ATS / Applicant Tracking System explained and what you need to know about it to land your next job

EPISODE SUMMARY   In this episode of Chan With A Plan, host Max Chan speaks with Jon Heise, President of Covert Recruiting. From popular assumptions to key features, they go in depth about the applicant tracking system (ATS) and how significant of a role it plays in the job application process and how it affects job seekers when applying online. They also discuss additional strategies to get in front of decision makers, to help you land an opportunity at one of your target companies.   QUOTES   “[As a recruiter] we generally look at almost all the resumes that come through [the applicant tracking system] no matter if they’re perfect, spot on fit or if there’s something that’s not a fit at all.” - Jon Heise [5:30] “We don’t expect people to be perfect resume writers or have everything exact but there are a number of bits of information that you probably need to have a couple of [on your resume]” - Jon Heise [14:39] “[When it comes to networking effectively] you hop on LinkedIn, you find XYZ company that you’re excited about and you find your peers, the people that you could potentially be working with, their managers and your next job is to reach out to them.” - Jon Heise [22:32]   TIMESTAMPS   [0:49] Meet Jon Heise [3:09] Overview of the applicant tracking system (ATS) and how it helps recruiters manage applications from candidates [4:00] Discussing popular myths about the applicant tracking system (ATS) and what it actually does [6:41] Does timing of your job application matter or is it more important the fact that the job ad is still open to applications [8:36] Applying to multiple positions at once in the same company [9:50] Thoughts on applying to another company for a higher position than you are currently at [11:01] Key features of the applicant tracking system (ATS) that recruiters use to help make it easier for them to screen and organize candidates faster as well as what candidates can do to make it easier for recruiters to evaluate their resume [13:29] The effectiveness of these resume online optimizer tools that are being marketed to job seekers to improve their resume score [14:57] The importance of having quantifiable metrics in your resume to tell a good career story [16:41] Proper format and structure of a resume [18:01] Online pre-screening questions during the job application process and how they work when it comes to filtering candidates for that role [21:10] Strategies for job seekers to get in front of decision makers that go beyond the standard online job application process [25:04] Contacting the recruiter on LinkedIn about a job posting they posted on the platform [26:17] The etiquette of bypassing the recruiter about the job posting and contacting the hiring manager directly [28:24] Contacting Jon and discussing the importance of communication and transparency between job seekers and companies during the hiring process [31:46] Outro  RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS Jon Heise on LinkedIn Covert Recruiting Max Chan on LinkedIn Chan With A Plan