We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Advanced Innovation Group Pro Excellence (AIGPE) and Paul Connell

5 PDUs

0.5 official PDUs are available upon request by completing this Application Tracking System Training Course. AIGPE™ is the Authorized Training Partner of the Project Management Institute (PMI®) (Provider No. 5573). The PMI® Authorized Training Partner Seal is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Looking to dominate the Applicant Tracking System to get that first step in the door with a potential employer?

Read more

5 PDUs

0.5 official PDUs are available upon request by completing this Application Tracking System Training Course. AIGPE™ is the Authorized Training Partner of the Project Management Institute (PMI®) (Provider No. 5573). The PMI® Authorized Training Partner Seal is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Looking to dominate the Applicant Tracking System to get that first step in the door with a potential employer?

Given the ever-changing working environment, specialty jobs, global presence, remote technology, etc., companies are taking the human out of human resources when fielding applicants.

Here’s why:

  • One Recruiter works on an average of 20 requisitions – tops – at a time and can receive up to 1,000 applications per job ad. Of course, this depends on the job.

  • If you do the math, 1 Recruiter X 20 requisitions X 1,000 applications = 20,000 resumes to look at. This is quite a number and there is no way a human being can look at 20,000 resumes.

Many years ago, an ad would be put in the paper, or listed on a website, etc., loads of mailbags full of resumes would be mailed to the Recruiter. The fax machine would go non-stop as well as emails. Hundreds of resumes come in and it was impossible to look at all of them. When 10 – 15 good viable candidates were determined, the rest of the resumes would not be opened or looked at.

When companies starting using Applicant Tracking Systems, every application was considered, and the top 25 resumes rose to the top quickly and efficiently. These resumes, once they pass the first gate, are graded and given percentages for prioritization. So, basically speaking, you have a much better chance today of being selected than the days of pre-Applicant Tracking Systems.

I know, I find this hard to believe as I have been on the “thanks but no thanks” side of the Applicant Tracking Systems system many times. However, when you put yourself in the Recruiter's shoes, the Applicant Tracking Systems system makes the most sense.

This masterclass for dominating the Applicant Tracking System will help you learn how to market your persona brand to be lucrative in the market. The importance of leveraging the Applicant Tracking System dynamics to increase your global recognition cannot be overstated enough. Today, more than ever, it’s critical for you to stand out so you may get past the computer and in the door of the employer in the job market.

What’s in this course for me?

  • Gain knowledge of the Applicant Tracking System basic information.

  • Why there is an Applicant Tracking System.

  • Kick out questions awareness and how to manage them.

  • Tips to help avoid the dreaded rejection email.

  • Ways to customize your resume for better Applicant Tracking System scrubbing.

  • Insight on some common complaints.

Let’s face it, for those of us seeking job opportunities in this ever-competitive environment, especially with companies changing their business models and job requirements on the dime, it’s quite a challenge.

What you'll learn:

  • Market your personal brand

  • A most impactful way to record your job title on your resume

  • A most impactful way to showcase your experience

  • Intensify your skills to be highlighted for the algorithms in the Applicant Tracking System

  • Understanding of leveraging the knowledge of when you're dealing with an employer utilizing Applicant Tracking Systems

  • Increase social presence

  • Understanding approaches when answering questions on the job applications to navigate the Applicant Tracking System

Who this course is for:

  • Individuals new to employment and want to join a professional global network

  • Professional individuals who are in their beginning, middle, and later phases in their careers

  • Seasoned professional individuals looking to better understand seeking employment in today's job market

  • Individuals looking to learn basic tips and tricks

  • Individuals who just graduated from college (undergraduate and graduate)

  • Individuals looking for employment

Obtain Your PDU Credit Certificate

AIGPE takes pride in being an official Authorized Training Partner (ATP) of the prestigious Project Management Institute (PMI). Provider Number: 5573. The PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) Seal is  a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. Completing this course enables you to earn 0.5 pre-approved PDU (Professional Development Units) Credits, supporting your continuous professional development in line with PMI's standards.

