Rely on good old human networking instead
Clint Hankinson
IT FEELS LIKE spitting into the wind.
In today’s competitive job market, landing an interview often seems like an impossible task, and applying for jobs online can be a nightmare of a process. One of the primary barriers candidates face is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These automated systems are designed to streamline the hiring process by weeding out as many candidates as needed in order to highlight a handful deemed worthy by the system. Unfortunately, many great candidates are left out.
But that’s the challenge, isn’t it? Employers don’t have the time or resources to sift through the dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of resumés from job seekers interested in their open positions. That makes an ATS a valuable resource for them. So if you’re looking for a new position, how do you navigate through the shark-infested ATS waters? And is there a better way?
Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems
What Is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System is software used by employers to collect, sort, and rank job applications. When candidates submit their resumés online, the ATS scans for keywords, qualifications, and other relevant data to determine if the applicant meets the job’s criteria. This means that resumés often go through an automated process before they ever reach a hiring manager.
How ATS Works
- Keyword Scanning: ATS looks for specific keywords related to job titles, skills, experiences, and qualifications. If your resumé doesn’t contain the right keywords, it may be filtered out, regardless of your actual qualifications.
- Formatting Issues: Many ATS struggle with complex formatting. resumés with unusual fonts, graphics, or layouts may not be parsed correctly, leading to a poor match with job requirements.
- Ranking Candidates: Some systems score applicants based on how well their resumés match the job description. Higher scores increase the chances of being seen by human eyes, while lower scores result in automatic rejection.
Challenges Posed by ATS
While Applicant Tracking Systems can streamline the hiring process, they can also create significant barriers:
● Over-reliance on Keywords: This can lead to a lack of consideration for transferable skills or unique experiences that don’t fit neatly into the keyword framework.
● Exclusion of Diverse Candidates: ATS may inadvertently disadvantage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds who may use different terminology or descriptions for their experiences.
● Unintended Bias: Automated filtering may perpetuate biases based on how job descriptions are written, favoring certain demographics over others.
How to Bypass the ATS
At times, you may need to submit online applications, and if so, you can find numerous articles on how to optimize your resumé through keywords, formatting, and so on. But ultimately, you need a better strategy—building the right professional relationships that can open up career opportunities. Life is all about relationships. Individuals find new jobs because of their relationships every day, and it can happen for you, too.
Optimize Your Online Presence Through Platforms Like LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool. Ensure that it mirrors your resumé and includes industry-specific keywords. Engage with, and comment on, relevant content to increase your visibility with those in organizations that you’re interested in. Share insights, articles, or projects related to your preferred industry. This establishes you as a knowledgeable candidate and makes it easier for recruiters to find you. As you build your connections, embrace a mindset that seeks to contribute and serve. If you reach out to others with the sole intention of asking them to hire you, you’ll likely be disappointed.
Network In-Person
● Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and networking events. Volunteer in planning and/or setup. Introduce yourself to the workshop and keynote speakers. Speak to company representatives in the exhibit halls.
● Join Professional Groups: Becoming an active member of industry-related groups through local meetups and chambers of commerce can help you quickly build relationships with others that you might want to work with.
● Participate in Alumni Activities: If you graduated from a college or university, connect with your alumni association to learn what types of activities may be happening in your area. If there are none, take the opportunity to plan one.
Be Sure to Follow-Up
After connecting face-to-face, be sure to follow up with a thank-you message. This shows your appreciation and helps keep you in the mind of your contact. Mentioning specific points from your conversation can also reinforce your interest and commitment.
Conclusion
Applicant Tracking Systems are a significant part of the modern hiring landscape, and they aren’t going away. Professional networking not only helps you find opportunities that may not be publicly advertised but also allows you to build relationships that can benefit your career in the long term.
Building professional relationships is not something that you do only when you need a new job. It’s an everyday thing that you want to develop into a lifestyle. It must be intentional. By investing time in networking and optimizing your application materials, you position yourself for success in a competitive job market. Remember, while technology plays a crucial role in hiring, personal connections and relationships are often the key to unlocking new career opportunities.
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Clint Hankinson is Apprenticely’s Marketing Director.
