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How to Beat ATS & Get Your Resume Seen | Maven Jobs

Have you ever sent out hundreds of job applications and heard… nothing? You’re not alone. Your resume might be stuck in a bottleneck known as the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems are the first hurdle job seekers face when applying online, and more than 60% of resumes get rejected before they even land on a recruiter’s desk.

Stuck in the ATS black hole? MavenJobs helps job seekers bypass ATS filters and get direct interviews. Skip the struggle — Get Job Placement Help Now!

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is recruitment software companies use to streamline the hiring process. Essentially, it acts as a digital gatekeeper, scanning and filtering resumes to save hiring managers time when dealing with hundreds (or sometimes thousands) of applications.

Why Do Companies Use ATS?

ATS helps companies:

Save time by automating the initial screening process.

Organize applications for easy retrieval and comparisons.

Identify top candidates by ranking resumes based on specific criteria like keywords, skills, and qualifications.

With 75% and 98% of Fortune 500 companies using ATS, these systems have become a non-negotiable part of modern job applications.

The Problem for Job Seekers

For applicants, ATS can be a double-edged sword. While it ensures that companies can quickly zero in on qualified candidates, it often eliminates poorly formatted resumes or missing the “right” keywords. Even highly skilled candidates may get filtered out if their resumes aren’t optimized for ATS.

Section 1: Understanding How ATS Works

Before you can beat ATS, you need to understand how it operates. Here’s a breakdown:

How ATS Scans Resumes

ATS doesn’t just “read” resumes like a recruiter would. These systems:

Parse your resume into sections (e.g., experience, education, skills).

Scan for keywords that match the job description.

Rank your resume based on how well it fits the job posting.

Filter out resumes with formatting errors or missing key elements.

Common Reasons for ATS Rejection

Keyword Mismatch: Missing important job-specific or industry-relevant terms.

Unscannable Formatting: Using tables, graphics, or non-standard fonts that ATS can’t process.

Wrong File Format: Some systems fail to read PDFs properly; .DOCX is usually safer.

Gaps in Employment: Unexplained employment gaps can raise red flags.

Understanding these basics is essential to crafting a resume that gets through the system.

Section 2: How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume

Now that you understand how ATS works, here’s how to craft a resume that gets noticed.

Choose the Right Resume Format

Do this: Use a reverse chronological format, first listing your most recent experiences.

Avoid this: Functional resumes that focus on skills but omit specific experiences. ATS often can’t process them effectively.

Use Proper ATS-Compatible Formatting

Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Save your file in .DOCX format unless the job posting specifies otherwise.

Keep a clean, simple layout. Avoid images, graphics, headers, or columns.

Optimize Your Resume with ATS Keywords

One of the best ways to beat ATS is by using the right keywords:

Extract keywords from the job description.

Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume.

Use synonyms and variations like “SEO” and “Search Engine Optimization.”

Example

Instead of “Managed a team,” write, “Team Management | Led cross-functional teams to deliver $2M in revenue projects.”

Include the Right Resume Sections

A well-structured resume is ATS-friendly. Make sure to include:

Summary: Use 2–3 powerful sentences that include job-specific keywords.

Skills: Include a mix of hard skills (specific to the job) and soft skills.

Work Experience: Focus on quantifiable results (e.g., “Boosted sales by 20% in 6 months”).

Education: Include degrees, certifications, and any relevant training.

Avoid ATS Killers

Here’s what you should NEVER do:

Use graphics, photos, or icons.

Include fancy or non-standard fonts.

Add text in headers or footers (ATS can’t read them).

Leave unexplained gaps in your employment history.

Section 3: How to Test Your Resume Before Applying

Don’t risk submitting a resume that doesn’t pass ATS scrutiny. Here’s how to test its compatibility:

Use ATS Resume Checkers

Take advantage of free tools like:

Jobscan.co: Optimize your resume keywords for specific job descriptions.

Zety Resume Scanner: Offers recommendations for ATS-friendly formatting.

Resunate: Helps refine your resume based on ATS preferences.

Conduct a Plain Text Test

Copy-paste your resume into a plain text file like Notepad. If the formatting looks messy or unreadable, ATS will likely struggle to process it.

Use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” Feature

Some job applications on LinkedIn bypass ATS entirely, giving you another edge.

Section 4: Should You Use a Placement Agency for ATS Success?

Still struggling to get noticed? Consider working with a placement agency.

Benefits of Recruitment Agencies

Bypass ATS: Many agencies send resumes directly to hiring managers.

Expert Guidance: Agencies often rewrite your resume based on ATS algorithms.

Tailored Opportunities: They match your skills with the right job openings.