To formally recognize your achievement, PDU Credit Certificates are available upon request. A minimal processing fee of $1.99 applies. This certificate serve as an official documentation of the accrual of the PDU credits and is endorsed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Requesting this certificate is entirely optional and is not a part of the course purchase. Further details are provided in the course content.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Why an applicant tracking system exists?
  • 23 tips on how to beat the applicant tracking system
  • Prepare a keyword-rich, optimized resume that gets outstanding results in your job search for applicant tracking system scrubbing
  • Step-by-step tutorial on how to tackle the applicant tracking system
  • How to look out for "kick-out" questions regardless of the applicant tracking system the employer is utilizing?
  • What are some of the common complaints of navigating the applicant tracking system?
  • Tips on how to avoid the rejection email due to the applicant tracking system
  • How to identify when an employer is using an applicant tracking system on a job posting?

Syllabus

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Common Complaints.

I will go over a shortlist of common Applicant Tracking Sytem complaints in this lecture but keep in mind it’s certainly not all-inclusive.

  • I can’t get past the salary question. It won’t let me put “negotiable” in there.

  • No one uses cover letters anymore (or do they?). Should I even bother uploading or copy/pasting?

  • I can’t get past my “year of graduation”.

  • It takes so long to fill this thing out!

Read more

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Course Summary and Closure.

  • Applicant Tracking Systems is a SaaS that handles recruitment needs electronically and automates screening that falls outside of the job requirements.

  • Customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This does take work.

  • Keywords matter when dealing with the Applicant Tracking System.

  • Have your resume “speak” the same language as the job description. Use the word cloud application www.tagcrowd.com and resume / job description comparison site www.jobscan.com to see where your resume may miss the mark. Remember, if employers are using robots, so should you.

  • Kick-out questions are not always obvious so make sure you answer all the questions accurately.

  • There are many kinds of Applicant Tracking Systems out there. Some examples are iCIMS, Workday, ADP, Workable, JobVite, Kronos, BullHorn, etc.

  • When applying for a specific position, include that job title on your resume.

  • After you apply for a job, check your email inbox, junk, and spam folder. You just never know where that response will land.

  • Applicant Tracking System has a memory – all previous submissions remain in the system.

  • You do need to make sure you customize your resume for the position being sought. “One-size-fits-all” does not work with Applicant Tracking Systems.

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Welcome.

  • Welcoming video to get started on dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all.

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  What's in this training for me?

Let’s face it, for those of us seeking job opportunities in this ever-competitive environment, especially with companies changing their business models and job requirements on the dime, it’s quite a challenge.

I know, I have been in the same frustration pattern as many of you when it comes down to just trying to get in the door for an interview. It seems today, those “thanks but no thanks” emails are a very common occurrence.

This Applicant Tracking System course will address today's frustration when applying for a job, tips on conquering the ATS, avoiding the "kick-out" questions, salary, etc.

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all! Know your Instructor.

Paul Connell introduces himself and laying out how he can help conquer the Applicant Tracking System as a social media expert. He has helped thousands of professionals grow the visibility of the client's brand and job applicant approach by making their social media presence impactful!

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Agenda

In this course, we will be covering:

  • Applicant Tracking System basic information.

  • Why there is an Applicant Tracking System.

  • Kick out questions.

  • Tips to help avoid the rejection email.

  • Customize your resume for better ATS scrubbing.

  • Some common complaints

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Basic Information.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application (SaaS – software as a service) that handles recruitment needs electronically, thus applying search engine technology to the hiring process. The ATS handles a surge of applications, automates the screening out of applicants that fall outside of the requirements, and comply with federal employment law and reporting.

  • Applicant Tracking System is a very complex system.

  • ATS is fed a job requisition and an algorithm is created.

  • Resumes are put up against the algorithm and the best matches rise to the top.

  • Keywords matter when dealing with the Applicant Tracking System.

  • How do you know when an ATS is involved when applying for a job?

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Why There Is An Applicant Tracking System.

Given the ever-changing working environment, specialty jobs, global presence, remote technology, etc., companies are taking the human out of human resources when fielding applicants.

Here’s why:

  • One Recruiter works on an average of 20 requisitions – tops – at a time and can receive up to 1,000 applications per job ad. Of course, this depends on the job.

  • If you do the math, 1 Recruiter X 20 requisitions X 1,000 applications = 20,000 resumes to look at. This is quite a number and there is no way a human being can look at 20,000 resumes.

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Kick Out Questions.

An Applicant Tracking System may be programmed with Kick Out Questions to automatically screen-out candidates in or out.

