What percentage of companies use ATS systems?

Approximately 98% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of all employers use some form of Applicant Tracking System to manage job applications and filter resumes before human review.

What are the most common ATS systems used by employers?

The most popular ATS systems include Workday, Taleo (Oracle), iCIMS, Greenhouse, BambooHR, Lever, and SmartRecruiters. Each has slightly different parsing capabilities, but following standard ATS best practices works across all systems.

Should I use a PDF or Word document for my resume?

Modern ATS systems handle both formats well, but .docx (Word) files are generally parsed more reliably. If submitting a PDF, ensure it's text-based (not a scanned image) and avoid complex layouts that might cause parsing errors.

How do I find the right keywords for my resume?

Analyze job descriptions for your target roles and identify frequently mentioned skills, qualifications, and industry terms. Include these keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and work experience descriptions.

What formatting should I avoid to ensure ATS compatibility?

Avoid graphics, images, charts, tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers, fancy fonts, and creative layouts. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman and use simple bullet points and clear section headings.

How can I test if my resume is ATS-friendly?

Use online ATS checker tools to test your resume's compatibility. You can also copy-paste your resume content into a plain text file to see how it appears when stripped of formatting - this simulates how an ATS might parse it.

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98%

Companies Using ATS

75%

Resumes Filtered Out

6 sec

Average Screen Time

+300%

Success Rate Increase

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What is an ATS?

Understanding the system that screens your resume

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that automatically manages the hiring process by collecting, organizing, and screening job applications. It's essentially a digital gatekeeper that stands between your resume and human recruiters.

Filters Applications

Automatically screens resumes based on keywords, experience, and qualifications

Ranks Candidates

Scores resumes against job requirements and presents top matches to recruiters

Manages Pipeline

Tracks candidates through the entire hiring process from application to offer

Major ATS Platforms

Workday

28%

Used by Fortune 500 companies

Taleo (Oracle)

22%

Popular in enterprise

iCIMS

18%

Mid-market leader

Greenhouse

12%

Tech company favorite

BambooHR

SMB focused

Others

12%

Various platforms

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