At MavenJobs, we help job seekers optimize resumes and connect directly with recruiters to fast-track the hiring process. Interested? Reach out to us for tailored support!

Maximize Your Chances of Landing an Interview

Creating an ATS-friendly resume doesn’t just help you get noticed; it’s a critical step in today’s competitive job market. By understanding how ATS works, optimizing your resume formatting and keywords, and testing your resume with ATS tools, you can significantly improve your chances of landing your dream job.

Need help fine-tuning your resume? Let MavenJobs guide you through the process! We’ll help you beat the bots, get more interviews, and secure the role you’ve been waiting for.

[mavenjobs]

Top 10 Questions to Ask in an Interview

When preparing for a job interview, most candidates focus on answering questions effectively. However, asking the right questions during an interview is just as important. In fact, the questions you ask can help you stand out and demonstrate your preparedness, curiosity, and interest in the role. But, what are the best questions to ask in an interview as a candidate? Let’s dive into it.

Why You Should Ask Questions in an Interview

Many candidates feel interviews are a one-way street where they’re being evaluated, but it’s a two-way process. The employer is determining if you’re the right fit for the role, but you also need to assess if the company and position align with your career goals and values. By asking thoughtful employer questions to ask in an interview, you show you are proactive and serious about finding the right fit for yourself as well.

The 10 Best Questions to Ask in an Interview

Here’s a list of the best questions to ask in an interview as a candidate that will help you learn more about the company, role, and team culture.

1. Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?

This question helps you get a clear picture of what your daily tasks would look like. It will also provide insight into the balance between individual work, collaboration, and any potential challenges or opportunities.

2. How do you measure success in this role?

Employers appreciate candidates who are results-driven. By asking this question, you’re showing that you care about meeting expectations and contributing to the company’s goals.

3. What does the team structure look like, and who will I be working closely with?

It’s essential to understand how the team is organized and what your interactions will look like with peers, supervisors, or cross-functional teams. This helps you visualize how well you might fit into the work environment.

4. What are the company’s values, and how do they influence the workplace culture?

Culture fit is crucial for long-term job satisfaction. Asking about company values and how they shape the work environment helps you determine if it aligns with your personal values and work style.

5. Can you share examples of how the company supports professional development?

This is a great way to gauge whether the employer is invested in employee growth. If career advancement or skill development is important to you, this question is a must.

6. How has the company evolved over the last few years, and what are the future plans for growth?

Understanding the company’s trajectory can give you a better sense of job security and potential opportunities for advancement. It’s a sign of a forward-thinking candidate who is interested in the bigger picture.

7. Can you share more about the leadership style of the department or team?

Leadership style can make or break an experience at a company. This question helps you understand how managers interact with employees, whether they’re supportive or hands-off, and how decisions are made.

8. What are the immediate challenges for someone starting in this role?

This question is an excellent way to get an honest look at the expectations and difficulties you might face in the position. It shows you're ready to tackle challenges and want to know what’s ahead.

9. Can you tell me more about how the team adapts to change?

In a world that’s constantly evolving, adaptability is key. This question not only demonstrates your own adaptability but also helps you understand how flexible and dynamic the company is when faced with changes or challenges.

10. What are the next steps in the interview process?

Always wrap up by asking about the next steps. It shows your eagerness and gives you clarity on what to expect after the interview.

Customizing Your Questions for the Role

While these questions offer a solid starting point, remember to tailor them based on the specific role and company you’re interviewing for. For example, if you’re applying for a tech position, you might want to ask about the tools and technologies the team uses. If you’re interviewing for a managerial role, you could focus more on team dynamics and leadership challenges.

By asking employer questions to ask in an interview that reflect both your professional priorities and genuine curiosity about the role, you'll leave a strong impression.

What Not to Ask in an Interview

While asking thoughtful questions is crucial, there are certain questions you should avoid, such as:

Salary and benefits specifics (unless the employer brings it up)

Questions that could easily be answered by doing basic research on the company

Anything too personal about the interviewer

These types of questions can make you seem unprepared or uninterested in the role itself.

Conclusion

Interviews are a critical opportunity to learn as much as possible about the job and the company, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, the best questions to ask in an interview as a candidate will not only help you gain valuable information but also position you as a thoughtful and prepared professional.

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Maven Jobs - Your Trusted Placement Agency

Maven Jobs is your trusted placement agency in Haryana. Since 2022, we’ve been dedicated to connecting talented individuals with their dream jobs and helping businesses build exceptional teams. We offer recruitment services across various sectors, including IT, industrial, corporate, small businesses, and non-IT hirings. Join us in building great careers and successful businesses.