When you submit a job application online, it rarely goes directly to a recruiter. Instead, it enters an Applicant Tracking System.
Step 1: Parsing - The ATS extracts information from your resume and stores it structurally.
Step 2: Keyword Matching - The system compares your resume against the job description.
Step 3: Scoring - Based on keyword matches, the ATS assigns a compatibility score.
Step 4: Ranking - Applications are ranked, and recruiters typically review the top 10-20%.
Keywords - The most heavily weighted factor.
Job titles - Compared against the target role.
Employment dates - Used to analyze employment duration.
Education - Degree level and field of study.
Skills sections - Help ATS identify technical competencies.