Understanding ATS: How to Get Your Resume Past Applicant Tracking Systems
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Here’s a guide on: Understanding ATS: How to Get Your Resume Past Applicant Tracking Systems

In today’s competitive job market, simply submitting a CV or application isn’t enough. Many South African employers, from small companies to large corporations like Tsebo, Volvo Trucks, RCL Foods, and Coca-Cola Beverages SA, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and shortlist candidates.

Understanding how ATS works and how to optimize your application can be the difference between getting an interview or being rejected before anyone even reads your resume.

1. What is an ATS? (Understanding ATS: How to Get Your Resume Past Applicant Tracking Systems)

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, sort, and manage applications. It helps HR departments:

  • Filter applications based on keywords, skills, or qualifications.
  • Organize applicants by role, location, or experience.
  • Save time by automatically ranking candidates according to relevance.

In South Africa, ATS systems are used in industries like:

  • Logistics and warehousing (drivers, warehouse operators)
  • Mining and manufacturing (loco drivers, plant operators)
  • Hospitality and facilities management (cleaners, guest environment experts)
  • Corporate roles (finance, marketing, administration)

2. How ATS Works

Most ATS systems scan resumes and applications for keywords, phrases, and formatting. The system assigns a score to each application based on how well it matches the job description.

Key factors ATS looks for:

  • Job title and role-specific keywords: e.g., “Forklift Operator,” “Warehouse Picker,” “Cashbook Clerk.”
  • Skills and certifications: e.g., “Code 10 License,” “Loco Driver Certificate,” “Syspro ERP.”
  • Experience: relevant years in a similar role.
  • Education: qualifications like Matric, NQF Level 4/5, diplomas, or degrees.
  • Formatting: simple, clear CV layout — no graphics, tables, or unusual fonts.

Pro Tip: Many South African employers use ATS settings that automatically exclude candidates who don’t meet minimum requirements, so missing key details can cost you an interview.

3. How to Optimize Your Resume for ATS

  1. Use Keywords from the Job Description

    • Scan the job ad and pick out the skills, certifications, and tools mentioned.
    • Include them naturally in your experience, skills, and summary sections.

    Example: If a listing asks for a Forklift Driver, include:

    • “Operated forklift in warehouse environment for 3 years”
    • “Valid F2 forklift license”
    • “Performed stock picking, loading, and offloading according to safety protocols”
  2. Use Standard Headings
    • ATS looks for headings like:
      • Work Experience / Employment History
      • Education / Qualifications
      • Skills / Competencies
      • Certifications / Licenses
  3. Keep Formatting Simple
    • Avoid graphics, images, tables, text boxes, or fancy fonts.
    • Use .docx or PDF (text-based, not image-based) files unless specified otherwise.
  4. Spell Out Abbreviations and Acronyms
    • Some ATS may not recognize abbreviations:
      • “Code 10 Driver License” instead of just “Code 10”
      • “National Senior Certificate (Matric)” instead of only “Matric”
  5. Include Relevant Skills and Competencies
    • Add both hard skills (e.g., ERP systems, Syspro, forklift operation) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, time management).
  6. Tailor Your Resume for Each Application
    • ATS scores your resume against the specific job description. Generic resumes may be rejected automatically.

4. Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using headers like “Profile” or “Summary” that are non-standard. ATS may ignore these sections.
  • Overloading your CV with images or fancy layouts.
  • Missing key job-specific keywords.
  • Not including location or availability, which some ATS filters check.
  • Submitting in the wrong format (e.g., JPG, PNG, or scanned images).

5. How to Make Your ATS-Friendly CV Stand Out

  • Start with a professional summary that includes your top skills and experience in the first 2–3 lines.
  • List skills in bullet points for clarity.
  • Add measurable achievements when possible:
    • “Reduced warehouse picking errors by 15% over 6 months”
    • “Managed daily delivery of 50+ packages without incidents”
  • Include all relevant certifications, licenses, and training.

6. Beyond ATS: Human Readability Matters

While optimizing for ATS is crucial, your resume will eventually be read by a human. Make sure it’s:

  • Clear and easy to read
  • Grammatically correct
  • Organized in logical sections

ATS-friendly doesn’t mean robotic — your personality and professionalism should still shine through.

7. Cover Letters and ATS

Some ATS also scan cover letters. Tips:

  • Include job title and company name.
  • Mirror the keywords from the job description.
  • Highlight relevant experience in 2–3 short paragraphs.

8. Extra Tips for South African Job Seekers

  • Keep local context in mind: Mention compliance with South African laws, licenses, or workplace requirements.
  • Shift work / availability: Include if you can work weekends, overtime, or night shifts, especially for manufacturing, mining, and warehousing roles.
  • Use metrics: Quantify achievements in familiar units (e.g., pallets moved, deliveries completed, clients served).

9. Tools to Test Your ATS Compatibility

Before submitting:

  • Use free tools like Jobscan or Resumake to see how your resume scores against the job description.
  • Ensure keywords are naturally incorporated.
  • Double-check that formatting is clean and readable.

10. Final Thoughts

Understanding ATS is no longer optional. For South African job seekers, it’s a necessary step to land interviews in competitive industries. By following these best practices, you maximize your chances of getting your CV noticed by both software and human recruiters.

Remember: ATS optimization + strong interview preparation = double the chance of landing the job.

Related CareersPursuit Guides:

How to write a professional CV

How to prepare for an interview full guide

How to get a job with no experience in South Africa 

( Editor )

I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit, a platform dedicated to connecting job seekers with real opportunities across South Africa and beyond. With a strong focus on learnerships, apprenticeships, and entry-level jobs, my mission is to empower individuals by providing reliable, up-to-date career information that helps them take the next step toward employment and growth.