Let me set the stage. You’re on Indeed.com, and you’ve found what seems like the perfect job. Not only is it a position you’d like to do, but you’re also well qualified. This is your job. You apply, but two months go by without a word. To say you’re disheartened is an understatement. All you can do is wonder what happened.

There are a lot of possible reasons for this radio silence. Maybe the hiring manager had a frontrunner all along, and posting the job was just a formality. Perhaps there was a referral from a trusted source, and with that connection, your competition was just unstoppable.

There’s not a lot you can do about those scenarios, but there’s one more possibility you should be aware of: maybe your resume never got read in the first place. You spent all that time on writing the perfect cover letter and submitting your resume, and it fell into an ATS black hole.

You see, employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single position, and so they use Automatic Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen and organize their applicants. With ATS, employers can program a search that surfaces only resumes with specific key search words and qualifications. Only these resumes ever get read by a human. ATS programs have been common with larger employers for years, but as the technology has improved, they are now more affordable and being used by more companies.

ATS searches look for keywords on subjects ranging from characteristics, to skills, to computer programs. These days, at a minimum, your resume has to be a 60 percent match just to be seen by human eyes.

There are two ways to beat an ATS. First, network. If you can simply hand your resume to a hiring manager, then you have completely bypassed the ATS. (This is yet another reason to join and keep an updated profile on LinkedIn.) In such a case, most employers will want to see that you submitted through the ATS as well, so they can forward your resume along.  With a supportive referral from your contact, you’ll have a leg up on your competition.

But if you have no personal connection, how do you defeat an ATS? It can be as frustrating as a cold call to a prospective employer. To begin with, go through the job description and highlight keywords. Is there a skill, area of expertise, or software program listed? Those are the things that need be addressed directly by your resume, since ATS systems do not have the ability to make inferences.

It is important that your resume addresses everything in the job description, in terms the ATS can understand. Your cover letter should also be written to closely match the job description. (But be careful that your resume and cover letter don’t seem to be written exactly for an ATS, as you won’t seem genuine. A good strategy is to use synonyms and give examples from your professional experience.) I would also follow up with human resources, which can be done via a phone call or even LinkedIn message.

In the past, formatting has been a concern for those trying to get through an ATS, as the software was known for missing information in text boxes or obscure or colored fonts. Current ATS systems can handle these factors, though columns are still better than text boxes. Also, if you’re going to use graphics, make sure the information is included elsewhere so that the ATS picks it up.

Looking for a job is stressful. It’s nerve wracking to submit an application but feel like no one will ever see it. Knowing how to get your resume past an automatic tracking system puts you one step closer to your goal.

This blog was written by Resume Expert Robynne Schwartz.

Watch Robynne‘s webinar to learn more on customizing your resume to highlight your experience.