If you’ve been job searching recently, you’ve probably heard of the ATS. If you haven’t, it stands for Applicant Tracking System. Essentially, it’s software that helps recruiters manage candidates throughout the recruitment process.

I’ve used a number of these systems to recruit people in various roles. Until I worked in HR and specialised in recruitment, I had NO idea that job seekers were freaking out about them. Let’s debunk a few of the most common myths I see people believing about the ATS:

Myth 1: It can’t read colour

Many job seekers believe that using colour in their CVs will confuse the ATS and result in their applications being rejected. This is simply not true. Modern ATS software can read colour just fine. While it’s important to maintain a professional appearance, a touch of colour can make your CV stand out without causing any issues.

Myth 2: It can’t read all font sizes and types

There’s a misconception that ATS can’t handle different font sizes and types. While it’s true that overly fancy or decorative fonts might cause problems, standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are perfectly fine. Stick to a clean, readable font, and you won’t have any problems.

Myth 3: It can’t handle tables

Many believe that using tables to organise information will cause the ATS to misread their CV. While some older systems might have struggled with this, most modern ATS can handle tables just fine. If using tables helps make your CV more readable and organised, go for it.

Myth 4: It can’t handle columns

Similar to the myth about tables, some people think that columns will confuse the ATS. However, modern ATS are designed to extract content regardless of its format. Columns can actually make your CV easier for recruiters to read, so don’t be afraid to use them.

Myth 5: It can’t read PDFs

There’s a widespread belief that ATS can’t read PDFs and that job seekers should only submit Word documents. While it’s true that some older systems might have had issues with PDFs, most current ATS can read them without any problems. Just ensure your PDF is created properly, and you should be fine.

Understanding the ATS

It’s crucial to understand that the ATS isn’t some fancy automatic system that makes hiring decisions on its own. It’s a tool used in HR to collect and organise applications. The real decisions are made by human recruiters who review the applications. If you’re getting rejected, it’s not because the ATS didn’t like your CV; it’s because a person made that decision

Given that the ATS is just a tool, there shouldn’t be any special tips or tricks to “get past” it. The focus should be on creating a well-structured, clear, and professional CV that highlights your qualifications and experience effectively.

I see so many people who are scared to have a sleek, graphically-designed format, using columns (which is easier for the recruiter to read) or colour – and you just don’t need to be.

Happy job hunting!