The Role Of Keywords In Optimizing Your CV For Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

As AI starts playing a major role in organizations worldwide, the hiring process is also making use of AI features to shortlist candidates. So, with the era of ATS-based hiring upon us, how do you stand a chance?

The answer is simple, with the help of the right keywords. If you aren’t sure about how these keywords are to be used or what they represent overall, keep reading and you will be able to optimize your resume for an ATS-based screening process!

What To Do?

Firstly, identify the major keywords in the job posting. These are words related to your role and designation that are repeated multiple times in the job description. Including these keywords will help the ATS understand that you have the relevant skills for the position.

You must also include the full job title and the name of the company you are applying to. This means you can’t forward the same resume to every employer, rather, you will have to customize them accordingly.

Lastly, make sure that you spread all the keywords evenly throughout your resume instead of grouping them under one or two sections.

What Not To Do?

One of the major issues faced by the ATS-based hiring processes is the inability to understand design. So, keep your resume format as simple as possible. Don’t make it overly colourful or full of graphic elements. If you are applying for a graphic design position, hyperlink your link instead of providing samples within the resume.

Having a simple format will help the ATS to immediately identify the keywords, and therefore shortlist your resume for the specific role.

Remember these tips and follow us for more! Do you think AI-based hiring processes are fair? Let us know in the comments!