Posted on September 6th, 2024

 

Ever submitted a resume online, only to hear nothing back? It’s more common than you might think. Companies receive mountains of resumes, especially for high-profile positions, making it tough for recruiters to give each one personal attention.

 

Enter Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These handy bits of software help employers sort through the avalanche of resumes by scanning them for specific keywords and qualifications. While it might sound like a cold, impersonal process, mastering them can give your resume a much better shot at getting noticed.

 

If you’re thinking about that sweet logistics manager role, get ready to sprinkle some magic words into your resume like “supply chain management” and “inventory control.” But it’s not just about tossing in keywords at random. Think of it as speaking the same language as the job description.

 

ATS scans your resume to pick out these key terms and matches them with the qualifications the job requires. Nail this step, and you’re already ahead of the game, as your resume is more likely to make it into the hands of a real human who can appreciate your skills.

 

Now, before you start tossing around terminology and industry jargon, let’s talk formatting. ATS tends to favor simplicity and clarity. Standard headings like “Professional Experience” or “Education”? Go with those. Clean layouts? Absolutely. Fancy graphics or wild fonts? Not so much. The point is to create a document that’s easy for both a machine and a human to understand.

 

By blending the right keywords with a straightforward format, you’re setting yourself up to beat the ATS and impress that hiring manager with your military-honed skills and experience.

 

What are Applicant Tracking Systems?

Applicant tracking systems, commonly referred to as ATS, are software tools used by employers to streamline the hiring process. Imagine the sheer volume of resumes a company with a high-profile job opening receives – it can be overwhelming for recruiters to sift through them all manually.

 

An ATS operates as an organized digital gatekeeper, pre-screening these resumes and ensuring that only the most relevant ones make it to the hiring managers. Basically, it scans your resume for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. If those keywords are absent or not prominently featured, your resume may never reach human eyes. You can think of an ATS as a smart sorter, filtering resumes based on criteria like skills, experience, and education.

 

Now, how does an ATS precisely function?

• When you submit your resume online, this system parses the document, breaking down the text into easily understandable sections like work history, education, and skills.
• It then compares these sections against the job's required qualifications. Maybe you're applying for a logistics manager position; the ATS may be looking for keywords like “supply chain management,” “inventory control,” or “vendor relations.” If those phrases match, you stand a better chance of moving forward.
• Conversely, resumes not formatted correctly or lacking these keywords can get filtered out.

 

The ATS-Friendly Resume Structure

Here are some tips to create an ATS-friendly resume in a way that's logical and easy to follow for both the software and the busy recruiter:

 

Use Standard Headings

These are the main sections you should definitely include: Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Professional Experience, Education, and Skills. Optional but often useful sections could be Certifications and Training, Volunteer Work, and perhaps some relevant Hobbies, especially if you’re entering a field where those interests could be an asset.

 

Choose Simple Fonts

When formatting, make sure to use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in sizes 10-12. Stick to black text on a white background for maximum readability. Avoid stuffing too much information in bold or italics except for headers and job titles, as excessive formatting can confuse the ATS. 

 

Avoid Graphic Elements

Now let's talk about what you should avoid to keep that shining resume from getting lost in the system: 

• Steer clear of graphics, fancy fonts, and colors that aren't standard – they might look good but could prevent the ATS from properly reading your resume.
• Tables and columns are also a no-go because they can disrupt the parsing process.

Consistency in how you present dates, titles, and formatting throughout the document further ensures a smooth pass through the ATS.

 

Don't Include Important Info on Headings and Footers

Refrain from using headers or footers for key information since many ATS may not scan these areas. Also, avoid abbreviations unless they're industry-standard. Use “United States Marine Corps” instead of “USMC,” for example, unless the job posting specifically uses the abbreviation.

