Saudi Job Seekers' Guide: Successfully Beating ATS Systems
Table of Contents
Note: Achievement numbers are illustrative. Include only your own factual information.
What Are ATS Systems?
Applicant Tracking Systems help employers manage applications and organize candidate information. Their use varies between employers; this guide does not claim a Saudi adoption rate or name users of a specific product without evidence.
Greenhouse documentation explains how complex formatting can affect data extraction. A parsing problem does not itself prove automatic rejection.What Can Affect Resume Parsing and Screening?
Readability Checks:
- Incompatible formatting: Using complex tables or images
- Missing keywords: Not including terms from the job description
- File format: Some systems can't read certain file types correctly
- Non-standard headings: Using creative headings instead of standard ones
How to Beat the ATS System?
1. Use the Right Keywords
- Read the job description carefully
- Include relevant terms only when they accurately describe your experience
- Use standard job titles
2. Choose the Right Format
- Avoid tables and multiple columns
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri)
- Save as PDF with selectable text
3. Use Standard Headings
| ❌ Don't Use | ✅ Use |
|---|---|
| My Professional Journey | Work Experience |
| My Academic Path | Education |
| My Abilities | Skills |
4. Highlight Numbers and Achievements
- "Increased sales by 35%"
- "Managed a team of 12 people"
- "Executed a project with a SAR 2 million budget"
Astr's ATS-Compatible Templates
Astr templates help organize information; review the exported text and employer requirements:
- Accountant Template - Perfect for the financial sector
- Sales Manager Template - For the commercial sector
- Nurse Template - For the healthcare sector
Conclusion
Don't let the ATS system stand between you and your dream job. Create your CV for free using Astr's optimized templates, then check it with the free ATS tool to review suggestions, not to guarantee selection.
Related CV Templates
CV Template: Fresh Graduate
Create a professional resume for fresh graduates with no experience. Download a ready-to-edit CV template designed specifically for new graduates, highlighting capstone projects, internships, and skills.
CV Template: Programmer
Create a resume for programmers and software developers. A ready technical CV template that highlights programming languages, GitHub projects, and Backend/Frontend experience with ATS compatibility.