Understanding ATS Platforms: How Leading Systems Handle Resume Uploads and Compatibility Checks
Most of these Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) platforms allow candidates or recruiters to upload resumes, and some provide tools for resume assessment and compatibility checks. However, not all ATS platforms offer the same level of support for individual candidates to optimize their resumes directly. Here’s a breakdown of what you might find on each platform in terms of ATS-compatible resume support:
1. iCIMS
- Primarily focused on enterprise solutions, iCIMS does not typically offer direct resume feedback to candidates. However, recruiters can review resume compatibility through the system’s screening features, and iCIMS integrates with tools that offer parsing quality checks.
2. Greenhouse
- Greenhouse allows recruiters to manage and assess resumes, but it does not provide a built-in feature for candidates to check or optimize resumes for ATS compatibility directly. However, companies using Greenhouse may give candidates tips for ATS-friendly formatting.
3. Zoho Recruit
- Zoho Recruit offers resume parsing and management but doesn’t have a direct feature for candidates to upload and assess their resumes for ATS compatibility independently. Zoho users can see how well resumes parse, which indirectly shows ATS readiness.
4. JazzHR
- JazzHR has robust parsing capabilities and is popular with small to mid-sized businesses. While it focuses on resume management and workflow customization, it lacks a dedicated feature for candidates to test ATS compatibility.
5. Workable
- This platform allows recruiters to screen resumes and identify keyword matches, which can help assess ATS compatibility. However, it does not offer a candidate-facing tool to check resume compatibility independently.
6. SmartRecruiters
- SmartRecruiters includes resume screening and parsing tools, enabling recruiters to assess how well resumes align with job requirements. It’s not designed for candidates to directly upload and test resumes for ATS compliance, though companies using SmartRecruiters might offer resume tips.
7. Jobvite
- Jobvite supports social recruiting and resume parsing but does not offer a tool for candidates to check compatibility independently. It is recruiter-focused, and candidates are encouraged to use ATS-friendly formats.
8. BambooHR
- Designed for small businesses, BambooHR includes parsing features for internal use. Candidates can’t directly test their resumes, but the platform supports easy parsing if the resume follows ATS-friendly principles.
9. Breezy HR
- Known for its intuitive design, Breezy HR includes resume parsing and automation, which is helpful for recruiters. Like the others, it does not provide candidates with a direct tool for ATS compatibility testing.
10. ApplicantStack
- This platform is easy to use and includes basic parsing tools but does not offer a built-in resume assessment tool for candidates.
How Candidates Can Check ATS Compatibility
- Third-Party Tools: Many third-party platforms like Jobscan, Resume Worded, and TopResume allow candidates to upload resumes and check for ATS compatibility. These tools analyze formatting, keyword usage, and layout to provide suggestions for improvement.
- Best Practices: Candidates should follow general ATS-friendly formatting guidelines, such as using simple layouts, clear section headers, and standard fonts, and avoiding tables, images, or unusual formatting.
- Company Feedback: If applying through one of these ATS platforms, candidates can sometimes receive feedback from recruiters if their resumes don’t parse correctly. They can make adjustments based on recruiter suggestions.
- Free ATS Checkers: Some websites provide free ATS resume checkers where candidates can upload their resumes and receive feedback on formatting, keyword matches, and general compatibility.
Have you Taken the Test?
Upload your CV to our ATS-friendly resume checker and see how it performs. Get feedback and targeted improvements to make your resume ATS-compliant and stand out in the job market.
