Applicant Tracking Systems 2.0 (a new era)
Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) is software used by recruiters and emloyers to automate the process of managing and searching candidate databases. It is predominantly a track and trace database. Recruiters can also use the software to quickly manipulate candidate applicant searches based on key criteria such as technical keywords that may appear in the resume.
ATS is not new, and has been around for more than two decades. During this time, jobseekers and resume writers quickly learned how to manipulate content and key wording to help improve their rankings in the software. However, it wasn’t long before everyone was doing the same thing and the playing field would soon level.
Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) 2.0 - What's changed?
New technological advancements, and more specifically artificial intelligence (AI), are dramatically changing the usage of ATS systems for both recruiters and job seekers. The main problem with older ATS software was that it relied on basic algorithms for ranking candidates, with these algorithms remaining relatively unchanged for the past 20 years. Whilst ATS as a track and trace software remained intact, ATS filters for trying to rank candidates became a very problematic.
The launch of ATS 2.0:
AI-driven ATS 2.0 is a highly sophisticated tool that can read and translate resume content, decipher elements such as industry background, position titles, length of employment, achievements, statistics, and much more.
The software can also check and cross-reference social signals, including LinkedIn profiles. All this is done using NLP (Natural Language Processing), allowing the end user (recruiter) to manipulate candidate searches much more effectively.
ChatGPT & AI Content Resumes Flagged
More and more recruiters are telling us, “We can spot a ChatGPT resume a mile off.”
What we have seen is that AI-generated content lacks the ability to convey your distinct personality, passion, and professional story effectively. Moreover, the content often appears generic and cookie-cutter, instantly turning recruiters against it. Furthermore, ATS software is now being redesigned to scan and analyse resumes, becoming highly adept at identifying generic, templated, or machine-generated content.
So watch out. If detected, AI generated resumes can be penalised or discarded by both the recruiter and ATS, significantly reducing your chances of securing an interview..
Getting your Resume to the Top 5% on ATS 2.0
While keywording and content alignment are still important for each resume, we need to go beyond these basics and deliver manually crafted content that speaks to both the recruiter and ATS/AI systems from an achievement and value-add perspective. Human touch, creativity, and personal insight will be invaluable in creating an engaging and memorable CV that captures the attention of potential employers.
Content should be built around specific competencies and frameworks such as Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR), or ideally, Competency-Based content.
This allows advanced AI/ATS systems to identify high-quality candidates..
Did you know?
Many job seekers assume that ATS is primarily used for candidate screening. That is incorrect. It is important to understand that while the candidate screening tool (i.e. ranking/scoring) is an option, the primary function of ATS is as an HR/recruitment management tool.
The Final Say - Creating Your Brand
To maximise your chances of success, invest the time and effort in creating content that showcases your unique qualities and achievements. If using a resume writer, they will need to take you through a thorough interview process to really analyse your skills, capabilities, and requirements and build authentic content.
We are advising all jobseekers and clients to rethink and reposition their online content, especially their LinkedIn profiles. As mentioned earlier, new ATS systems will be scouring both the CV and your online profile and using this to create summaries for the recruiter. Concentrate on both your online content as seeking recommendations from managers, colleagues and peers.
These are exciting changes in the industry, and we relish the opportunity to help clients continue to stand out from the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many companies use ATS systems in Australia?
It is estimated that around 80% of companies hiring use some form of ATS whether it be their own platform or an ATS system that is integrated into third party job platform.
What makes a Resume ATS 2.0 compliant?
ATS 2.0 resumes need to be content compliant. Integrating NPL, strength-based or STAR content, keyword strategies, technical competencies, clean job headings, and links back to social profiles (where possible).
Does keywording for ATS 2.0 to work?
Keywording will definitely still help, however, less emphasis is being placed on keyword density. AI has the ability to understand content and rely less on keywords, and more on NPL (natural processing language).
Can I use CHATGPT or AI to build my resume for ATS
We would strongly advise against using ChatGPT or AI-generated content as your resume may be flagged as being unnatural and auto generated. What's more, most recruiters can spot AI generated resumes a mile off!
Lift your Resume to the Top 5%. Celebrating 20 years beating Australian ATS systems.
