An Applicant Tracking System, commonly referred to as an ATS, is a computer software program that helps recruiters and hiring managers digitally filter, organize, and sort resumes. Online job listings can receive hundreds if not thousands of applications. For most companies, it is not realistic to read through each application carefully. With the help of Applicant Tracking System software, a hiring manager can sort through applications according to different filters and various criteria.

How do applicant tracking systems work?

An ATS often ranks job candidates according to their work experience, education, and skill set. Applicant Tracking Systems for recruiters can effectively give them a list of their top ten job candidates. This allows recruiters and hiring managers to streamline and expedite the hiring process. 

An ATS is also helpful because it will likely send automated emails and offer recruiters and applicants alike an easy and efficient way to schedule interviews. Time is valuable and companies often do not have time to manually sort through job applications. An ATS can simplify the hiring process and is, therefore, an invaluable tool for many companies. 

Do most companies use an ATS?

If you are applying for a position online, you are applying through an ATS. Popular job sites such as Indeed and LinkedIn have their own built-in ATS. According to research conducted by Kelly OCG, 66% of large companies and 35% of small businesses will use an ATS during the hiring process. Additionally, many Applicant Tracking Systems for small businesses are free. This is why it is so important to learn what an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is and how to beat Applicant Tracking Systems.

The importance of tailoring your resume

ATS often categorizes resumes by their use of keywords. If a resume does not include keywords or does not include enough keywords, the resume will likely be eliminated from the applicant pool. This is why it is crucial to tailor your resume for job listings and include lots of keywords. Consider using our resume maker as you move forward.

Without the use of keywords, your resume or cover letter may not make it into the hands of a physical employee, despite your qualifications. This is why it is important to use an Applicant Tracking System resume check as well as a resume template for Applicant Tracking Systems. 

Tips for optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems

Although ATSs are helpful tools for job recruiters and hiring committees, they can seem intimidating to applicants. Rather than feel intimidated by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), however, use the parameters of this software to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems and ensure maximum compatibility. 

Use an Applicant Tracking System checker. Find a resume template for Applicant Tracking Systems and improve your chances of securing an interview by following this Applicant Tracking Systems list.

01

Identify keywords in the job listing

Highlight keywords found in the job listing in your resume. This will help ensure that your resume will remain in the system and won’t slip through the cracks. Sadly, qualified candidates are sometimes overlooked, simply because their resume doesn’t include enough keywords. 

02

Use both acronyms and long-form terms

Whenever you include keywords in your resume, be sure to list them as both acronyms and long-form terms (whenever applicable). This is because recruiters often search for applicants on an ATS by keyword as they conduct the hiring process.

For example, if you have experience in Informational Technology but only list your work experiences as IT services, or vice versa, a job recruiter may only search one of these terms. As such, your resume may inadvertently be overlooked. To avoid this, list both long-form and acronyms versions in your resume.

03

Save your resume as a .docx whenever possible

Typically, this is the most compatible file type with ATSs. If you use another file type, you risk having the formatting and organization of your resume disrupted. Use a .docx file to avoid technical difficulties as you apply for online job listings. 

04

Use standard formatting

Even though columns and tables may improve readability, these formatting decisions are likely incompatible with ATS software. As such, your resume may become scrambled and disorganized. To prevent confusion, do not use columns or tables when organizing your resume.

05

Use a standard font

Even if you choose a clear, readable font, if it is not standard, an ATS may alter the font. Effectively, this will alter the formatting of your resume. To avoid this, always use a standard font. This will ensure consistent formatting regardless of the file type.

06

Avoid headers and footers

Although this formatting choice may improve readability, it will likely be incompatible with an ATS. Again, this may cause an ATS to alter your resume. As a general rule, avoid any nonstandard formatting decisions.

07

Always use standard headers

An ATS will use your resume headers to help sort data and store it in a company’s database of applicants. If you use a nonstandard header in your resume, an ATS may misinterpret or skip over important data. Essentially this means that even if you include lots of keywords and are uniquely qualified for a position if your resume formatting is anything but straightforward, key details may be lost in translation.

08

Model your resume after a standard resume template

Modeling your resume after a standard resume template will help ensure that your headers, formatting, and organization will be properly analyzed and sorted by an ATS. There are lots of resume templates for Applicant Tracking Systems online for you to choose from. Look at Applicant Tracking System examples to get a better idea of how to proceed.

09

Use a chronological or hybrid resume

Chronological resumes are considered standard. They are the most familiar, with recruiters and ATSs alike. A more innovative resume format, such as a functional resume, may not be compatible with an ATS. A chronological resume, however, will easily be interpreted and sorted by an ATS. Recruiters are also most familiar with this format.

For job candidates who prefer functional resumes, consider using a hybrid resume. This will allow you to maintain some elements of a functional resume while still relying on the standard organization of a chronological resume.

Key takeaways

It is more than likely that your resume will be sorted, analyzed, and cataloged by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) during your job search, especially if you are applying for competitive positions or positions in large companies. Conduct more research and learn the importance of a well-written and professional resume today. 

