If you've been job hunting recently, you've probably come across the term ATS—but what exactly is it?

Let’s break it down like we’re prepping for a hike. 🥾

🧠 What is ATS?

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s a type of software that employers use to sort, scan, and rank the résumés they receive for job openings.

Think of it like a gatekeeper at the base of the mountain: before your résumé ever reaches a human recruiter, it needs to pass through this system first. And if it’s not formatted correctly or doesn’t contain the right keywords? It might not make it past the trailhead. 🚧

🧭 How Does It Work?

Here’s the short version:

1. You apply for a job.

2. The ATS scans your résumé looking for relevant skills, experience, education, and keywords that match the job description.

3. Your résumé gets a score, which determines whether it moves forward to the recruiter—or gets left in the dust.

⚠️ Why Should You Care?

Because over 90% of large companies use an ATS. Even smaller companies are hopping on the bandwagon. If your résumé isn’t optimized for ATS, it might never get seen—no matter how qualified you are.

Imagine hiking the perfect trail but missing all the signs because your map wasn’t up to date. That’s what using a non-ATS-friendly résumé feels like. 😬

🛠️ How to Beat the Bots (and Get Noticed)

Here are a few quick tips:

• Use a clean, simple format (no fancy graphics or clutter)
• Include keywords from the job posting
• Spell out acronyms and use common job titles
• Avoid headers/footers for important information
• Save your file as a PDF or Word doc, depending on the company’s instructions
  
  

🏔️ Need Help?

This is exactly why I started Peak Potential—to help job seekers like you reach new heights. Every résumé I work on is ATS-optimized and designed to get you past the bots and into the hands of a real human.

If you're not sure your résumé is ATS-ready, I offer a Free Resume Audit to point you in the right direction. Submit yours today and let’s make sure you’re on the right path.