Writing a CV compatible with the ATS system!

In light of technological development and artificial intelligence, many companies have become dependent on the applicant tracking system in the recruitment process (ATS), so writing a CV compatible with the ATS system has become an indispensable necessity for any job seeker hoping to leave a strong first impression and reach the job interview. He may feel… Many job seekers are frustrated by the frequent sending of their CV to many companies without any response or contact for a job interview. In this article we will explain:

Topics:

• What is the ATS system?
• How the ATS system works؟
• How to write a CV compatible with the ATS system.
• Advantages and disadvantages of the ATS system for companies and job seekers.
• Does the ATS system accept CVs in Arabic?
• Conclusion.
• Resources for creating a CV compatible with the ATS system.

What is the CV ATS system:

An ATS is a system that electronically scans resumes and job applications to determine whether or not an applicant meets the criteria specified for the job. This is done by searching for keywords, skills, previous experiences, academic qualifications, and of course job title and other relevant criteria. Based on this screening, resumes are ranked and ranked to prioritize applicants who best fit the job requirements. Therefore, understanding how it works can greatly improve your chances of success.

How does ATS works?

A resume ATS system serves as a tool that helps companies manage the hiring process efficiently, by organizing and sorting resumes and job applications applied for jobs. It depends on several stages and technical standards as follows:

1. Submit your CV:Job seekers submit their resumes online, which serves as the entry point into the ATS.
2. Survey and analysis:The system scans the submitted CV and analyzes it by dividing the document into specific sections such as personal details, education, work experience, skills and certificates.
3. Identify main keywords:
   The system analyzes the content of keywords and phrases that match the job description criteria, including skills, job titles, educational qualifications, and other relevant data.
4. Evaluation :The system evaluates the context in which these keywords appear, and their relevance based on their position, frequency, and connection to job requirements.
5. Filter classification:Based on the degree of match between CV content and job criteria, the system assigns a suitability score to each application. It ranks candidates according to these scores, giving priority to those whose profiles match the job specifications.
6. Recruiter Review:Recruiters review the highest-ranking resumes as identified by the system, focusing their attention on qualified candidates as a good fit for the position.
7. Automated communication:The ATS facilitates automated responses to applicants, acknowledging receipt of applications and communicating next steps or decisions.

Steps to write an ATS-compatible CV:

Formatting your resume to match the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can significantly increase your chances of getting a job interview. Here are detailed steps to prepare your CV in a way that makes it more attractive to these systems:

1. Use the correct format
To ensure your resume is read correctly by the ATS resume system, it is important to use a simple, clear format. Images, symbols and tables should be avoided, as these elements confuse the ATS CV screening system and make it unable to accurately analyze the content. Using standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 12 or 14 ensures that text is easy to read and compatible with most systems. In addition, organizing a resume using bulleted lists, dividers, and clear headings helps enhance readability and organization, making it easier for the system to analyze the information effectively.

2. Include appropriate keywords:
It is necessary to carefully study the job description in the job advertisement and extract the keywords and skills required to include them in the CV. These keywords should appear naturally within the text and in the appropriate context, increasing the chances of being identified by the resume ATS as a potential match to the job requirements. Using keywords in an unnatural way may result in a negative rating from the ATS CV screening system, so it is important to maintain a natural and logical flow of content.

5. Organize your CV logically:
Organizing your resume in a logical and clear way makes it easier for the ATS to analyze the information and determine your suitability for the job. Use clear headings for each section, such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills,” and arrange the sections in a way that puts the most important information at the top. This organization helps ensure that none of your qualifications are overlooked.

4. Keep it compatible and simple:
Simplicity in design and format ensures that the resume can be easily read by the ATS system. Compatibility means avoiding the use of elements that may cause the system to misread the content.

Advantages and disadvantages of the ATS system:

Of course, any system has advantages and disadvantages, which applies to the ATS system, whether for company owners or job seekers, as follows:
Owners of companies :
Positives:

• Simplifying the recruitment process
• Enhances filter quality
• Reduce recruitment time
• Data-driven decisions
• Compliance and regulation

Negatives:

• Wasting unique talent who do not fit the standard criteria.
• Initial setup costs
• Complexity and training for recruiters to use and interpret ATS data effectively.
• Excessive reliance on main keywords

Job seekers:
Positives:

• Simplified application process
• Instant feedback
• equality
• Transparency

Negatives:

• The need to customize the main keywords to pass the examination.
• The possibility of poor evaluation because the CV is not compatible with the system.
• Hiding personal skills.

Does the ATS system accept Arabic?

Use correct Arabic grammar and avoid using words borrowed from the English language unless necessary. Choose an appropriate Arabic font: Choose a standard Arabic font that can be easily read by the ATS system. Do not use fancy or complex fonts that the program may not recognize.

Conclusion :

The bottom line is that the ATS CV is the CV that contains keywords that match the job description, including years of experience, skills, and of course the job title itself! Do not neglect it, but the matter here does not depend on the words chosen. The matter must apply to the format of the CV, its arrangement, and the fonts used. It is the same idea as SEO for websites when searching for any phrase on the Internet. The more the keywords in the article and the quality of the article match the search words, the higher the ranking. The article is on the first pages.

Free and paid sources for obtaining a CV compatible with the ATS system and a method for examining the CV:

First: free sources:

• CV templates (free ATS resume builder) compatible with Microsoft ATS

Second: Paid sources:

• Empower website

Third: ATS CV screening site: