What is an ATS and how does it impact the selection process?
For job seekers, understanding how applicant tracking systems (ATS) work is crucial. These automated systems perform an initial scan of resumes for relevant keywords that match a job opening. An ATS acts as a filter that prioritizes those resumes that best align with the job description.
How to identify your professional competencies?
Identifying your competencies is essential to tailor your resume to the ATS. Matt Leland and Marta Ález, human resources experts, describe competencies as acquired skills that generate successful performance.
- Knowledge: They represent "knowing." For example, having taken an Excel course.
- Experience: Refers to "know-how". For example, having automated an inventory with macros.
- Skills: Allow "being able to do" actions more efficiently. For example, creating automated systems to manage inventories.
- Attitude and values: They reflect the "want to do", and although they are more evaluated in interviews, they should be mentioned in the resume.
How to find and use the right keywords?
Keywords are critical for a resume to pass the ATS filter. These can be action verbs and terms specific to the job sector for which you are applying.
- Action verbs: Enhance the description of the work experience, such as "implement" or "optimize".
- Specific terms: Identify the job sector. For example, "financial", "pharmaceutical" or "food".
It is crucial to identify these keywords from the job description, even from the job title. These words should be strategically incorporated into various sections of the resume.
Practical example: tailoring a resume based on a job vacancy
Analyzing a specific vacancy allows you to identify relevant competencies and keywords to reflect them appropriately in the resume. In Diego's example, a UX/UI designer:
- CV Title: Must match the title of the vacancy.
- Professional profile and experience: Include key terms such as "UX/UI design", "HTML" and "CSS".
- Education: Highlight relevant courses and knowledge, aligned with the vacancy.
Why is the affinity percentage important?
To increase the chances of selection, it is recommended that the resume has at least a 60% match with the job description. If this affinity is not reflected, a candidate may not move on to the next stage of the selection process, despite having the ability.
Therefore, taking the time to match the resume to the requirements of each vacancy, ensuring that the key elements are present, is an essential strategy to capture the attention of recruiters.
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