Did you know that when you send out your resume to a company, it may not make it to a human reader at all? The first step is really to get it past the automated applicant tracking systems. But once you’ve done that, it should ideally make it to a human being.

Getting past the automated application tracking systems (ATS) is the biggest hurdle for most job seekers. But once it gets to a person, the way they approach the information in your resume isn’t what you think it is. From the ATS system to the hiring manager, the focus is not in inclusionary criteria — “What makes this person a good fit?” — but on exclusionary criteria. Both the software and the people are looking for things that would exclude you from qualifying for a position. This process is carried out quickly, due to the volume of resumes that today’s employers receive.

Getting Through the ATS

If you’re applying for a midsize to large company, your resume will need to go through a software system before a human ever sees it. This means that it needs to be optimized so that the software can read it correctly, and so that it contains the things the software is looking for. Otherwise, you’ll probably receive an automated rejection email within minutes of submitting your carefully crafted resume and cover letter, plus the extensive online application.

Here are some tips for getting your resume past the software barrier.

• Use standard formatting. Don’t get creative with section headings or job titles. Use standard language like “Employment History,” “Professional Experience”, “Key Skills,”, “Core Competencies” and “Education.”

• Make sure your resume is ATS readable. Ensure that the software can process your resume properly by sticking to formats that work well with applicant tracking systems. When using a PDF file you want to make sure it is a readable PDF. A readable PDF contains actual text that a machine can read. An image PDF, by contrast, might contain text but an ATS won’t be able to read this text.

• Include the right keywords. Look at the language that’s being used in the job description on the job listing. Use the same terminology on your resume. Applicant tracking systems are used to look for particular keywords, and they’re not particularly sophisticated when it comes to synonyms or context.

• Fill out the online application thoroughly. If there’s also an online application that you need to fill out, make sure to complete it as thoroughly as possible.

The “Quick Scan” from a Hiring Manager

Once you actually get through the automated system, a hiring manager will look at it. They have to scan quickly, because there are so many resumes to go through.

• They’ll go to the first three bullet points of your last two positions. Focus these first few bullet points on major job accomplishments versus job duties. Make sure to use action verbs – such as “Accelerated”, “Decreased”, “Enhanced”, etc. Furthermore, you’ll want to quantify as much as possible. Quantifying helps a hiring manager better understand the true impact you’ve had on your position.

• They’ll scan other sections. The person will generally also scan for your education, certifications, and other criteria. They’ll also look at your skills and professional profile section.

• If your resume isn’t discarded, it will go into the “maybe” pile. The resumes in this stack will be looked at more closely later.

To succeed through this part of the resume examination process, it’s important to make sure your resume implies that you’re a fit in the initial scan. Make sure you clearly list your relevant experience and skills, and that everything is concise.

Getting the Job with an Optimized Resume

At Resume Yeti, we help you create a resume that’s equally optimized for ATS software and human readers alike. Try our service today, and watch your response rates increase as your resume starts getting through to the right people.