The Complete Guide to CV Resume Services & Parsing Application Tracking Systems (ATS): Get Your Resume Seen by AI

“How does CV/resume parsing really work?”

“How can I make sure my application will be accepted?”

So The Perfect Resume team decided to share expert insight and address these excellent inquiries to help candidates outsmart the parsing software. In this career blog post, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on the subject to enlighten YOU and cover CV/Resume parsing-related frequently asked questions, like:

1. What is CV/resume parsing?

2. The different types of cv resume services and ATS parsers

3. The benefits and the challenges of CV/resume parsing from a recruiter’s perspective to give you a better understanding of why they use one.

What is CV or Resume Parsing?

In an age where technology is constantly changing, it’s essential to ensure that your resume is up-to-date. The best way to do this? By knowing the latest tools and trends used in recruitment, such as the process of CV or resume parsing.

CV or resume extraction, also often known as parsing, is the process where computer software unpacks and structures CV or resumes and job descriptions from formats. From various forms, such as PDF, Microsoft Word Documents, Excel, and Raw Text files, artificial intelligence or systems decodes and translate your resume into structured XML or JSON data (computer program languages). This conversion guarantees that your incoming papers are ready to load into another software application like an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which manages the whole recruitment process, including ad placement and submissions. 

Sounds pretty complicated, right? Here is a more easy to digest explanation for you.

Say you want to get a new job and have already sent out your perfect resume and cover letters to different companies. The first thing the employer will do is to input your resume into their computer system. However, instead of admiring your modern resume design and template, as well as being able to read your resume as a normal person would, the system reads it as a bunch of coded data. This is where CV or resume parsing comes in to play its role. The system will take that data and turn it into something that can be easily read and understood by the employer.

This might seem like a tedious process, but it’s actually very efficient for both the employer and the job seeker. Imagine if the employer had to go through each resume manually.

Resume Parsers: What Do They Actually Do?

A CV or resume parser will typically extract such items as professional skills, job history, educational background, contact information, and accomplishments from a candidate's CV/resume. Parsing software can also be used to pull data from job descriptions, like the position's location, pay rate, contact information, required qualifications and abilities. For example, Zoho, a well-known recruitment system, uses a Daxtra parser to identify and extract information from over 150 document fields. This parsing technique helps to transform critical candidate information into a database-ready form.

Today, resume parsers are taken advantage of by recruitment teams to automate the application evaluation process. In fact, the CV or resume parsing process is said to be integrated by nearly 99% of Fortune 500 businesses with their ATS to aid in their hiring processes. 

CV Resume Services Tip #1: Keyword-Based Parser

The keyword-based parser looks at the text from a CV or resume by searching for words, phrases, and simple structures. It is designed to identify specific types of content, such as job titles, education levels, companies worked for, and skills. For example, if you’re looking to apply for a customer service representative, the parser storm your resume to find terms like “customer service,” “call centre,” and “customer support.”

Truth to be told, this is the most basic and least precise CV or resume extractor with an accuracy rate of around 70%. Keyword-based parsers are also among the least successful since they don’t have the capacity to extract data that isn’t linked to one of their keywords.

CV Resume Services Tip #2: Grammar-Based Parser

A grammar-based parser uses grammatical principles to interpret the context of each word in the CV/resume. Grammar-based parsers are more accurate than keyword-based parsers. When one term or phrase may have several meanings, grammar-based parsers can identify multiple meanings for a single term or phrase.

A grammar-based parser can achieve accuracy rates approaching 90%, but they need a lot of human encoding. A significant amount of testing is also necessary to ensure that any changes in one area do not have an impact on another. This adds to the cost of software for businesses, which contributes to why this type of parser isn't often used by firms with smaller recruitment budgets.

CV Resume Services Tip #3: Statistical-Based Parser

Known as the system ‘learns’ over time, a statistical-based parser can achieve high accuracy depending on the amount and quality of information it is ‘fed’. It requires a vast database of CVs or resumes to function correctly.

What it does is it utilises grammar with a probability and/or determines the most probable parse of a sentence. Additionally, a statistical-based parser may find variations in sentences’ contexts, as well as distinct structures like addresses and timelines. However, it presents a challenge — it’s not best if you have an immediate deadline to beat. It is because it takes a long time to manually annotate each CV or resume with the information to be obtained for maximum accuracy.

The Most Common Type of Parser Used in Australia

Now that we are fully aware of what a CV or Resume Parser is for and the different variations available in the job market, a question still remains: Which type of parser is the most commonly used in Australia?

Some say the answer would be the grammar-based parser. This is due to its high accuracy rate, as well as being able to identify multiple meanings for a single term or phrase. Additionally, this type of parser is less likely to have a negative impact on your job application.

On the other hand, many small companies go for keyword-based parsers. The main reason is that this type of parser is much cheaper and easier to use than the grammar-based parser. Plus, this specific kind of resume or CV extractor is also more common because it doesn’t need an extensive job search document database to function properly.

