How Does an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Work? Why should I care?

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are resume screening tools that simplify the recruiting process for recruiters, hiring managers, and HR teams by helping them organize, determine, and select the best, most qualified candidates in the most efficient manner. Many of these systems use artificial intelligence (AI) software to automate the process even more. With the AI-assisted systems, if the words (and keywords) on your résumé don't match up at the right keyword density to get past the hiring team using these systems, then your résumé won't even be truly considered or read in full by a human being. Since open positions can attract hundreds of candidates, this saves hiring managers time that would otherwise be spent manually weeding out stacks of candidates.

Did you know?

Recent studies show that ATS is used by 98% of Fortune 500 companies as well as an overwhelming 66% of large companies, 55% of hiring managers, and 35% of small to mid-size companies.

That's why, now, more than ever, professionals are seeking out résumé writing services and résumé writers like me, who specialize in creating high-impact designs that are expertly written and organized in a way that draws the attention of both human and AI eyes to the right places on the page in the first few seconds that matter the most.

In fact, these resume screening tools are the top reason I ask all of my clients to provide several links to job postings in my New Client Questionnaire. I use these to set a goal for their résumés. By doing so, I am able to study my clients' history, compare it against the job requirements and company overviews in these job links, identify relevant cross-over, and write a résumé that aligns perfectly and speaks directly to what hiring managers are seeking in their ideal candidate. The result? Within seconds of viewing your résumé, the right keywords jump off of the page so that they think, "Whoa, this candidate is perfect for this role!"

If you're ready to get started on an ATS-friendly résumé, check out my resume writing services here to get started. If you're a military veteran and looking to transition into a civilian role, you can check out my military resume writing service here for a military to civilian resume. If you would like to know more about how a resume writing service like mine might help you with resume screening tools like ATS and AI-assisted ATS, email me at info@resumegoat.com.

Are Resume Writers Worth It? (6 Questions You Should Ask Yourself in 2022)

More than likely, you've stumbled upon this page because you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to capture your experience and knowledge in one to two pages. If you've been asking yourself, "Should I pay someone to write my resume?" or "Are professional resume writers worth it?" then this is for you.

Here are 6 questions you should ask yourself to help you determine if hiring a resume writer is the right move for you.

1. Have I ever written a resume? If this is your first rodeo, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to include, how to organize it, or even how to get started. Resumes are the first impression that you make to a potential employer. If your skills don't match up with what they're looking for, you could be overlooked in an ocean of qualified applicants. If this resume writing is new or intimidating for you, you could benefit from passing this off to a professional and putting your focus on your job search instead.

2. Has it been a while since I updated my resume? Resumes are a lot different now than they were five or ten years ago--from content to design, best practices change quickly. In the past, you might have included all your work history going back decades, and this would have been the best practice at the time. Just a few years ago, the one-page resume was the gold standard. Today though, a one-page resume might be perfect for you, or it might really hurt your chances. Resumes have industry-specific best practices, role-specific best practices, and evolve with the times, even changing every couple of years. You may not know what is best for your particular circumstance. A resume writer would though!

3. Am I a recruiter, hiring manager, or current on the latest hiring and HR trends? Are you familiar with what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for? Are you familiar with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? What about new and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) software used by HR teams? Are you confident that your resume possesses the right keywords at the right density? In today's job market, it is crucial that your resume ticks the right boxes for readability and relevance for both human and AI eyes. If you're not sure, you could spend a lot of time researching this. Or you could hire a resume writer who is current with the latest trends.

4. Is my resume too long? How many pages is the right number of pages? If you have less than five years of experience, you'll want a one-page resume. If you're applying to senior-level positions, you'll probably benefit more from a 2-page resume. In fact, unless you have a federal resume (which can be quite lengthy and ought to be!), you'll want to keep it to two pages or less. In rare occasions, like in the case of a senior-level IT professional who may require a third page of just technical skills, you could benefit from three pages. If you're having trouble consolidating the information on your resume, it may be time to seek help from a third party who will tackle your resume objectively and put the focus on the information that really matters.

5. Do I have a clear target job for my resume? Do I want a "general resume" that encompasses all of my experience? This is actually one of the biggest red flags that you might want the help of a resume writer. There is no such thing as a successful general resume. While that may have been the case years ago, it isn't so anymore. Your resume needs to be as pointed and specific as possible to the positions for which you are applying. A resume writer will ask you for links to job postings that you are interested in pursuing and ask you questions about the goal of your resume, then use those responses to carefully tailor your resume specifically for the roles that interest you the most, cross-referencing your background with the requirements and needs for each position to ensure that your resume aligns seamlessly with what hiring managers are seeking in their ideal candidate. If you don't have a solid end-goal for your resume, you may want to reach out to a resume writer and schedule a consultation to try and gain some insight into jobs that you might enjoy. After all, who better to advise you than a professional who helps clients transition from one job to another or one industry to another every day?

6. Am I interested in a career change? When you're trying to break into a new industry or role, it can feel like an uphill battle. A resume writer knows how to write a career change resume. They will make sure your skills are aligned with the positions that interest you and position you as best possible so that employers notice. If you've built up a career as a teacher, but you're looking to get into human resources or program management, for example, it would be wise to seek out the help of a resume writer. If you're a veteran and you've built a strong career in the military but are having trouble landing an interview for a civilian position, you would benefit from hiring a resume writer that writes military to civilian resumes. Competition is steep and even steeper if you have to make your case for why your skills are transferrable when they could much more easily go with a candidate who is safer on paper. It is imperative that your resume align with the positions for which you are seeking to apply, but this can be hard if you're coming from a different background. If you're looking to transfer your skills to an entirely new role or industry, you'll need to do a lot of research to ensure that your resume showcases the right information in a knowledgeable and organized manner. A resume writer can help you with this!

What's the verdict? Is hiring a resume writer worth it? Do you think you might need a resume writer after all?

If you're feeling stuck and frustrated with your resume, Resume Goat is here to help. Check out the Free Resume Critique to get an idea of how Diana (Resume Goat's Senior Professional Resume Writer, Graphic Designer & Personal Brand Strategist) can help you with your specific needs. Or jump right in by checking out resume and bundled services or military to civilian resume services to get this process started immediately!