ATS Basics
In-depth understanding of how Applicant Tracking Systems work and their screening mechanisms
What is an ATS System?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application used to manage the recruitment process. It helps employers automate the resume collection, screening, and management process to quickly identify suitable candidates from a large number of job applications.
ATS systems use keyword matching, format recognition, and content analysis technologies to preliminarily screen received resumes. Only resumes that pass the system screening will be reviewed by HR departments or hiring managers.
ATS System Workflow
Resume Reception
Job seekers submit resumes through company websites, job platforms, or email, and the ATS system automatically receives and stores all applications.
Content Parsing
The system parses resume content, extracting key information such as name, contact details, work experience, education, skills, etc.
Keyword Matching
Matches resume content with keywords in the job description, calculating relevance and match scores.
Scoring & Ranking
Scores each resume based on match rate, ranks them by score, and prioritizes high-scoring resumes for recruiters.
Human Review
Recruiters review resumes that passed initial screening for further evaluation and selection.
Common ATS Systems
Enterprise ATS
- • Workday
- • SAP SuccessFactors
- • Oracle Taleo
- • IBM Kenexa
- • Cornerstone OnDemand
SMB ATS
- • Greenhouse
- • Lever
- • BambooHR
- • JazzHR
- • SmartRecruiters
ATS Screening Statistics
of resumes are automatically filtered by ATS systems and never seen by humans
average time HR spends reviewing each resume
average number of applications received per job posting
Why Do You Need ATS Optimization?
✅ Benefits After Optimization
- •Increase chances of passing initial screening
- •More opportunities to be reviewed by HR
- •Receive more interview invitations
- •Shorten job search period
❌ Risks Without Optimization
- •Resume automatically filtered out
- •Applications disappear without response
- •Miss dream job opportunities
- •Extended job search timeline