In the automation sector, we’re seeing a frustrating pattern: highly qualified candidates apply for perfect-fit roles but never hear back. With over 15 years in technical recruitment, we’ve uncovered why resumes disappear and how to ensure yours stands out.
Reality Check: Your resume might be filtered out before a human sees it.
Modern recruitment relies heavily on AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which filter, rank, and often reject candidates based on strict criteria, especially in specialized fields like automation and controls.
Why Qualified Candidates Get Ignored
Here’s why even top automation professionals get overlooked:
- Keyword Mismatches
ATS systems prioritize exact matches for job-specific terms. For a SCADA developer role, listing “SCADA experience” isn’t enough. The system scans for platforms like “Wonderware,” “Ignition,” or “FactoryTalk,” plus related programming languages or protocols. An automation engineer with “extensive PLC programming” might lose out to a junior candidate who specifies “Allen-Bradley CompactLogix with Studio 5000 v33” because the AI favors precise keywords.
- Job Title Variations
Similar roles can have different titles like “Controls Engineer,” “Automation Specialist,” or “PLC Programmer.” ATS systems, rigid in their categorization, may penalize these inconsistencies, failing to recognize equivalent responsibilities.
- Formatting Issues
Complex layouts—tables, headers, or non-standard fonts—can render up to 25% of a resume’s content unreadable to ATS. This is especially problematic for technical resumes packed with detailed automation expertise.
How to Beat the ATS
Drawing from our success helping automation professionals land roles, here are proven strategies:
- Mirror Job Description Language
Study the job posting and use its exact terms. For example, mention “Profinet,” “EtherNet/IP,” or “Modbus TCP” for industrial networks, or “Siemens WinCC” instead of “interface design” for HMIs. Candidates who align their resumes with specific platforms, protocols, or certifications like “TÜV” or “SIL2” are far more likely to pass AI filters.
- Quantify Your Impact
ATS systems often prioritize measurable achievements. Instead of “improved PLC diagnostics,” write “cut production downtime by 27% with advanced PLC diagnostics and MQTT-based alerts.” Numbers make your resume stand out to both AI and human reviewers.
- Use ATS-Friendly Formatting
Keep it simple to ensure your resume is readable:
- Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills).
- Avoid tables, text boxes, or columns.
- Include a keyword-rich summary.
- Save as .docx or a simple .pdf (noting some ATS struggle with PDFs).
- Go Around the System
For candidates with unique expertise—like batch process control or vision systems integration—direct connections to hiring managers can bypass ATS limitations. We leverage our network to get your resume in front of decision-makers who value nuanced experience.
The Future of Screening
AI systems are getting smarter, flagging vague claims or inconsistencies. For example, stating “extensive Siemens S7 PLC experience” without mentioning models (S7-1200, S7-1500) or tools (TIA Portal, PROFINET) might be seen as exaggerated. Role-specific keyword demands also vary: control system integrators need broad protocol knowledge, while embedded programmers need specific languages and microcontrollers.
Our Commitment
At SGP Technology, we’ve guided countless automation professionals through this opaque process. We’re here to help you navigate the ATS maze and land the roles you deserve. Your career shouldn’t be left to chance in a flawed system.
Have you faced the resume “black hole”? Are you a hiring manager struggling to find talent? We’d love to hear your story and help you succeed.
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