4 Top errors job seekers make in online ATS applications

 

4 Top errors job seekers make in online ATS applications

Are you confused by online ATS applications? Do you know that ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System?

ATS is the method many companies use to sort job applicants. You enter your information into the job application and it automates your submission for a specific job.

Top errors by job seekers

  1. Type directly into the application. As I have said before, many job seekers skip developing a resume because they believe (wrongly) that all job search is online applications.
    • Right answer? Spend time creating the resume first. If you don’t want to hire a professional resume writer, spend the same time a pro would in researching your targets and selecting quantifiable and qualified accomplishments to demonstrate your successes in the job target.
  2. Trying to paste the presentation version which gets all messed up in the process.
    • Design Resumes clients receive the text version of the resume and a link to these instructions for online applications. After uploading the text version of your resume, keep the text version open and paste the correct information into the fields that the ATS product parsed the data incorrectly.
  3. Assuming that applying online is the end all for your  application.
    • One of the scariest parts of job search is reaching out beyond the online application. Finding a network connection for those people who don’t like networking is just hard but if you think about the possibility that you will not get a chance at the job, you may feel more motivated to look for connections.

Worst possible online ATS application errors?

#4 not checking your submission.

  • Why? The job of the ATS product is to only forward the resumes matching the criteria in the job description. If you don’t put the right information in the right places, you lost the chance that your data matches anything.

If you are one of those people who are perplexed by job search, don’t go it alone. Find help from someone or hire someone to help you.

To get your job search working for you, simply click here!

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2 Comments

  1. BinaBesiege on November 28, 2012 at 1:25 am

    I think pasting the same application is the biggest mistake. A generalized message doesnt work as good as a customized one!



    • Julie Walraven on November 28, 2012 at 6:55 am

      I would agree with you. However, if the target is the same sort of position, a well prepared resume in text format will serve you much better than typing in each time. You can always add more to the specifics with accomplishments and examples fitting the position. Thanks for stopping by!



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