If you’re an athlete transitioning into the workforce, you may have heard about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—but do you know how they work and how to get your resume past them? These AI-driven systems filter resumes before a hiring manager ever sees them, meaning your application could be rejected before a human even reviews it. Understanding how ATS works and using AI tools to optimize your resume can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Whether you’re an athlete with little-to-no experience in your desired field or just new to job searching, here are 5 ways to help with your journey in the hiring process and get your resume seen by actual humans.
5 Ways to Beat ATS
What is an ATS, and Why Does It Matter?. An ATS is a software program that companies use to screen, rank, and filter job applications before they reach a recruiter. These systems scan resumes for keywords, format consistency, and relevance based on the job description. If your resume doesn’t align with what the system is programmed to look for, it may be automatically rejected.
How to Get Your Resume Seen by a Human. To ensure your resume makes it past the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager, follow these steps:
1. Use AI Tools to Optimize Your Resume. AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, Teal, Jobscan, or Rezi can help tailor your resume to fit specific job descriptions. If you’re unsure how to present your skills as an athlete, try using AI prompts to assist in translating your experiences into professional qualifications.
Try this AI prompt:
“I am a former [sport] athlete with experience in teamwork, leadership, and time management. I am applying for a [job title] position. How can I rewrite my resume to highlight my skills in a way that aligns with this job?”
2. Match Your Resume to the Job Description. ATS systems scan for specific keywords that match the job listing. AI tools like Jobscan can analyze a job posting and suggest keywords to include.
Try this AI prompt:
“Here’s a job description for [job title]. Can you extract the most important keywords and suggest ways I can incorporate them into my resume?”
3. Use a Simple, ATS-Friendly Resume Format. Many resumes get rejected due to formatting issues. Keep your resume clean and professional by avoiding fancy fonts, images, or excessive design elements. Use:
- Standard fonts (Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri)
- Clear section headings (Work Experience, Skills, Education)
- Bullet points instead of long paragraphs
Try this AI prompt:
“Can you format my resume to be ATS-friendly while keeping it professional and easy to read?”
4. Highlight Transferable Skills from Athletics. Even if you don’t have direct experience in your chosen field, your skills as an athlete are highly valuable. Highlight attributes such as:
- Leadership (team captain, mentoring younger athletes)
- Resilience (overcoming challenges, handling pressure)
- Time Management (balancing training, academics, and other responsibilities)
Try this AI prompt:
“I was a college athlete with experience in leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Can you help me translate these skills into strong bullet points for a professional resume?”
5. Customize Each Resume Submission. A generic resume won’t work for every job. AI can help you tailor each application to match different job descriptions.
Try this AI prompt:
“Here is my current resume and a job description for [job title]. Can you customize my resume to align with the job posting while keeping it ATS-friendly?”
Breaking into the job market as an athlete doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding how ATS systems work and using AI tools to optimize your resume, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Tailor your applications, use relevant keywords, and highlight the skills that make you a strong candidate—even if you don’t have direct experience. With the right approach, you’ll get your resume past the bots and into the hands of actual hiring managers.