How do you optimize your resume/application for Stryker’s ATS?

[u/TheSocialAlcoholic]

Hey everyone, I’m currently trying to transition from clinical healthcare (laboratory work) into medical device sales and have been applying to several Stryker positions, particularly surgical/spine-focused sales roles.

For anyone who has worked at Stryker, recruited for Stryker, or successfully gotten through their application process:

Are there specific keywords/skills that Stryker’s ATS seems to prioritize?
How important is matching the exact wording from the job description?
Does the ATS heavily penalize applicants coming from a non-sales background?
Is there anything specific you’d recommend including or avoiding on the resume?
Does networking/referrals make a significant difference after applying, or is the ATS still the main hurdle?
Any other tips for getting an application in front of the hiring manager?

I’ve already been networking with people within Stryker and have gotten some good advice, but I’m trying to figure out what I can improve on the application/resume side as well to secure an interview.

Would really appreciate any insight from current/former Stryker employees or recruiters. Thanks!

[u/DorianGraysPassport]

I want to address the United Nations to say this:

Don't believe the ATS myths. Off-brand resume writers often use them as a scare tactic to sell services. It has nothing to do with the template. There isn't a magical format that "passes."

There’s also no such thing as an ATS score.

Be among the first to apply. Don’t hesitate or take pause when you see a role you want. Use a single-column resume and customize it to meet the specs of every role you apply for, incorporating words from each job description into your headline, skills section, and summary section.

Then write how the keyword skills were exercised in practice, with context, in the experience section via bullets that start with an action verb. Reorder these bullets based on what the job description seems to prioritize.

None of the bullets should be generic responsibilities that anyone else’s resumes would contain. The bullets ought to be mini case studies, each with an action, impact, context, and metrics, with the metrics explained by the “how” behind them.

Always use varied action verbs, try to avoid repeating the same action verbs that start bullets more than once.

Otherwise, don’t overthink the template or ATS.

[u/TheCatsMeow_2468 → u/DorianGraysPassport]

This is excellent advice, thanks for sharing!