My Resume Scored 87% and I Still Got Rejected — Here's Why
"70% of resumes with a high ATS score are still rejected"
Jordan Reid
Former Senior Recruiter · Google & Amazon · 10,000+ resumes reviewed
What is a High ATS Score, Anyway?
I've reviewed 10,000+ resumes, and I've seen that a high ATS score doesn't guarantee a callback. In fact, I've seen resumes with an ATS score of 90% or higher get rejected. The reason is that ATS systems like Workday or BambooHR are designed to filter out resumes based on keywords, but they don't account for other important factors like cultural fit or soft skills. For example, at Amazon, we used to use the ATS system to filter out resumes, but we'd still have to manually review them to ensure they were a good fit for the company.
The Problem with ATS Scores
The problem with ATS scores is that they're not always accurate. I've seen resumes with a low ATS score get hired, and resumes with a high ATS score get rejected. The reason is that ATS systems are only as good as the data they're trained on, and sometimes that data can be biased or incomplete. For example, if an ATS system is trained on a dataset that's predominantly male, it may be less effective at screening resumes from female candidates.
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Match Your Resume NowWhat Really Matters in a Resume
So, what really matters in a resume? It's not just about having a high ATS score. It's about showcasing your skills and experience in a way that resonates with the hiring manager. I've seen resumes that are tailored to the specific job description, with language and keywords that match the requirements. Those are the resumes that get callbacks, not just the ones with a high ATS score.
The Importance of Human Review
At Google, we used to have a team of reviewers who would manually review resumes to ensure they were a good fit for the company. It's a time-consuming process, but it's essential for finding the right candidate. I've seen resumes that were rejected by the ATS system, but were later hired after a human reviewer took a look. It just goes to show that there's no substitute for human judgment when it comes to hiring.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired
So, what can you do to increase your chances of getting hired? First, make sure your resume is tailored to the specific job description. Use language and keywords that match the requirements, and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Second, don't rely solely on the ATS system. Try to get your resume in front of a human reviewer, either by networking or by applying to companies that use a more personalized approach to hiring.
Key Takeaways
- 1.A high ATS score doesn't guarantee a callback
- 2.ATS systems are only as good as the data they're trained on
- 3.Tailoring your resume to the job description is crucial
- 4.Human review is essential for finding the right candidate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ATS score?
An ATS score is a measure of how well your resume matches the requirements of a job posting.
How can I improve my ATS score?
You can improve your ATS score by tailoring your resume to the job description and using keywords that match the requirements.
Do all companies use ATS systems?
No, not all companies use ATS systems. Some may use a more personalized approach to hiring, such as manual review or referrals.
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