Applicant Tracking Software (ATS): The Importance of using Key Words in your CV
We've all heard of jobseekers who've sent off 100+ job applications and not received a single response.
If you're submitting lots of job applications and not getting interviews, then you need to look at what you're doing wrong.
These tactics rarely work. Recruiters and online job sites use Applicant Tracking Systems or Software, "ATS" to match your CV against the vacancy you're applying for. If your CV doesn't contain a high percentage of the keywords determined by the recruiter or hirer, your application will simply be bypassed. It won't even come on their radars.
So you must prepare one high quality "master" CV, perhaps with the help of a professional CV writer. Then you need to amend it to "word/skill match" each job you apply for, incorporating matching key words and rearranging or reprioritising your skills, so they're a better match for each job. You probably ought to amend each personal statement too. In essence, if you apply for 5 jobs, you should have approx 6 versions of your CV - one master and five amended CVs, each one specifically targeted to each vacancy.
It sounds like a pain, doesn't it? All of this takes time, but it's well worth the effort as it will improve the number of keyword matches, and therefore give you a better chance of being invited to interview. If it's any consolation it gets easier with practise and, in any event, you'll be applying for fewer jobs. Less is more...
Even the local Job Centres have recognised the importance of keyword and skills matching, and they have recently rolled out their new jobs site where you can upload 5 different versions of your CV.
With computer software largely controlling the recruitment process, unfortunately you'll need to play the game and make the extra effort.
With all of our CVs we endeavour to include key words that are relevant to the industry or role that you are applying to and we'll advise you on this when we work with you.
If you're submitting lots of job applications and not getting interviews, then you need to look at what you're doing wrong.
- Are you sending the same CV for every job application?
- Are you applying for jobs that aren't a good match - perhaps for which you don't have the right experience?
- Are you applying for every job you see?
These tactics rarely work. Recruiters and online job sites use Applicant Tracking Systems or Software, "ATS" to match your CV against the vacancy you're applying for. If your CV doesn't contain a high percentage of the keywords determined by the recruiter or hirer, your application will simply be bypassed. It won't even come on their radars.
So you must prepare one high quality "master" CV, perhaps with the help of a professional CV writer. Then you need to amend it to "word/skill match" each job you apply for, incorporating matching key words and rearranging or reprioritising your skills, so they're a better match for each job. You probably ought to amend each personal statement too. In essence, if you apply for 5 jobs, you should have approx 6 versions of your CV - one master and five amended CVs, each one specifically targeted to each vacancy.
It sounds like a pain, doesn't it? All of this takes time, but it's well worth the effort as it will improve the number of keyword matches, and therefore give you a better chance of being invited to interview. If it's any consolation it gets easier with practise and, in any event, you'll be applying for fewer jobs. Less is more...
Even the local Job Centres have recognised the importance of keyword and skills matching, and they have recently rolled out their new jobs site where you can upload 5 different versions of your CV.
With computer software largely controlling the recruitment process, unfortunately you'll need to play the game and make the extra effort.
With all of our CVs we endeavour to include key words that are relevant to the industry or role that you are applying to and we'll advise you on this when we work with you.