Well, recruitment experts from The Perfect Resume say otherwise, for many firms ask, ‘why choose only one?’ Today, Australian businesses employ a mix of grammatical and statistical parser approaches. This gives recruiters the best of both worlds — a powerful high-accuracy grammatical parser with an ever-changing machine learning capacity. As a result, parsing technology continues to be more and more accurate as it evolves with time. 

Are you finding it difficult to keep up with the changing trends of CV or resume parsing? The Perfect Resume has you covered! We offer free resume reviews to help you make sure your resume can be perfectly read by parsing technology. With a proven track record of helping 3,500+ people secure interviews, our team of professional resume writers will look over your resume, share expert insights, and address your inquiries to help YOU ace parsing software checks. So, let us help you, too! Claim your FREE resume review by sending your latest CV to info@theperfectresume.com.au today! You can also check out our professional resume writing services to check the packages available for you.

Types of CV/Resume Parser Benefits

From a Recruiter’s Perspective

If you’re like most recruiters, then you spend hours upon hours each week reviewing resumes. You probably think that your time could be better spent. After all, it takes a lot of time to read through all those resumes and determine which ones are worth interviewing. That dilemma gave birth to applicant tracking systems or ATS. Here are some of the pros presented by using CV or Resume Parsers:

✔️ The ATS software saves the recruiter time. 

With the integration of these intelligent hiring systems, the most qualified candidates are now way easier to spot. The parsing software automatically identifies resumes with the right skills and experience for the job. Through rating each resume, the ATS can determine how well each job search document matches the position. By automating repetitive tasks, such as sorting and categorising job applications, recruitment and hiring staff can seamlessly submit new applications to their ATS in just minutes. Moreover, the company’s resources can now be directed into more pertinent Human Resources activities.

✔️ Resume or CV parsing only puts high-quality resumes forward. 

Did you know that, on average, a job posting attracts 250 resumes? The sheer number of responses can be so overwhelming for some recruiters that they just review the first few resumes and then stop reading. By using an ATS with parsing capabilities, firms are able to weed out poor-quality resumes quickly and easily. The machine learning technology analyses each resume or CV and highlights essential information. The candidate’s name, contact details, education, work experience, and skills are some of the data extracted and stored in a centralised system. The ATS can also identify when a resume is missing key data. When this happens, non-compliant documents are automatically rejected. As a result, you are only left with a handful of high-quality resumes to review, saving you valuable time in the hiring process.

✔️ The new ways are cost-effective and easier to integrate.   

Parsing technology is one of the most significant recruitment industry advancements in recent years. Integrating an ATS with parsing capabilities can benefit any company, big or small. The return on investment (ROI) is high as these systems are relatively easy and quick to set up. Moreover, once you have invested in an ATS, the costs are relatively low as you will no longer need to spend money on job boards or other advertising platforms. The ATS can be quickly and easily integrated into your existing website, making it simple for candidates to apply for open positions. 

From a Candidate’s View  

Now that we know how a CV or Resume Parser can be beneficial for organisations, both big and small, let’s see how this technology can help YOU, the job seeker.

✔️ This technology guarantees a high success rate.

Accurate enough to be used without regular human oversight, the ATS ensures that recruitment discrimination doesn’t happen. In 2014, Hays sent 1,029 CVs and resumes to hiring managers with only name changes. Half of the hiring managers were given Simon Cook’s files, while the rest received Susan Campbell’s. According to survey findings, Simon was more likely to receive a callback. In this study, the applicant’s name had an unconscious bias in the selection process. Here is where CV and Resume Parsing will come in handy.

Built to reduce ethical issues in hiring, parsing systems can be programmed to extract all relevant information from a job search document. They are capable of disclosing only objective candidate data, like skills and job experience, to recruitment decision-makers. All applicants are judged solely on their capabilities and not on their looks, age, or gender, thereby guaranteeing an unconscious bias-free at the same time, a more efficient and fairer hiring process.

✔️ CV or Resume parsing enhances candidates’ experience.

No one likes slow texters, right? The same goes for a slow hiring process. The average time to hire is around 42 days. Sadly, the waiting time doesn’t just put a strain on the organisation’s budget but also negatively impacts the candidate’s overall experience. Due to this challenge, resume and CV parsing exist to speed up the process by automatically sending emails to candidates once their resumes have been received. Afterwards, these documents are then parsed and stored in the system, where recruiters can easily retrieve them when needed. The ATS can also update candidates on their application status and notify them if they have been shortlisted for an interview. As a result, applicants spend less time worrying about whether or not they will get the job and can focus on preparing for the interview instead.

✔️ The ATS is a noob-friendly tool that’s there for you 24/7.

The ATS makes it easy for applicants to go for multiple positions in a company with just one click. Candidates no longer have to fill out lengthy online forms or attach their resumes each time they apply for a job. In addition to that, the ATS can also be integrated into the company’s website, making it simple for candidates to find and apply for open positions and get automatic notifications anytime, anywhere.

