ATS Myths & Facts

What an ATS is

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to collect applications, organize candidates, and manage hiring steps. Popular systems include Workday, Greenhouse, iCIMS, and Lever, and each one is configured differently by each employer.

Myth: '75% of resumes are rejected by robots'

You'll see this number a lot, but no reliable research supports it. Many systems don't auto-reject anyone. Recruiters search, filter, and read. Some employers do use knockout questions (e.g., 'Are you authorized to work in the US?') or filters, so answer those carefully.

Fact: Clear formatting helps

Software extracts text in reading order. Complex tables, text boxes, columns, and images can scramble that order.

• Use standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills
• Use a single column
• Save as DOCX or a text-based PDF unless the posting says otherwise

Fact: Relevant, truthful keywords help humans and software

When your resume uses the same words the posting uses for skills you really have, a recruiter searching for 'medical billing' can find you. Hiding white text or stuffing keywords is easy to detect and can disqualify you.