Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that employers use to screen resumes. They scan for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. If your resume lacks these keywords or has complex formatting, it might get rejected before a human even sees it.
For a Securities Clerk role, you should follow some best practices to ensure your resume gets past the ATS. First, use standard section titles like 'Work Experience' and 'Education'. Next, naturally incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions, such as 'trade processing', 'settlements', and 'regulatory compliance'. Avoid complex formatting, including tables or columns, as ATS may struggle to read them.
Also, use standard, readable fonts and save your resume as a PDF or .docx file. Avoid heavily designed files or those with images, as these can confuse the ATS.
- Using exact keywords from the job description
- Avoiding creative synonyms that ATS may not recognize
- Not relying on formatting that could be misinterpreted
Common mistakes include using synonyms instead of exact keywords, omitting critical skills related to the Securities Clerk role, and relying on headers or footers that ATS might ignore.