Hiring and applicant tracking systems (ATS)

The job application process has changed dramatically in the past decade and is now heavily automated using applicant tracking systems (ATS), a form of artificial intelligence (AI). Adult learners need to produce resumes and cover letters to get past ATS using key words and simple formats. 

ATS algorithms can introduce new biases and entrench existing ones as they scan for gaps in one's work history, postsecondary education completion (even if the job doesn't require it) or too many or too few jobs listed. Who will get screened out? The very people who attend our programs: adults with disabilities, women who have taken maternity or caregiving leaves, people without access to job training for in-demand jobs, those who haven't completed a post-secondary education and those who have periods of interrupted education and employment. 

Resources in this section can be used by both learners and educators to learn more about the unwritten rules of hiring. Applicants need to develop resumes and cover letters for the ATS, not just to showcase who they are, what they know and what they can do. 

We couldn't find open source materials that are ready to use for instruction. But one site, Jobscan, with both free and paid access, is a good place to start.

How to beat applicant tracking systems

The text below highlights the information in the video and links to resources and information on the Jobscan site.

There is no universal trick to “beating” applicant tracking systems. Getting past an ATS and landing a job interview requires a well-written resume that is mindful of ATS algorithms as well as the people pushing the buttons.

Here’s our simplest advice for how to beat ATS:

1. Carefully tailor your resume to the job description every single time you apply. There's no such things as one and done anymore. Learners will need to modify their resume using key words, job titles and descriptions that match the job posting.

2. Optimize for ATS search and ranking algorithms by matching your resume keywords to the job description. Learners will need to re-read the job description, note the skills and qualifications that are listed as requirements for the position, and then add those keywords to their resume.

3. Use both the long-form and acronym version of keywords (e.g. “Master of Business Administration (MBA)” or “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”) for maximum searchability

4. Use a chronological or hybrid resume format (avoid the functional resume format)

5. Don’t use tables or columns as they often cause major parsing errors

6. Use a traditional resume font like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia

7. Don’t use headers or footers as the information might get lost or cause a parsing error

8. Use standard resume section headings like “Work Experience” rather than being cute or clever (“Where I’ve Been”)

9. Save your file as a .docx if possible

10. The final tip in the video is encouragement to use the paid Jobscan resume analysis tool,  but that's up to you. The site's free resources are comprehensive.