 

Optimizing Your Resume with Keywords

 

 

Optimizing your resume with keywords is not just about ensuring it gets through the ATS algorithm; it’s also about making your skills and experiences stand out clearly to the hiring manager who’ll eventually read it. This is how to do it:

• Identify the relevant resume keywords from the job description — these are often listed under ‘requirements,’ ‘skills,’ and ‘qualifications.’
• Copying and pasting them directly might seem tempting, but it's important to naturally weave these terms into your resume content. This makes sure you not only address the ATS but also create a cohesive, engaging narrative for human readers.
• Summarize your capabilities in a way that mirrors the job posting. For example, if a position demands “project management” and “team leadership,” make sure that these phrases appear prominently. Consider phrasing such as, “Led multiple project management initiatives, effectively coordinating cross-functional teams.” This method aligns your resume with the job requirements while preserving readability and flow.

 

The balance between using keywords and maintaining readability is critical. It’s not just about slipping them in wherever possible, but intelligently crafting sentences that highlight your abilities and contributions. When optimized correctly, an ATS-friendly resume doesn't just pass the digital gatekeeper but also leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager. After all, you need to create a resume that speaks to both the algorithm and the person behind it.

 

Additional ATS-Friendly Guidelines

 

Incorporate Meaningful Action Verbs

To further enhance your ATS-friendly resume, incorporating meaningful action verbs can significantly enhance its impact. Words like “developed,” “orchestrated,” “implemented,” and “executed” not only help to catch the ATS algorithms but also build a coherent narrative of your responsibilities. If you've been part of a team effort or spearheaded a project, choose verbs that vividly represent your involvement. For example, rather than writing “was responsible for training new recruits,” you might say, “spearheaded training programs for new recruits, improving the onboarding process by 20%.” This strategy not only underscores your leadership capabilities but also adds the kind of engaging detail that makes your contributions stand out.

 

Use Bullet Points

Moreover, structuring your resume with clear, concise bullet points makes it easier for the ATS to parse and for recruiters to digest your qualifications quickly. Aim for consistency in your bullet points to maintain a logical flow. Kick-off each point with a strong action word followed by a quantifiable achievement where possible. Each bullet should offer a snapshot of your role within the organization, emphasizing key responsibilities and results. For example, “Managed a team of 10 in logistical operations, achieving a 30% reduction in delivery time” places a clear emphasis on measurable success. This structuring not only aids in readability but also neatly aligns with ATS parsing protocols, making sure your responses land where they need to.

 

Include Both Hard and Soft Skills

On top of structural elements, always emphasize a proper mix of hard and soft skills tailored to the job you’re targeting. By blending the technical with the interpersonal, you present a balanced narrative available for both the ATS and the eventual human reviewer to appreciate:

• Hard skills might include specific technical proficiencies or certifications, such as “Certified Project Manager” or “Proficient in MS Excel.”
• Soft skills, however, often get overlooked. Attributes like “effective leadership,” “adaptability,” and “collaboration” are key in many job descriptions and should never be underestimated. Highlighting these qualities can showcase your well-rounded skill set.

 

Related: Bridging the Gap: Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

 

Wrapping Up

Using the right keywords and quantifiable achievements isn’t just about getting your resume through the initial digital scan—it’s about making a memorable impression. By targeting those specific terms that align with the job description, you’re telling both the algorithm and the hiring manager that you’re speaking their language. 

 

At VETTED, we offer a wide range of veteran transition services that go beyond just resume writing. We know the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, which is why we offer personalized career counseling and life insurance consultation to suppor you every step of the way.

 

If you’re looking to revamp your resume, check out our specialized resume-writing services. We pride ourselves on providing the tools and guidance veterans need to succeed in the civilian workforce, helping you translate your military experience into a language that resonates with employers.

 

On top of our transition services, we also provide a range of products that help you showcase your pride and identity. From morale patches to decals, gadgets, and more, our vetted clothing line offers something for everyone.

 

Interested in learning more? Reach out to us directly at [email protected] or call us at (626) 230-8326. We’re here to help you not just with your job application but with every aspect of your civilian life, equipping you with the essentials to make the most of your next chapter.