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Cognizant ATS Tips

How to get your resume past Cognizant's Applicant Tracking System and into the hands of a recruiter.

Which ATS does Cognizant use?

Cognizant uses Workday as their Applicant Tracking System. This means your resume will be parsed and scored by Workday's algorithms before a human ever sees it.

Application Tips for Cognizant

You're applying to Cognizant through Workday. Keep your resume simple and clean, with standard fonts. This helps it pass through the system smoothly.

And don't use tables, images, or excessive formatting - they can get distorted during upload. Bullet points are your friend, breaking up large blocks of text and making achievements stand out.

To show you align with Cognizant's values, like innovation and teamwork, include specific examples from your past. If you led a team project that improved customer satisfaction, highlight it and explain how you contributed. Use language from Cognizant's website and job descriptions - it shows you've done your research.

Cognizant cares about metrics, so quantify your accomplishments. Say you 'increased sales by 25% in one quarter' or 'reduced project delivery time by 30%'. This shows you're focused on delivering results.

The company values diversity and inclusion, so mention any relevant volunteer work or initiatives. They also emphasize continuous learning, so highlight relevant courses or certifications.

After submitting your application, you might get an interview - phone, video, or in-person. Prepare to talk about your experiences, skills, and achievements. Research the company's products and recent news to show your interest. Be ready to ask informed questions.

It's a good idea to research the company's recent news, like their 2022 expansion into new markets. This shows you're genuinely interested in the company's mission. So, take some time to review Cognizant's website and job descriptions, and tailor your application accordingly.

Keywords That Resonate at Cognizant

These terms reflect Cognizant's culture and values. Naturally weaving them into your resume and cover letter signals cultural fit.

InnovationTeamworkCustomer SatisfactionDiversityInclusionCommunityContinuous LearningProfessional Development

General ATS Formatting Rules

  • Use a clean, single-column layout — multi-column formats confuse most ATS parsers.
  • Stick to standard section headings: Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
  • Avoid images, tables, text boxes, and headers/footers — these are often stripped.
  • Submit as PDF unless the job posting specifically requests .docx.
  • Match keywords from the job description exactly — ATS scores keyword overlap.

Check your resume against Cognizant's ATS

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