An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software solution used by recruiters and employers to manage the hiring process. It scans every resume submitted and filters candidates based on keywords, experience, and certifications.
When you apply for a job, your resume enters the ATS database. The software parses (breaks down) your text and compares it to the job description. If you don't have the right keywords or your formatting is complex (like tables or images), the ATS might reject you before a human ever sees your application.