Why You’re Not Getting Calls: Breaking Through the ATS Barrier as a Nigerian Applicant

You’ve spent hours perfecting your CV, crafting a compelling cover letter, and sending applications to countless companies. But after all the effort, the silence is deafening.

No call-backs, no emails, not even a rejection. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many job seekers in Nigeria face this frustrating situation, and one major reason could be the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

In recent years, many companies in Nigeria have started using ATS to screen job applications. This system is meant to make the recruitment process easier for employers, but for job seekers, it can feel like a giant invisible barrier.

If your CV doesn’t pass the ATS, it may never even reach human eyes. In this article, we’ll break down what ATS is, how it works, and most importantly, how you can tailor your application to beat the system and finally get those call-backs.

But What Exactly Is ATS?

First things first, what is ATS? An Applicant Tracking System is software that companies use to streamline their recruitment process. Instead of manually sorting through hundreds of CVs and cover letters, the ATS does the initial screening. It scans and ranks applications based on certain keywords, qualifications, and other criteria set by the employer.

Think of it as a gatekeeper. If your CV doesn’t meet the system’s requirements, it gets filtered out before a human recruiter even sees it. And that’s where many job seekers, particularly in Nigeria, get stuck.

Why Are Nigerian Companies Using ATS?

Now, you might wonder why companies in Nigeria are using ATS in the first place. It all comes down to efficiency. With the growing number of job applicants, companies; especially large organizations; receive far too many applications to manually review each one. ATS helps them save time and focus on the most relevant candidates.

For companies, it’s a way to quickly weed out unqualified applicants. But for job seekers, it can sometimes feel like the system is weeding out qualified candidates simply because their CVs aren’t ATS-friendly.

How Does ATS Work?

To beat the system, you need to understand how it works. The ATS is programmed to search for certain keywords and qualifications in your CV. These keywords are often directly linked to the job description, so if you’re not using them, your CV might be automatically rejected.

Here’s how the system usually works:

• Keyword Search: The ATS scans your CV for specific words related to the job title, skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Formatting: The system reads the formatting of your CV. If your CV is too fancy or has complicated formatting, it might not be able to read it properly.
• Ranking: The system ranks your CV based on how well it matches the job description. The closer the match, the higher your chances of getting through the first screening.

Why Your CV Might Be Getting Rejected by ATS

Now that you know how ATS works, it’s time to address why your CV might not be making the cut. Here are some common reasons:

a) Missing Keywords

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is not tailoring their CVs to the job description. The ATS is designed to look for specific keywords that match the job requirements. If you don’t include these keywords, your CV won’t rank high, even if you’re qualified for the role.

For example, if you’re applying for a role as a Digital Marketer, and the job description mentions skills like “SEO,” “Google Ads,” or “Social Media Management,” make sure those terms are included in your CV. If you’ve done similar work but used different terms like “online marketing” or “content management,” the ATS might not recognize that as a match.

b) Overly Creative Formatting

While having a visually appealing CV might seem like a good idea, it can actually work against you with ATS. If you use graphics, unusual fonts, or a complex layout, the system might struggle to read your CV. ATS works best with simple, clean formatting. Stick to basic fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and avoid using tables, images, or columns that could confuse the system.

c) Not Tailoring Your CV for Each Job

One-size-fits-all CVs don’t work well with ATS. Even though it’s time-consuming, you need to customize your CV for every job you apply to. That means carefully reading the job description, identifying the keywords, and updating your CV to reflect them. If you’re applying for multiple jobs with the same CV, chances are it’s not tailored enough to pass through ATS for each specific role.

d) Wrong File Format

Believe it or not, the file format of your CV can also affect whether it gets through the ATS. While some systems can read PDFs, others may struggle with them. The safest bet is to submit your CV in Word (.doc or .docx) format unless the job posting specifies otherwise.

How to Make Your CV ATS-Friendly

Now that we’ve covered why your CV might not be making it through ATS, let’s look at how to fix it. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your CV gets past the system and into the hands of a human recruiter:

a) Use Keywords Wisely

The first rule of beating ATS is to use the right keywords. These are usually the skills, qualifications, and job titles mentioned in the job description. But don’t just stuff your CV with random keywords; make sure they fit naturally into your experience and accomplishments.

For example, instead of just listing “SEO” as a skill, you could say something like “Implemented SEO strategies that increased website traffic by 50% over six months.”

b) Keep It Simple

When it comes to formatting, simplicity is your best friend. Stick to standard fonts, use clear headings, and format your sections logically. Avoid using tables, text boxes, or columns, as these can confuse the ATS.

Make sure your CV is well-structured with easy-to-read sections, such as:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Work Experience
• Skills
• Education
• Certifications (if applicable)

c) Tailor Your CV for Each Job

As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to tailor your CV for every job you apply to. Pay attention to the specific skills and qualifications listed in the job description and make sure your CV reflects them.

For instance, if the job description asks for “project management” experience, don’t just say you’ve “led teams.” Use the term “project management” in your CV to match the language of the job description.

d) Use Action Words

Employers (and ATS) love action words that demonstrate your achievements. Words like “designed,” “implemented,” “managed,” “improved,” and “developed” can help your CV stand out. Just be sure that your action words are relevant to the job description.

e) Check the Job Posting for CV Guidelines

Some job postings (especially those from foreign missions in Nigeria) may specify what format they prefer for CVs or other instructions, such as including a certain subject line. Always follow these guidelines closely to ensure your CV makes it through ATS.

Beyond the ATS: Follow Up on Applications

Even after optimizing your CV for ATS, it’s important not to rely solely on the system. Sometimes, a simple follow-up email or phone call can make all the difference. After submitting your application, consider reaching out to the company’s HR department to confirm they received your CV. This can help put you on their radar, especially if your application didn’t make it past the ATS.

Final Thoughts

Breaking through the ATS barrier can feel like cracking a complex code, but it’s doable with the right strategies. By using relevant keywords, keeping your CV formatting simple, and tailoring each application, you can increase your chances of getting your CV in front of human recruiters.

The Nigerian job market is competitive, but with the right tools, you can stand out; even against the technology designed to screen you out. So, before you hit ‘send’ on your next application, make sure you’ve optimized your CV to beat the ATS and land that all-important call-back.