Can a low ATS resume ranking reject your job application?

Getting shortlisted for the hiring process of any company depends a lot on your resume. Freshers are mostly advised to create resumes with proper format, as it includes their skills and achievements. However, nowadays many companies are using an Application tracking system (ATS) for the screening of resumes. This system chooses the resumes based on the included keywords and qualifications.

Many freshers believe that if their resume gets a lower ATS ranking, it means they won’t be qualified for the hiring rounds. Well, it is true that ATS holds a very important role in sorting out candidates for the given job role but it does not give out the final verdict. Even if the resume holds a lower ATS ranking it can still get noticed by the hiring team.

Let us understand how ATS works

Murali S, CHRO of AscentHR, shared his opinion on how ATS helps the team to choose the best candidates out there, but also considers a few factors before discarding the resume. If the candidate has strong skills and relevant qualifications, they can be noticed through other sources such as a cover letter, networking connection, or personal recommendations.

Additionally, hiring managers also override the ATS ranking if the candidates possess good skills and qualities relevant to the position. There are instances where an eligible candidate’s resume gets a low ATS ranking, but their qualities receive recognition by the hiring team. Also, candidates who apply through strong networking connections or via trusted referrals get priority even after getting a low ATS ranking, according to Monica Jamwal, Head and Managing Director of Talent Solutions at ANSR.

But how do hiring managers make sure the right candidates are hired?

According to Murali, hiring managers often use different types of strategies to make sure they do not lose eligible candidates because of low ATS ranking. A lot of organisations even after using the ATS, manually review some of the resumes. Simultaneously, they notice and give equal importance to candidates applying through networking or referrals. If the candidate stands out they ignore the ATS ranking and choose the one with the right skills and qualities.

How to avoid mistakes to prevent low ATS ranking

Common mistakes that many freshers or even professionals commit while creating a resume include complex formatting, filling the resume with jargon, or using unimportant keywords.

Murali advises candidates to make sure they create resumes based on standard formatting and implement relevant keywords and graphics or unusual fonts. There are cases when a resume receives a low ATS ranking even after following the steps due to some minor mistakes. Murali shared a case when a candidate got selected by the company even after getting a low ATS ranking as he had exceptional skills, the right experience, and a referral from a credible source.

So freshers make sure to implement standard formatting and relevant keywords in your resume, also if possible try to get a referral from the employee of the company you are applying to. Additionally, prepare a cover letter as per standard rules and strengthen your networking.