Popular job sites, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, use their own ATS. This is why it is important to understand how an ATS operates and how to tailor your resume accordingly. Use an Applicant Tracking System resume check and a resume template for Applicant Tracking Systems to ensure maximum success. 

When adjusting your resume, make sure to use standard formatting, standard headers, and standard font. Otherwise, an ATS may convert your file and alter its formatting. Base your resume off of resume templates. This will help ensure that your formatting is standardized. 

If you feel like you could benefit from working with a career coach, reach out to learn more about our services. At Prepory, we are passionate about helping professionals reach their career goals.

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There are colleges across the country that are changing their admissions policies because of the global pandemic. Luckily, most students out of high school, don’t have to pass standardized tests like the SAT and ACT to get into college. There was a vital pivot in the way students were learning through the pandemic and these ivy league colleges are sympathetic to that fact. 

Continue reading to learn the college admissions policy changes you might see and what they mean. As well as learning about the colleges that are on the list for extending their test-optional policy to get into their school. From the information that we’ve gathered, it sounds like test-optional is here to stay! That truly benefits students in many ways. 

What does test-optional mean?

When a college or university has a test-optional admissions policy it means that they allow all or some applicants to choose whether to submit their ACT or SAT scores. Colleges still are interested in seeing a student’s scores if applicable; however, it will not interfere with their acceptance to that particular college. 

If you are a student and you’ve taken the SAT or ACT, then you should consider including your scores because it will strengthen your college application.  

Test-optional colleges in 2022-2023

  • Amherst
  • Adelphi University 
  • Babson University
  • Barnard College
  • Baylor University 
  • Boston University
  • Bucknell University
  • Brown University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Colgate University 
  • Columbia University 
  • College of Charleston 
  • College of William & Mary 
  • Cornell University *through high school class of 2024*
  • Dartmouth College
  • Davidson College 
  • Drexel University
  • Elon University 
  • Hamilton College
  • Harvard University *through high school class of 2026*
  • Haverford College
  • Harvey Mudd
  • Indiana University – Bloomington
  • Johns Hopkins University *through high school class of 2026*
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory 
  • Oglethorpe University 
  • Lehigh University
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Northwestern University
  • Northeastern University *through high school class of 2026*
  • Middlebury College
  • Occidental College
  • Pepperdine University
  • Penn State University
  • Princeton University
  • Pomona College
  • Rhodes College 
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Northwestern University
  • Santa Clara University
  • St. Louis University 
  • Stanford University
  • Swarthmore College
  • The University of Notre Dame
  • Trinity University 
  • Tufts University (3-year pilot)
  • University of Alabama *through high school class of 2024*
  • University of Connecticut 
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Miami
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Vassar College
  • University of Vermont 
  • University of Virginia 
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison 
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Williams College 
  • Yale University

Test-optional FAQs

Which colleges don’t require the SAT or ACT?

The list of test-optional colleges is changing all the time, especially considering temporary policy changes in response to COVID-19. Always check directly with the college to confirm its policy, either by going to its website or calling its admissions office.

Should I still take the SAT?

The easy answer is yes. Most college admissions officers, including those at test-optional colleges, value the SAT as part of the admissions process. Even if you think standardized tests aren’t your biggest strength, there are some good reasons to take them.

You’ll keep your options open. Most colleges still accept test scores and must encourage them.  Remember: Your college list isn’t set in stone: you can change it at any time.

You’ll stand out among the applicants. If you get the score you hope for, and especially if it’s above average for the college, submitting your SAT score can help you in the admissions process. Even if your top choice is one of the rare test-flexible colleges, you should still take the SAT. You may find you’ll do better on it than you have on the AP Exams or other alternatives that the college considers. And keep in mind that colleges consider test scores in context. Even if your scores aren’t above average for the college, if they’re high for your school or neighborhood, they’ll help you make a great impression.

You could get more than just admission. At some colleges, the only criteria to be eligible for certain scholarships are a minimum SAT/ACT score and GPA. If you don’t take either of these tests, you take yourself out of the running for hundreds of thousands of dollars that could make college more affordable. 

A high SAT score can offset a low GPA. If you don’t take the SAT, colleges will have less information about your academic performance. If you have a low GPA but do well on the SAT, you’re letting colleges know you have the potential to succeed in college-level classes.

What if I’m not confident about taking the SAT?

We understand that not everyone feels great about taking tests, but there isn’t any downside to taking the SAT. If you don’t do as well as you want, the decision if and where to send your scores is completely up to you.

Remember, everyone’s situation is different, but we encourage you not to limit your choices. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Try taking the SAT. Join study groups or one of the many online practice tests that you can. It never hurts to try. 

Key takeaways on test-optional policies​

This pandemic has helped colleges turn over a new leaf in the application process where SAT and ACT scores are not required. However, they can still be very beneficial to your entrance into your dream college. Still remain to study hard and submit test scores if applicable. Read over updated lists on what colleges are and aren’t requiring the SAT or ACT test scores.