The rise of technology in the recruitment process has brought about significant changes in how companies find and hire talent. One of the most impactful developments is the widespread use of applicant tracking systems (ATS).
ATS software helps companies streamline the hiring process by automatically sorting and filtering resumes based on specific criteria, making the job of human recruiters easier. However, with the growing use of these systems, several myths and misconceptions have emerged, causing confusion among job seekers.
Let’s debunk some of the most common myths surrounding ATS, shedding light on how these systems really work and offering practical advice to help you optimize your resume for them.
Common ATS Myths Debunked
Myth 1: The ATS Only Accepts Simple, Text-Only Resumes
One of the most pervasive myths is that ATS systems can only read simple, text-based resumes and that using any formatting elements such as bullet points, bold fonts, or headings will automatically disqualify your resume.
Reality: ATS Can Handle Proper Formatting
While it’s true that some older ATS models had trouble parsing resumes with complex formatting, most modern ATS systems are much more sophisticated. They can read well-structured resumes that include formatting like bullet points, section headers, bold fonts, and even tables if used sparingly and correctly.
The key is to ensure that your formatting is clean and doesn’t hinder the ATS from interpreting the content. For instance, avoid overly complex designs, images, and graphics, as these can confuse even the most advanced systems.
Myth 2: ATS Automatically Rejects 75% of Resumes
Another common myth is that ATS software automatically rejects a high percentage of resumes. Some sources claim as many as 75%, based on a lack of keyword matches or formatting errors.
Reality: ATS Systems Filter, Not Reject
When you submit your resume through an ATS, it is scanned for relevant information such as job titles, skills, and qualifications. The system then organizes the resumes and presents them to recruiters, with the highest-ranking ones at the top of the list.
While it’s true that poorly optimized resumes may rank lower and be less likely to be seen, they are not automatically rejected. If your resume contains relevant information and uses a clear format, it still has a chance of being reviewed by a human recruiter, even if it’s not at the top of the list.
Myth 3: Keywords Are the Only Thing That Matter to ATS
There’s a widespread belief that ATS systems only scan for keywords and that the content and context of your resume don’t matter as long as you include the right buzzwords. Some job seekers go so far as to “stuff” their resumes with keywords to try and outsmart the system, often at the expense of readability and coherence.
Reality: Keywords Must Be Used Strategically and in Context
While keywords are certainly important for ATS optimization, they are not the only factor that determines whether your resume passes through the system. Modern ATS tools are designed to recognize not only keywords but also how those keywords are used in context. For example, simply listing “leadership” multiple times in your resume won’t help unless it’s clear how you’ve demonstrated leadership in your previous roles.
Myth 4: ATS Systems Can’t Read PDF Files
Many job seekers have been told that they should never submit a resume in PDF format because ATS systems can’t read those files, leading to automatic rejection. As a result, many applicants submit their resumes in Word or text formats, assuming this will ensure compatibility.
Reality: Many ATS Systems Can Read PDFs
The belief that ATS systems cannot read PDFs stems from the limitations of older ATS software, which sometimes struggled with PDF formatting. However, most modern ATS systems can accurately read both PDF and Word files as long as they are created properly.
Some ATS systems may have trouble with PDF files if they include complex layouts or embedded graphics. To avoid potential issues, it’s a good idea to check the specific job posting for file format preferences or to use a simple, clean PDF without too many design elements.
Myth 5: ATS Systems Only Look for Exact Matches
It’s a common belief that ATS systems are incredibly rigid and will only recognize resumes that exactly match the keywords and job titles used in the job description. This myth leads to fear that resumes will be rejected unless they perfectly mirror the language in the posting.
Reality: ATS Systems Can Recognize Variations and Related Skills
While it’s important to include relevant keywords in your resume, modern ATS systems are designed to recognize variations of keywords and related skills. For example, if the job description asks for “project management experience,” an ATS might also recognize phrases like “led projects” or “managed initiatives.”
Myth 6: Once Your Resume is in the ATS, It’s Stuck There Forever
Some candidates believe that once they submit their resume to an ATS, it will be permanently stored and constantly compared to new job postings at that company, meaning they don’t need to reapply for future roles.
Reality: You Should Regularly Update and Resubmit Your Resume
While some companies do store resumes for future reference, it’s not a guarantee that your resume will be actively reviewed for every new position that opens up. Many ATS systems are set up to only consider resumes submitted for a specific job opening. Additionally, resumes can become outdated over time as new qualifications, skills, and experiences are added.
To increase your chances of landing a job, it’s a good idea to regularly update your resume and resubmit it for any new positions that align with your qualifications.
Want to improve your chances of getting noticed? Find out how to optimize your resume for ATS today. Reach out to me on LinkedIn for a FREE consultation!