What is ATS? The Complete Guide to Applicant Tracking Systems

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to manage job applications. It automates the hiring pipeline — from receiving applications to screening candidates to scheduling interviews.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: over 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human ever sees them. Not because the candidates aren't qualified, but because their CVs aren't optimized for machine reading.

How ATS Systems Screen Your CV

When you submit your resume, the ATS:

1. Parses your document — extracts text, sections, and formatting
2. Identifies keywords — matches your skills against the job description
3. Scores your application — ranks you against other candidates
4. Filters out low scores — only top-ranked candidates reach the recruiter

What ATS Systems Look For

• Hard skills that match the job requirements
• Job titles that are relevant to the role
• Education and certifications where required
• Years of experience in specific areas
• Location if the role isn't fully remote

7 Tips to Beat the ATS

1. Use a Clean, Simple Format

Avoid tables, columns, headers/footers, and text boxes. ATS systems struggle to parse complex layouts.

2. Use Standard Section Headings

Stick to recognized headings like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills." Creative headings like "My Journey" confuse the parser.

3. Include Exact Keywords

If the job description says "Python," write "Python" — not "Py" or "python programming language."

4. Save as PDF (Usually)

Most modern ATS systems handle PDF well. But check the application — some explicitly ask for .docx format.

5. Don't Use Images for Text

Any text embedded in images (like infographic resumes) is invisible to ATS.

6. Spell Out Acronyms

Write "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" the first time, then use "SEO" after. This covers both variations.

7. Check Your Score Before Submitting

Use an ATS checker tool to verify your score. Aim for 80%+ match rate before hitting submit.

ATS-Friendly CV Template

A good ATS-friendly CV follows this structure:

• Contact Info — Name, phone, email, LinkedIn (no headers/footers)
• Professional Summary — 2-3 sentences with key qualifications
• Skills — Bulleted list of relevant technical and soft skills
• Experience — Reverse chronological with quantified achievements
• Education — Degree, institution, year
• Certifications — If applicable

How ApplyWise Helps

ApplyWise's ATS checker analyzes your CV against any job description in real-time. It shows your match score, highlights missing keywords, and suggests exactly where to add them — all without changing your authentic experience.

Want to know your ATS score right now? Install ApplyWise and check it in seconds.