Whether you know it or not, an ATS- Applicant Tracking System - may be looking at your resume long before any human does at your next employer.  These software programs search for the best candidates based on the resumes and/or online applications they submit.  After you submit your resume or application the system identifies words and /or phrases that are a match for the position based on the job description.   Here's what you need to do to keep your resume ‘in play' for this type of screening:

• Be aware that this technology could be in play with any size organization. Don't assume that a small company won't use this program to maximize their hiring process time.
• Closely evaluate the job description and tailor your resume language to fit the wording in the posting. Use the same keywords that are in the job description in your resume wherever possible. Don't overstate your skills just to ‘match' words - employers will figure out that candidates have done that eventually and they will no longer be considered for the job.
• Upload a document in the format the company is requesting. Candidates can stay best prepared by always having a Word document that they can quickly update and then change into PDF if the company is requesting that format.