Thread by @MoreroaMoses

Here are tips for a #WinningCVForOnlineApplication when using online tracking system (ATS) when applying for a job online (THREAD).

First, ATS is software used by recruiters and employers during hiring process to collect, sort, scan, and rank the job applications.

Here I am talking about jobs that need you to create a personal profile on the company's website. I am not referring to sending your application through email.

As you enter your details, it creates an automatic CV.

Applicant tracking systems act as an electronic gatekeeper for an employer. This means that the HR practitioners will only see applications that suitably match the post advertised.

Did you hear me? Meaning there are high chances that your application returns unsuccessful without it being seen. We are rejected by machines (robots). Eish, ku bird!

The ATS parses a resume's content into categories and then scans it for specific keywords to determine if the job application should be passed along to the recruiter. The key thing here is #keywords - what the adverts wants.

This emphasises the importance of always tailoring your CV according to each job advertised. Your CV is as old as the last job you have applied. Change it!

ATS essentially weed out unqualified applicants for recruiter can devote their time to evaluating candidates more likely to be a match for the position. Meaning, the ATS is apt to toss the least-qualified candidates, rather than identify the applicants who are the best fit.

This means you may be turned down even if you the the most qualified candidate, just because your CV did not match the advertised post according to the ATS system, and recruiters will never see your CV.

Unfortunately, that means if a resume is not written and formatted with the applicant tracking system in mind, a qualified candidate can be easily passed over. How to format it accordingly then?

Contrary to popular belief, a PDF is not the most ATS-friendly file type. While PDF files are the best at preserving the design and format of your resume, it is not compatible with all ATS software.

If you're asked to upload your resume to an applicant tracking system and “PDF” is listed among the file types you can, by all means, use a PDF version of your resume.

If the system does not specify which file types are compatible, play it safe and stick to a Word document in .doc or .docx. Plain-text files are also incredibly ATS-friendly for resumes, but they limit your formatting options.

I talked about matching advertised post. Meaning, the ATS rates highly mutual keywords. If the post says jobs and responsibility, don't say Key Performance Areas. Use exact terms on your CV.

If they want five years' experience and you have three, honesty wont work for you. The ATS picks what they want and weeds out less experience. It means you do not quality, just leave it or you will explain yourself later in the interview.

List all the things they have listed on the job adverts as your skills, experience and qualifications.

Now, the actual writing. Stop giving unwanted details such as your religion (christianity) etc. Do not give references if the post does not indicate the needed. You can indicated that you will provide should they want them. You know you have enemies in previous bosses or friends!

As opposed to putting graphics on your CV, what liars call it a professional resume, make it as plain as possible. It is not professional but looks beautiful. Not everything beautiful is professional, well not for an ATS. It fails to read graphs, pictures and illustrations.

Not all applicant tracking systems are able to properly read and parse information stored in the header and footer sections of a Word document. Don't put important details in the header or footer!

ATS can't identify a portion of the applicant's contact information. Avoid this same fate by placing important contact details (your name, phone number or email address) outside the header or footer of your resume. New trends put such on the left margin - it doesn't work. Don't!

Avoid images, charts, and other graphics. While these may look nice to the human eye, resumes with embedded images become a garbled mess, or get completely omitted from your application, after it passes through the applicant tracking system.

Stick to simple bullet points. When used appropriately, bullet points are a great method for highlighting accomplishments and qualifications on a resume.

For someone who is applying for an entry job, your CV should flow in this fashion:
#Personal details
#Summary of qualifications
#Skills, knowledge, attributes, abilities
#Employment history
#Professional development
#Interests
#References

For someone who is applying for management role with experience of over five years, your CV should flow in this fashion:

#Names and Contact details
#Executive summary of your experience and achievements
#Employment history, starting with latest occupation

Others may follow!

Luckily, you don't have to wait for your fate to know if your CV is ATS-friendly. There are trial runs you can make. Here are my top five links:
resumeworded.com/cv-checker
za.topcv.com/cv-review
thecvsquad.com/free-cv-review
cvcentre.co.za/free-cv-review
thecvstore.net/Free-CV-Review…

Do not include your full physical address, unless if the job advert stated so. This is for your own security and safety. Just write: Johannesburg, South Africa, not your house number, street address etc.

By the way, stop putting your sister, father or family members as references. If you do not have work history (you are a fresh graduate), put your varsity lecturer, mentor, pastor, organisations you have volunteered etc. Just not your family members - they are biased by default.

Read job advert instructions carefully: if not asked for a cover letter, do not submit it. That just goes to tell the recruiter/employer that you can't take simple instructions. Hey, and spelling errors are frustrating! Use grammarly.com to verify your work.

There is just a lot to talk about. I am tired of typing. We shall have Episode 2 soon. Good luck as you panel beat your CV, and may God visit your thoughts.