Why ATS Isn’t All That Matters

The following post explores why ATS isn’t all that matters (for job seekers).

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are all the rage these days. It seems most modern job search advice seeks to dispell fears about how these systems work and the importance of having an ATS-friendly Resume.

Read: Is Resume Writing a Scam?

Read: Things to Consider When Hiring a Resume Writer

Having an ATS-friendly is definitely an important aspect of giving yourself the best chance to succeed, but it is not all that matters. In fact, in many scenarios ATS plays no role at all.

Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

If your job search consists of applying to online jobs – and nothing else – then yes, ATS is all that matters.

However, it’s not the best strategy to be so dependent on online applications. It’s like to going to the gym and only doing pushups. An effective job search strategy calls for a more well-rounded approach.

Ideally, your job search should involve more than just applying to jobs online.

Examples Where ATS Doesn’t Matter

There are numerous real-world examples where ATS plays no role at all. In these cases, a Resume’s visual appeal and its ability to engage a human reviewer are paramount.

Here are 5 examples of job search strategies where ATS doesn’t matter.

Direct Email Applications

You may not know this – but many companies tell interested candidates to send a copy of their Resume via email. No lengthy application to fill out. No interaction with ATS. Simply email your Resume.

Below is a screenshot of a job posting (full email address redacted) with these instructions.

As you can see, they instruct applicants to send their Resume directly to a specific email address. In situations like this, having an ATS-friendly Resume very likely doesn’t matter.

Pictured: Screenshot of job posting with email address to send Resume to.

Personal Referrals

When you find a job you want to apply to, first ask yourself if you know anyone who works at that company.

When you leverage personal relationships – such as sending your Resume to a friend or a professional contact who then forwards it to a hiring manager – you are completely sidestepping ATS.

Since your Resume is getting emailed to the hiring manager, you’re avoiding the automated filters and keyword matching algorithms that might otherwise screen you out.

Connecting With Recruiters

Sending your Resume to recruiters is another prime example where ATS doesn’t play a role. Particularly, recruiters working for executive search firms or specialized recruitment agencies.

Recruiters use their expertise and networks to personally review Resumes, build relationships with candidates, and match them with targeted job openings.

In cases like this, it’s more important to have a visually appealing document that captures human interest.

Networking Events & Career Fairs

Printing out and bringing copies of your Resume to in-person events is another avenue for bypassing ATS.

At networking events and fairs, you’re able to hand out physical copies of your Resume to company representatives. This offers a pathway to bypassing ATS in favor of face-to-face interaction.

Getting Recruited on LinkedIn

Getting recruited on LinkedIn is another example where ATS doesn’t play a factor.

Being highly active and engaged on LinkedIn increases your visibility and attractiveness to recruiters and hiring managers. If your profile stands out, they may cold approach you about a job they’re looking to fill.

In this case, you need a visually appealing Resume to send to the recruiter, more so than an ATS-friendly one.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, while optimizing your Resume for ATS is important, it isn’t all that matters. Your Resume should be equal parts ATS-friendly and visually appealing. In short, let’s stop being solely obsessed with ATS. Instead, we should strive to build a Resume that satisfies ATS and human beings equally.