Career Development
Applicant tracking systems can stop job applications before human eyes see your information. Using the advice in this article, learn how to avoid this software's major pitfalls to ensure your application moves on.
An applicant tracking system is software that human resources (HR) members use to eliminate candidates who may be unsuitable for an open position. This system streamlines application document uploads, making it easier for HR to track applications and save time by not reading inadequate profiles. However, if a candidate makes mistakes or uses incorrect formatting, this software may accidentally eliminate good applicants through this process. Moreover, there is often no way to know if your application was rejected because of tracking software or for other reasons by HR or job committee members.
Below are some crucial points to remember to prevent your application from being rejected early on. Please also visit our Career Center Graduate Student page for more information about formatting your application materials, as this article explicitly covers information that is influential to applicant tracking systems.
General Resume and CV Considerations
- clean, clear, and consistent formatting, developed without using formatted tables, LaTeX, or Canva
- no images or large design elements
- standard fonts like Times New Roman or Ariel
- create in MS Word or Google Docs and save as a PDF (do not do multiple conversions, such as from Word to Docs to a PDF)
- use clear, standard headings like Teaching Experience or Education avoid special characters or symbols
- avoid putting information in headers or footers type out degree titles in full (for example, not B.A. but a Bachelor’s of Arts)
- avoid unnecessary numbers like class listings (for example, THTR 5 or CHEM 20)
- use keywords that relate to the job description (for example, if the job description asks for a leader, then incorporate verbs and experiences related to ‘leadership,’ ‘management,’ etc.)
Resume-Specific Information:
- one to two pages
- include the months for listings (not 2023 but December 2023)
- utilize ‘experiences’ as much as possible in your headings and exhibit your skills
CV-Specific Information:
- two pages or longer
- comprehensive and academically themed with appropriate degrees listed
Not every company uses this software to vet potential employees, particularly if they are a small-scale company or are looking for a niche position. However, it’s a good idea to keep these tips in mind and develop your materials to be as flexible as possible. Run your resume through Resume AI, part of Career Service's Big Interview platform, to see how close it stacks up to the needs of the job description. Remember, you can always make an appointment through Handshake and visit your friendly Graduate Career Peers to ensure you’re on track!
Sources:
- Applicant Tracking Systems (with a fun video on resumes and ATS)
- Resume and CV Writing Tips – Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Applicant Tracking Systems: Everything You Need to Know
About the Author:
Grace Kimball (she/her/per pronouns) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Theater and Dance and a Graduate Career Peer Advisor at UCSB. She studies early modern English performance behaviors and faith and helps undergraduates learn about theater and performance studies in her classroom. Grace is also available for her graduate student colleagues through appointments on Handshake to discuss CVs, cover letters, resumes, interviews, and other job market materials.