To sum it up, CV or Resume Parsing is beneficial not just for organisations but also for job seekers like you. This technology guarantees a high success rate, enhances your experience, is easy to use, and is available 24/7. The next time you’re job hunting, don’t forget to take advantage of this fantastic tool!

Applicant Tracking System: Bypassing Pesky CV Parsing Checks

When you’re job hunting, it’s important to keep in mind that your resume will likely go through an applicant tracking system (ATS) before it ever reaches a human reader. With so many applications to sift through, the ATS can be a job seeker’s best friend or worst enemy. Therefore, they must be aware of the resume review procedures so that they can put their best foot forward when applying. The secret to pleasing these advanced systems with your job search tools, such as your cover letter and resume? It’s through modification. Here are some FAQs The Perfect Resume has addressed to help you outsmart the parsing software:

How to tailor your resume to a job advertisement?

When you’re applying for a job, the first step is to tailor your resume to the position you’re interested in. This means specifying certain relatable work experiences, skills, and accomplishments that make you the perfect candidate for the role. The best way to do this is by jotting down 5-10 resume keywords from the job ad. Then, make sure to sprinkle them throughout your resume, including in the skills and work experience sections and even in the summary statement.

What are some common ATS-friendly resume keywords?

When it comes to ATS-friendly keywords, The Perfect Resume recommends using words that are commonly found in job descriptions. These terms can be general, such as “hardworking” or “motivated”, or specific to the position you’re applying for, like “SEO,” “social media marketing,” or “accounting software”. The important thing is that your resume keywords are relevant to the job you want and are included in a way that doesn’t look forced.

What is the best way to use keywords on my resume?

When adding keywords to your resume, The Perfect Resume recommends using them naturally and avoiding keyword stuffing, which is when you add so many keywords that it becomes difficult to read. A good rule of thumb is to use each keyword 2-3 times throughout your resume. You can also try introducing keywords in different forms, such as synonyms, to avoid repeating the same word too many times. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires excellent communication skills, you could use the keywords “communication,” “communicated,” and “communicating.”

PRO CAREER TIP: To further demonstrate, if you are a nurse and you need to use patient care in your resume as a keyword, you could write:

• “Provided quality-driven patient care in a fast-paced environment, including XYZ.”
• “Delivered excellent patient care by focusing on XYZ.”

As you can see, demonstrating the keyword (or skill) is much more effective than merely listing it.

How do we perfect the relevant work experience section?

When The Perfect Resume’s clients ask us how to ensure their work experience section will be found by the ATS, we tell them it’s all about using the right keywords and format. The simplest approach to show that you are a suitable candidate for the job is to exhibit that you have the required skills and experience. Therefore, jump straight to your dream job’s position description or advertisement, then harvest the essential talents. Then check your CV to see if you have any examples of when you used those abilities.

To illustrate, if the job ad asks for a candidate with experience in “customer service,” make sure to use that exact phrase in your resume. You can also try using variations of the keyword, such as “providing customer service” or “delivering excellent customer service.” If you don’t have any relevant expertise, consider how you might acquire it.

What not to do when tailoring your resume?

Tailoring your CV is a crucial aspect of any job search. You’ll have a better chance of getting an interview if you spend some time on it correctly. The main point is to show that you fit the bill in every way — without changing everything about your qualifications and experience.

Remember, the first thing you need to do is pass the test. The next stage is to chat with a person and persuade them to invite you for an interview. Therefore,

1. Don’t make false claims. Both the ATS and the hiring manager can see through lies. The worst thing you can do when tailoring your resume is to make things up. This will come back to haunt you later on, so avoid it at all costs!
2. Don’t include irrelevant information. When you’re tailoring your resume, ensure only to have relevant data for the job you’re applying for. This can be difficult to strike, but it’s important to remember that less is often more when it comes to resumes.
3. Don’t use resume keywords excessively. The Perfect Resume doesn’t recommend doing this, for it can result in your resume sounding stilted and difficult to read.

By following The Perfect Resume’s advice, you can avoid any potential issues with CV parsing software and increase your chances of getting your dream job. Remember to use keywords naturally, focus on your relevant work experience, and tailor your resume specifically for each job you apply to. With a little effort, you can make sure your resume stands out from the rest and gets seen by the right people.

The Perfect Resume: CV Parsing-Ready and ATS-Friendly

When it comes to job hunting, The Perfect Resume is here to help you succeed. We offer a free resume review, ATS scan, templates, and guides — everything you need to perfect your CV and get the job you want. Our team of Professional Resume Writers have years of experience in delivering professional resume writing services for all industries, so we know what works and what doesn’t. To top that, we have contemporary technical techniques that can help your resume pass the ATS gates and captivate the attention of your human readers.

We genuinely care about your career outcomes and will partner with you on your job search journey, following up and providing ongoing support. Get in touch with an Experienced Career Coach from The Perfect Resume today, and increase your chances of getting the job you want!

Stop waiting and start co-creating a resume and cover letter that are CV parsing-compatible and interview-winning.

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