while applying online.

That’s about it, I hope this helps!

Anjali Viramgama