Ever wondered what happens to your resume when you apply for a job online through a company's website?

Does your resume have keywords?

The above two questions my seem different however are very closely interrelated. 

Almost all organizations today use an Applicant Tracking System also known as ATS. An ATS is a database-type program that helps employers store, organize, screen, sort, track, and reply to all the resumes they receive. Small organizations don't use ATSs yet, but all of the really big employers—and a growing number of mid-sized organizations—use these systems. For each job opening, the employer programs specific, job-related words and phrases into the ATS. Roughly, what happens is your resume goes into the ATS, gets scanned, and if it doesn't contain enough of those words and terms, the ATS smacks you with a generic rejection email and stores your resume in the dreaded "future consideration" bin. End of story.

In other words, using keywords to target the employer's hiring criteria is a good idea in general, but if you're applying online, it's really, really important. The job description (and other, similar job descriptions from other employers) is your best source for figuring out what to use for keywords. Look for the main criteria and terminology in the job description, and mimic those words and phrases in your resume.
The automated online application process, with its form-letter rejections and lack of any thoughtful review of your resume, can feel like yet another obstacle to getting hired. But don't let it demoralize you. Yes, there are hundreds of resumes being submitted for each job opening, but relax... most of them are "good for nothing"!

Learn to work the system (the Applicant Tracking System, that is) and it can work in your favor. Pepper your resume with appropriate keywords and phrases, and the ATS will flag it and send it on to the HR, who will be wowed by your outstanding qualifications and call you for an interview.

Like it or not, ATSs are here to stay.

Best of luck,

www.cvwritingindia.com