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You're looking for a job and you see a posting that's a perfect fit!
You really want to score an interview!
To help you get there, you'll need to write and format your cover letter so it has a better chance of getting through the company's Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
What Is An Application Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System is automated software the company uses to screen applicants. The program sorts through applications and selects candidates based on the company's perception of suitable candidates.
Don't get screened out!
Even as a highly qualified and experienced candidate, your cover letter might get overlooked by the ATS if it doesn't fit what the company is looking for.
You can submit an ATS friendly cover letter by following a few simple do's and don'ts.
Do: Use Key Words
Carefully review the job posting and highlight the required skills.
Did you know?
Kim Soo's Cover Letter
Kim Soo is applying for a research position in a lab.
Requirements include:
a bachelor's degree
Excel proficiency
strong writing abilities
lab experience
attention to detail
Kim Soo has all of these skills but only has an associate's degree.
What should she include in her cover letter?
A. Detail oriented and great with Excel
B. Plans to work on her bachelor's degree next year
C. Lab experience and good writer
D. Only has an associate's degree
Quiz
Select the correct answer.
Kim Soo needs to be honest but she should definitely include all of the key words (skills and experience) in her cover letter. Although she doesn't have a Bachelor's degree, she can state that she has an associate's and is planning to pursue the higher degree in the near future. Including all of these words will help her cover letter pass the ATS screening.
Do: Make Sure Your Contact Information Is Clear
Contact information should be in the body of the letter, not in the header or footer.
Many ATS programs don't search the header and footer.
You could be screened out if the program thinks your contact info is missing.
Kim Soo's Cover Letter, Part 2
Kim Soo made a website with examples of research projects she conducted. She created a cool QR code to direct people to the site. Kim Soo is super excited to include the QR code on her cover letter.
Quiz
Should she try to sneak in the QR code on her cover letter?
Unfortunately, it would be a bad idea to include the QR code because the ATS might be confused by it and most certainly would not be able to read it. You're better off including a link! The only time to include a QR code would be if you know that a real person is screening your job application materials.
Take Action
Take time to craft a cover letter that's not only catchy, but also ATS friendly. It could help you score an interview!
Get your cover letter ready!
This Byte has been authored by
Mary Ellen D'Intino
Learning Designer | Licensed Social Worker
M.Ed., LSW