NewStats: 3,263,647 , 8,180,891 topics. Date: Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 03:12 AM 5p6q51

If you’re job hunting, then you should be familiar with ATS, not ing Technician Scheme but Applicant Tracking System. Who knows, it may be the reason you’re not hearing back from employers after submitting your application and invariably, the reason you’re still without a job.

Applicant Tracking System is a computer software used in managing recruitment processes. It reduces the workload of recruiters in that it helps them screen-out candidates who do not meet certain criteria for the position like years of experience, academic qualification, skill set, etc.

ATS is commonly used in developed countries, USA, UK, Canada, etc, but I’m not sure how common it is with Nigerian companies. But for certain, it is being used. A few friends of mine in HR have personally confided in me that they use Applicant Tracking Systems in screening candidates. That it makes their work easier as they have to spend less time reviewing CVs.

However, the purpose of this article is not to inform you that ATS exist or that it is used here in Nigeria (because I believe you know that already), but to show you how to beat the ATS and get your CV in front of the hiring manager.

How To Beat ATS

1. Avoid the use of acronyms. Most applicant tracking systems are not designed to recognize acronyms, so you’ll be shooting yourself on the foot if you use them frequently on your CV. If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered ants of Nigeria, for instance, instead of ICAN, write out the name of the professional body in full. The same applies to the companies you’ve worked with, the position you’ve held and the certificates and diplomas you have earned.

2. Use keywords relating to your field on your CV. Include keywords on your CVs qualification summary section. What some people do these days, especially professional CV writers is to include an additional section on a CV and label it “Core Competencies” or “Areas of Expertise” and list keywords under it. You can try it out, it helps. This is another reason applicants are encouraged to customize each CV for a particular role. When you do that you’ll be having different sets of keywords for each position you apply for that are related to the job. One-size -fit-all does not apply to CVs.

3. Do not add anything on the header or Footer. I have seen people include their names, and addresses on the Headers of their CVs. It’s not advisable to do that as it could work against you, where the Applicant Tracking System is in use.

4. Use the right format for your CV. There are hundreds of formats out there, but the most acceptable ones are the chronological, functional and hybrid (also known as combination) formats. You can choose from among the three. Don’t try to be too creative. Put the ATS into consideration in whatever you decide to do with your CV.

5. Use standard CV headings. The standard CV headings are “Qualifications Summary” or “Summary of Qualifications,” “Work Experience” or “Work History,” “Objective,” “Education,” etc. Do not attempt to give any of the sections a name that is known only to you. For instance, using “About Me” instead of “Qualifications Summary.” The Applicant Tracking System may not recognize that, and may screen you out because as far as it is concerned, you do not have that section on your CV.

6. Avoid spelling mistakes. You won’t believe that some applicants still have spelling errors on their CVs. It tells a lot about the kind of person you are. That you’re “unserious” or not well-grounded academically. That’s if a human being is the one reviewing your CV, but if it’s the ATS, it’ll have no idea of what you mean, so instead of confusing it, it’ll throw your CV into the waste bin. Review and review your CV, over and over again for spelling errors before submitting it, so that you don’t embark on a futile journey.

7. Use normal fonts. Fancy fonts are not meant for CVs. Instead use fonts like Times New Roman, Calibri and Arial. The size of your font is also important too. Don’t use font size smaller than 11. If you do, you may get into trouble with the Applicant Tracking System.

There are several other tips, but I believe if you take these into the next time you write or re-write your CV, you’ll begin to experience positive changes.

Success!

Source: https://patrickokunima.com/2017/05/29/applicant-tracking-system-a-possible-reason-youre-still-unemployed/

I didn't know this format of resume is being used n Nigeria, not sure but most CV submissions are done hand to hand.

That's not correct sir. More than 95% of job applications here in Nigeria are online.

kunlesufyan:
I didn't know this format of resume is being used n Nigeria, not sure but most CV submissions are done hand to hand.

Nigerian Applicant Tracking Systems (Curated by BabaCommander)
Godfathers
Nepotism
Poor Comprehension
Poor CV Formats
Witches from the village...
Age limits
Class of Degree
Type of Degree
Working Experience
Sex
Height
Shape
Religious Affiliation

Except the Lord buildeth a house...that CV is going nowhere, no be Naija we dey?

E too plenty jor..

Waitin we no go hear for dis cv mater, cv dis, cv dat. Are they afraid to tell us dat there is no job

Just recently I went to site to do labour job and the Engineer told me to summit my cv before I carry block and concrete


So I come the beg oga Engr like dis

Even with all the points up there, you forget that nepotism is the other of the day in Naija

If you believe in God n NOT connection or CV press like

monteriza:
That's not correct sir. More than 95% of job applications here in Nigeria are online.

Lol! 95% indeed. Ogar please get your stats right, that its Nigeria we're talking about here and not overseas

Who e epp... Naija and ima madu

They Don start again

Let Me Graduate First..

Bloggers, chai

Oh Pleaseee....
Do this on your CV, Don't do that on your CV.....


BottomLine: CONNECTION

oluseyiforjesus:
If you believe in God n NOT connection or CV press like

Ogar if you're looking for likes this early morning, you won't get it from me. God isn't an hypocrite, the heart of man is wicked especially Nigerians.

Good write up

ATS.

Tracking system ke? oloshi ni awon people yi o

kunlesufyan:
I didn't know this format of resume is being used n Nigeria, not sure but most CV submissions are done hand to hand.

May be in govt agencies and parastatals...in fact govt is switching to online application now

Thanks man!

Please, tell them o.

phemmyfour:
May be in govt agencies and parastatals...in fact govt is switching to online application now

Online or no online, the magu magu is still on

To the OP

The dos and don'ts doesn't matter when you are rightly connected

Lemme come and be going before they come for my head this morning

smartty68:

Ogar if you're looking for likes this early morning, you won't get it from me. God's isn't an hypocrite, the heart of man is wicked especially Nigerians.

has Seun osewa's LIKES ever got u a bottle of Coke b4?

BroZuma:


Nigerian Applicant Tracking Systems
godfathers
Nepotism
Poor Comprehension
Poor CV Formats
Witches from the village...
Age limits
Class of Degree
Type of Degree
Working Experience

Except the Lord buildeth a house...that CV is going nowhere, no be Naija we dey?

E too plenty jor..

Fixed!

smartty68:

Online or no online, the magu magu is still on

Sure...we call it the Nigeria factor

A job that the requirement is strictly 2-1.....you ll be surprise to find 2-2 and third class applicant and those that didn't apply at all among those employed.

Goodnews....

oluseyiforjesus:
has Seun osewa's LIKES ever got u a bottle of Coke b4?

Oh so it has gotten you a bottle of coke before, I see!!! I didn't know