Software used by employers to collect, organize, scan, and rank job applications. Over 75% of companies use ATS to screen resumes before a human reviews them.
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Explained
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that manages the entire hiring process for employers, from job posting through offer letter. For job seekers, the most important ATS function is resume parsing — the software extracts information from your resume and compares it to job requirements.
Popular ATS platforms include Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, Taleo, and BambooHR. Each parses resumes slightly differently, but all prefer clean, standard formatting.
ATS can filter out qualified candidates whose resumes are not properly formatted. Common issues include using graphics or images (ATS cannot read them), non-standard section headers, complex layouts with tables or columns, and missing keywords that match the job description.
Example
When you apply through a company career page, your resume goes through their ATS. The system extracts your name, contact info, work history, education, and skills. It then scores your resume based on keyword matches with the job description.
How This Relates to Your Resume
Use a single-column layout, standard section headers, simple formatting, and no graphics. Save as PDF unless directed otherwise. Test your resume with an ATS checker tool before applying.
Build Your Resume Now
Apply what you've learned with Magic Resume's free AI-powered editor. No sign-up required.
Create Your Resume Free