Three screening steps you must know when writing a resume

Writing a resume is not a technical operation but a strategic move. One short file must pass through three different filters, each with different considerations, needs, and reading patterns:

1. Automated Resume Screening Systems (ATS)

2. Administrative and Human Resources (HR)

3. The hiring managers

Understanding these three steps is critical so that your resume doesn't fall by the wayside.

Step One: Resume Screening Systems (ATS)

In many organizations, especially medium and large ones, the resume does not first reach a human but rather a computer system. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) scan the resume file and try to answer one question:

Filtering is done primarily using

Therefore, it is important:

• Use precise professional terms and avoid overly general formulations.

• Make sure all keywords appear on your resume. For data engineers, there are four keyword areas: Programming Languages, Packages, ML models, and Development Tools.

• Keep the format simple and readable (no complex designs). ATS systems don't handle tables well.

Step Two: Screening HR Managers – Three Seconds to Make an Impression

If the resume has passed the automated system, it reaches a human. At this stage, the time spent on the resume is very short, sometimes

This is where we come into the picture:

• Clear title (current or professional position)

• A summary of up to 4 lines with the number of years of relevant experience, activity, and main specialization, and what you are looking for.

• A logical occupational sequence and general suitability for the content worlds of the position

• Relevant professional experience and not a “grocery list” of everything you’ve ever done

A good resume allows you to understand in seconds:

Who are you, what position are you applying for, how many years of relevant experience do you have, what are you currently doing, and why is there a good reason to move you to the next level?

Don't make HR managers struggle to find this information. They won't give you more than 5 seconds.

Step Three: The Hiring Manager – Depth, Value, and Professional Fit

The hiring manager reads the resume more thoroughly and professionally. Here, they are looking less for keywords and more for

• What problems did you deal with, how did you solve them, and what tools did you use?

• What was your level of personal responsibility?

• How is your experience relevant to the team and the product

This is the stage where relevant, role-specific experience becomes the decisive factor. It is not enough to state that you held a certain position; you need to show what you actually did, in what context, and what impact your work had.

Summary

Effective resumes speak three different languages:

• Algorithm Language (ATS)

• HR language (quick and clear relevance)

• The language of the hiring manager (professional depth and true fit)

Those who understand the three stages of screening and know how to write a resume that is tailored to them significantly increase their chances of getting an interview and not disappearing along the way.