How It Works

From ATS to interviews, understand what happens to your resume in the modern hiring process.

Here’s How It Goes

The hiring process has changed. Today, before your resume ever reaches a recruiter’s desk, it must first pass through automated filters known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems, powered by artificial intelligence, determine whether your application will proceed or be rejected.

Understanding the process is the first step toward navigating the job market with confidence.

Step 1: The ATS Screen

Most companies, including over 95% of the Fortune 500, rely on ATS software to manage the overwhelming number of applications they receive.

Here’s what happens:

Your resume is scanned and converted into structured data.
The system looks for specific keywords, job titles, skills, and formatting.
If the right matches aren’t there, the resume may be rejected automatically.

Think of ATS as the gatekeeper. You must pass this stage before anyone at the company even sees your application.

Step 2: The Human Screen

Once a resume clears the ATS, it moves on to a recruiter or hiring manager. This is where human judgment takes over.

Humans look for what AI cannot:

Clarity and readability.
Evidence of achievements and measurable results.
Soft skills, leadership qualities, and personality.

At this stage, your application needs to prove not only that you meet the requirements but that you bring unique value to the role.

Step 3: The Interview Stage

Candidates who succeed in both the ATS and human reviews are invited to interviews. Here, storytelling becomes just as important as skills.

In interviews, employers assess:

Your ability to expand on what’s in your resume.
How you solve problems, work with others, and adapt to challenges.
Whether your personality and values align with the company’s culture.

Step 4: The Decision

The final hiring decision combines insights from multiple stages: ATS data, recruiter impressions, and interview performance. Employers also consider cultural fit, compliance requirements, and long-term potential.

Every stage of the process builds on the one before it, and alignment is the key to success.

Why Understanding the Process Matters

Knowing how the system works changes how you approach job hunting. It means you can:

Write resumes that get past digital filters.
Present your experience in ways that resonate with human readers.
Enter interviews prepared to connect authentically and effectively.

Fret Not

The modern job search may feel automated, but there is always room for the human story. By understanding the process, you can bridge the gap between technology and people and position yourself for real opportunities.

HOW IT WORKS