Using the Resume Builder to Pass Applicant Tracking Systems

​Have you ever applied for a job online and watched your resume vanish into a “black hole?” This happens more often than you might think. That’s because resumes submitted online are usually read by a robot.

Employers get tons of resumes each day. Because of this, most of them use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to handle applications.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System is a software that keeps track of job seekers’ applications. When people submit their resumes through the system, the software “reads” them and decides if they’re a good fit. Then, the resumes are saved in a database. From here, recruiters can access and search for them using keywords.

Employers use ATS software to save time by narrowing down the applicant pool. It filters resumes by criteria such as keywords, education, and work history. After all, employers don’t have the time to carefully look at every resume submitted.

ATS software means you don’t have to worry about your application being lost. Also, the employer will have your info in their database. They may contact you for a different job if they find a match later.  Even if you are qualified, your resume will have to pass the ATS before an HR employee or hiring manager will see it, which is why it is important for your resume to get noticed by the system.

The Resume Builder Tool

Thankfully, Illinois workNet is here to help! We provide a collection of
Resume Builder Tools that can help your resume get noticed.

For example, the Resume Builder gives you a library of sample resumes to use as a starting point. All of these items have been reviewed and approved as ATS-friendly. Also, you can look through a huge collection of info on different jobs. This helps you easily find the right keywords to use in your resume, which means you will not have to worry about your resume getting filtered out!

Remember to be honest and to the point when adding keywords to your resume. Making your resume ATS-friendly does not mean filling it with fluff. According to
this article from Jobscan, ATS software is looking for concrete skills. Buzzwords like “outgoing” and “team player” will only take up space. Also, don’t use any dishonest tactics to “trick” the software. For example, some job seekers add the same keyword many times in a row, but in white font. While this might get your resume noticed by the software, it will be easy for employers with ATS to detect this when looking at your entry in the database.

Accessing the Resume Builder

Anyone with an Illinois workNet account can use our Resume Builder Tools. Just log in, open the My Dashboard menu, and click on “Resumes.” Then select the Resume Builder. From there you can build your resume.

You can save any resumes you create with the tool in your account. If you’re working with an organization partnered with Illinois workNet, they can also view these resumes at any time.