How to Break Through Online Job Application Systems

How to Break Through Online Job Application Systems How to Break Through Online Job Application Systems 8 Its a good idea to understand what an online job application system is. Armed with that knowledge, your next step can be forming a strategy to break through job application systems and reach a real person in your search for  flexible jobs. What is an ATS and what does it mean for your job search? In a nutshell,  application tracking systems  are a technology-based strategy for employers to manage job applications, especially when there are many job candidates. Job application systems use software that allows candidates to electronically scan resumes, and store them in a database thats easily accessible by hiring managers and recruiters. Using keywords and data mining, employers can home in on candidates who are the best fit for them. As convenient as job application systems may be for employers, they can add hurdles to the application process for job seekers whove worked hard on  customized resumes and cover letters, only to see them disappear into the ether. What employers use job application systems? Estimates of employers that  use job application systems range from 60 to as much as 90 percent. Which may not be surprising, given the huge increase in online job search platforms and job boards, as well as the growth in software companies marketing applicant tracking systems. The  top 70 applicant tracking systems  are used by thousands of companies across all industries. That said, its in your best interest to understand how to crack the code for online job application systems as much as possible, to get ahead of the competition. How to break through online job application systems: 1. Use the right keywords. Start by closely reading the job description to target phrases and  keywords in your job search  that describe what the employer is seeking. Once you have an understanding of descriptions and keywords that are repeated, youll have a grasp of what the job application system is scanning for. Using the same terminology in the job description and knowing what  keywords you should be using  will increase the chances that youll rank higher in the ATS database. 2. Get to the point. The less you fluff up you resume, and choose instead to provide concrete examples of your  career accomplishments, the better off youll be. Be specific: If the job opening is for a UX designer, use that specifically in your resume and cover letter to boost your visibility to the job application system. However, dont overdo it! Going overboard could backfire and make it appear youre trying to game the system. 3. Do your research. Language is power. Do some research to determine what qualifications the employers looking for, and use language and social media links that will be picked up by job application systems. Understanding how and  why you should research companies  can help you determine which certifications, skills, work experience, and other attributes to highlight that will be picked up by job application systems. 4. Dont leave blanks. If youre completing an employers online application, be sure to fill out every field. Leaving even one blank field could invalidate your application in job application systems, thus rendering your efforts useless. Be as accurate as you can and never  lie on a resume  or exaggerate or over-state your qualifications and achievements. 5. Skip the graphics, PDF files, and tables. Its probably at this stage of the job application game to skip graphics or tables, and to forego attaching PDF files or other extraneous data that might trip up programmed job application systems. Many ATS systems prefer the .DOC format to PDF files, and while graphics and other design-focused elements may work for humans, they may not be recognized by job application systems. Create one profile per company. Be mindful of the fact that most employers have one profile per job candidate. If youre applying for more than one job with a specific employer, verify that all of your information is under one profile, rather than scattered across several profile entries. However, its still imperative to tailor your applications and cover letters to specific positions. Search Jobs and Start Applying Today Readers, have you encountered online job application systems in your search for flexible work? Share your experiences with us! Adrianne Bibby  contributed to this post.