ATS & Job Search
What is ATS? Applicant Tracking System Explained for Job Seekers
Learn how applicant tracking systems store and parse applications, and how to make a resume easier for recruiting software and people to review.
If you have applied online and never heard back, recruiting software may have been part of the workflow before a human review. Understanding what an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) does can help you submit clearer, easier-to-parse documents.
What is an Applicant Tracking System?
An ATS is software that companies use to collect and manage applications. Depending on the employer and configuration, it can parse resume fields, support recruiter searches, and help organize candidates. It is not one universal scoring system.
How Does ATS Work?
1. Resume Parsing
When you submit your resume, the ATS extracts information like:
- Contact details
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
2. Keyword Matching
The system compares your resume content against the job description, looking for:
- Hard skills (Python, AWS, SQL)
- Soft skills (leadership, communication)
- Job titles and roles
- Industry-specific terminology
3. Ranking and Filtering
Resumes are scored and ranked. Only top-scoring candidates move forward to human review.
Common ATS Software
- Workday - Used by many Fortune 500 companies
- Greenhouse - Popular among tech startups
- Taleo - Oracle's enterprise solution
- iCIMS - Mid-market favorite
- Lever - Modern, collaborative recruiting
How to Beat the ATS
Use Standard Formatting
- Stick to common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Avoid tables, columns, and text boxes
- Use standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills)
Optimize for Keywords
- Mirror language from the job description
- Include both spelled-out terms and acronyms (Search Engine Optimization / SEO)
- Place important keywords in context, not just lists
Choose the Right File Format
- PDF or DOCX are generally safe
- Avoid images, graphics, or fancy formatting
- LaTeX-generated PDFs work great when properly structured
Tailor Every Application
- Customize your resume for each job
- Match your skills section to job requirements
- Use the exact job title when applicable
The ResumeTeX Advantage
ResumeTeX compares your resume with the job description, shows a keyword-and-structure breakdown, and proposes focused edits while preserving editable LaTeX source.
Ready to compare your resume with a job? Run the free ATS check or start with 3 optimization credits.