Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are essentially programs that enable recruiters to more easily and efficiently sort and organize job applications. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t run by robots – they’re completely managed by human beings, such as recruiters and hiring managers, looking to more efficiently organize applications so that they can find the right candidate for a role.
The following resources can help career practitioners better understand what applicant tracking systems are and their role in the hiring process, as well as how practitioners can support jobseekers so that they’re well positioned to get noticed by recruiters.
8 things you need to know about applicant tracking systems (Jobscan) [Article]
In an effort to help jobseekers submit resumes that get noticed by hiring managers, this article neatly presents information on the following eight aspects of applicant tracking systems:
- What applicant tracking systems are
- Why employers use applicant tracking systems
- The widespread use of and variety of applicant tracking systems
- How ATS work
- Resume formatting in ATS
- How to “beat” an ATS
- Optimizing for ATS versus cheating or over-optimizing
- Why ATS are here to stay
Curated Career Conversations: Applicant tracking systems with Dr. Cheryl Minnick (LinkedIn) [Article]
In this interview, career coach and speaker Sarah Johnston explores applicant tracking systems with Dr. Cheryl Minnick, a certified career management coach who’s earned numerous industry certifications. Dr. Minnick sheds light on the role of an ATS in the hiring process, common mistakes jobseekers make on resumes when it comes to compatibility with ATS and tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume, including advice for approaching keywords.
How employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) (The Balance Careers) [Article]
In this short article, The Balance Careers explores how applicant tracking systems work, tips for jobseekers, plus the benefits and drawbacks of using an ATS from the perspective of employers and jobseekers.
How recruiters search the ATS (Amy Miller) [Video]
In this 14-minute video featuring Amy Miller, senior tech recruiter at Project Kupier, Miller uses illustrations to help demonstrate how automated tracking systems work and how recruiters use them. She also reveals that jobseekers’ profiles stay in the system “forever” and explains why that’s a good thing.
Resume development for applicant tracking systems – certificate course (Career Professionals of Canada) [Online course]
In this online course designed by Career Professionals of Canada, practitioners can expect to learn about:
- How applicant tracking systems work
- How recruiters use Google, LinkedIn and other websites to find, sort and select candidates
- How to help clients create strong online job applications that get noticed by recruiters
Those who are interested in taking the course can learn about the course schedule, pricing and registration online.
The truth about the ATS (it’s not what you think) (Amy Miller) [Video]
In this 13-minute video, senior tech recruiter Amy Miller clarifies that automatic tracking systems are run and managed by people, not robots. She proceeds to explore the multiple steps involved in using an ATS during the hiring process while continuing to emphasize the role that humans play in managing this tracking system.
What you need to know about applicant tracking systems (LinkedIn) [Article]
In this article, senior editor Andrew Seaman seeks to learn more about applicant tracking systems through an interview with senior tech recruiter Amy Miller. Miller explains what applicant tracking systems are, provides clarity regarding the role of keywords and formatting, and offers tips for jobseekers who are concerned about ATS.
