We’ve all heard of the infamous ATS (Applicant Tracking System)—that digital gatekeeper standing between you and your dream job. But what really happens behind the scenes when you click “Apply”?

JobScan recently went straight to the source, surveying over 380 recruiters to uncover exactly how they use ATS filters to determine who makes it to the interview stage. The insights are not just helpful—they’re critical.

The ATS Reality: A Digital Haystack

Imagine this: a recruiter is staring at a digital haystack of hundreds—if not thousands—of resumes. Their goal? To find one ideal candidate. To do that efficiently, over 99.7% of recruiters use filters in their ATS or CRM systems to surface the best matches.

If you want to land in the “yes” pile, your resume must be built for both humans and machines.

 

The Top Filters Recruiters Use—and What You Can Do About Them

Here’s what recruiters actually search for when filtering applications—and how you can strategically position yourself to stand out:
 

1. Skills: The First Filter (76.4%)

Skills are the #1 starting point. If your skills don’t show up in the first pass, the rest of your resume may never get read.

✅ Action: Mirror the exact language of the job description. Use both hard and soft skills. If the job calls for “cross-functional collaboration,” don’t just say “team player”—speak their language.
 

2. Educational Background (59.7%)

Degrees and academic credentials are still a strong filter. Whether it’s a bachelor’s or a specialized diploma, recruiters want to see the foundation of your expertise.

✅ Action: Make your education section easy to find. If it’s relevant, move it higher up on the page.
 

3. Job Titles (55.3%)

Your title is the headline of your career story. If your title doesn’t match the role you’re targeting, you might get filtered out.

✅ Action: Align your titles when possible. You can add context—e.g., “Product Lead (equivalent to Product Manager)”—to show alignment without misleading.
 

4. Certifications & Licenses (50.6%)

Relevant credentials are more than just letters after your name—they’re search terms.

✅ Action: Include a dedicated “Certifications” section. Make sure they’re spelled out and abbreviated (e.g., “Project Management Professional (PMP)”).
 

Years of Experience (44.3%)

Experience matters—but not just the number of years. Recruiters want to see how your experience aligns with the complexity of the role.

✅ Action: Emphasize accomplishments, not just timelines. Highlight the impact of your work, not just the duration.
 

6. Location (43.4%)

Even in a remote-friendly world, location filters still apply. Recruiters may search for candidates in a specific region or time zone.

✅ Action: Include your city and state/province. If you’re open to relocation or remote roles, say so.

 

Final Thought: It’s Not About Beating the ATS—It’s About Aligning with It

This research confirms what we’ve known all along: the ATS isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. But like any tool, you need to understand how it works to make it work for you.

If your resume doesn’t check the boxes recruiters are filtering for, you’re invisible—even if you’re perfect for the job.

 

What You Can Do Now:

✅ Audit your resume for the right keywords
✅ Align your job titles and skills to the posting
✅ Make your credentials easy to find
✅ Include location, certifications, and impact-driven accomplishments

Want a resume that rises to the top of the ATS and gets interviews? I help executive professionals craft resumes and LinkedIn profiles that showcase their value, align with recruiter search filters, and open doors to the right opportunities.

Let’s work together to make your next role your best one yet.