What exactly is an ATS?
Online job platforms such as Indeed and LinkedIn, together with increasing use of AI, has simplified the job application process for candidates. However, this ease of application means that employers are frequently overwhelmed with CVs. To manage this influx of applications, many companies increasingly rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Large employers have done so for many years, but the technology is increasingly being adopted by SME employers too. This may include consultancy firms recruiting for management consulting jobs.
An ATS is a type of software that helps management consulting employers streamline the hiring process by:
- Gathering CVs submitted through online applications.
- Sorting CVs based on particular criteria from the job description.
- Prioritising candidates by identifying key terms and qualifications.
- Eliminating CVs that don’t meet the position’s requirements and ensuring the applicant receives a reply.
- Monitoring each candidate’s status during the recruitment process.
By automating these actions, ATS systems save organisations both time and effort, while making sure the most relevant CVs are reviewed. Unfortunately it can make the process for candidates opaque and impersonal.
Who Uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?
While large employers are the most common users, ATS systems are utilised by a variety of organisations, including:
- Recruitment agencies – To efficiently match candidates with roles across different sectors.
- Government bodies – For handling the often complex recruitment procedures within the public sector.
- Medium-sized businesses – To stay organised as they manage an increasing number of job applicants.
- Small companies – Especially those growing quickly or recruiting for competitive positions such as strategy consulting jobs.
- Charities – To process applications for both paid and volunteer roles.
In summary, any organisation that deals with high volumes of applications or wants to simplify and streamline their recruitment process could benefit from using an ATS.
How Do Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Work?
An ATS assists employers in several ways, from organising applications to tracking candidates through the hiring stages. For candidates, what’s crucial is understanding these three fundamental steps:
1. Job details and information is entered
The recruiting team enters job details into the ATS, including the title, required skills, and experience level.
2. Scanning and ranking of applicants
The system scans submitted CVs and ranks applicants based on how closely they meet the job criteria, or it saves them in a searchable database.
3. The selection process
Hiring managers can either review the top-ranked CVs or search the database for suitable candidates using specific keywords.
Put simply, to progress in the hiring process, your CV must contain the relevant terms from the job description. For example, if a business is hiring for a “Strategy Consultant” and they receive 500 CVs, only the ones containing “Strategy Consultant” will probably be flagged for review or appear in search results.
If your CV doesn’t include that exact phrase, it might be overlooked, even if you meet all the job’s criteria!
At the very least, your CV should feature the job title, ideally in the headline or summary. Research from Jobscan, which reviewed nearly a million job searches, found that CVs with the job title in the headline received 3.5 times more interview requests!
How to Optimise Your CV for ATS:
We’ve already highlighted the importance of including key skills and job titles. But if you are seeking a new management consulting job, optimising your CV for an ATS involves more than just adding keywords. Here are additional steps to ensure your CV gets through the system:
1. Use Simple Formatting
Applicant Tracking System software can struggle with complex layouts. Stick to a clear, simple format. Avoid using tables, images, or unusual symbols. Don’t include a photo or other picture formats. Use bullet points, but keep them to basic symbols, not customised icons.
2. Stick to Common Fonts
Choose widely recognised, mainstream fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Avoid decorative fonts, as they can be difficult for the system to read.
3. Avoid Headers and Footers
Some applicants put essential contact information (name, mobile number, email address) in a header but many ATS platforms can’t read content in headers or footers. Keep all essential information within the main part of the document to ensure nothing is missed.
4. Use Standard Section Titles
Stick with traditional section titles such as “Skills,” “Work Experience,” and “Education”. Creative headings, like “My Career Story,” might confuse the system and reduce your chances of your CV being correctly processed.
5. Tailor Each CV for each individual management consulting job
Customise your CV for every job you apply for. It doesn’t need to take long but this will boost your match rate and improve your chances of passing the Applicant Tracking System filters.
6. Use Online Tools to Check Your CV
The formatting issues mentioned can prevent your CV from getting through ATS systems. To avoid this, consider using an online tool such as Jobscan, which not only checks your keywords but also reviews your formatting to ensure it’s ATS-friendly.
At Prism, rest assured that a real person reviews every CV! However, it’s worth noting that some of the job boards we use filter candidates before the CVs reach us. For instance, applications from those without the right to work in the UK may be filtered out.
For more information on the job market, or to discuss your hiring or career plans please contact Chris Sale, Managing Director, Prism Executive Recruitment via [email protected]