Here are some common “Kick Out” questions you may run into:

  • Do you have less than five years’ experience? Yes or No (Yes = your application is the screen through, but at a lower level of considerations than those reporting “5 – 10 years”).

  • Do you have 5 – 10 years’ experience? Yes or No (Yes = screened in for further consideration).

  • Do you have more than 10 years’ experience? Yes or No (Yes = screened out (automatically removed from consideration)).

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Applicant Tracking System Tips.

Make sure before you get started applying for jobs, you have your most current resume set up for success. The days of a standard resume are behind us. Your resume must be a true marketing document showcasing your capabilities, skills, etc. that contain keywords to by-pass the Applicant Tracking System.

  • 23 Tips will be covered in this lecture.

Dominating the Applicant Tracking System once and for all!  Customizing Your Resume.

  • Your goal is to customize your resume to the job you are applying for.

  • As much as possible, have your resume “speak” the same language as the job description.

  • To help navigate the Applicant Tracking Systems, find keywords using the Word cloud applications like www.tagcrowd.com.

  • Also, www.jobscan.co (this is not a ".com" site) is a site you can load your resume on one side of the page and the job description on one side to see where your resume may miss the mark.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) function, which is valuable for job seekers navigating the complexities of online applications
Offers practical tips on customizing resumes and using keywords to improve ATS compatibility, which can increase the chances of getting noticed by recruiters
Explores common complaints and challenges associated with ATS, helping job seekers anticipate and address potential obstacles in the application process
Teaches how to identify when an employer is using an Applicant Tracking System, which allows job seekers to tailor their approach accordingly
Discusses 'kick-out' questions and strategies for answering them effectively, which is crucial for avoiding automatic rejection by the ATS
Offers 0.5 PDUs upon completion, which may be attractive to project managers seeking to maintain their certifications with the Project Management Institute

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Ats job search domination strategy

According to students, this course provides actionable tips and a solid understanding of how to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Many learners found the advice on customizing resumes and using keywords particularly valuable and felt it directly contributed to getting more interview calls. The course is praised for being practical and providing insights into avoiding common pitfalls like 'kick-out' questions. While some experienced job seekers found the content a bit neutralbasic, the overwhelming majority of reviewers report positive results and appreciate the course's focus on tangible strategies for improving job application success rates.
Great for those new to ATS concepts.
"Great course for beginners. If you have no idea about ATS, this is perfect."
"Individuals new to employment and want to join a professional global network"
"Provides a great starting point for understanding how ATS works and how to optimize applications."
Techniques lead to increased callbacks.
"This course changed my job search! I started applying the techniques and immediately saw more call-backs."
"Using the techniques from this course helped me get past the initial screening phase more consistently."
"Applying the knowledge from this course led to a noticeable increase in interview invitations."
Gain insight into ATS screening logic.
"Fantastic course! Finally understand why my applications weren't getting through. The explanations of kick-out questions are spot on."
"Understand approaches when answering questions on the job applications to navigate the Applicant Tracking System"
"Kick-out questions are not always obvious so make sure you answer all the questions accurately."
Provides practical, effective strategies.
"Excellent practical tips! Highly recommend for job seekers."
"This course changed my job search! I started applying the techniques and immediately saw more call-backs. Simple, clear, and effective."
"Provided me with actionable steps I could implement immediately. Saw an improvement in interview requests."
Learn how to tailor resumes for ATS.
"Learned how to tailor my resume using keywords effectively. The Jobscan demo was super helpful."
"Your resume must be a true marketing document showcasing your capabilities, skills, etc. that contain keywords to by-pass the Applicant Tracking System."
"The specific resume customization advice is gold, showing you exactly how to match your resume to job descriptions."
Some content is basic or repetitive.
"Okay course. Provides a basic understanding. Could use more depth on specific ATS systems and how they differ."
"Didn't find this very useful. Most information is easily available online. Expected more advanced strategies. Too basic."
"Found the content useful but the audio quality wasn't great in some parts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Applicant Tracking System: The Secret to Dominate Job Search with these activities:
Review Resume Keywords
Refresh your understanding of how to identify and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume to improve its ranking in Applicant Tracking Systems.
Browse courses on Resume Optimization
Show steps
  • Identify target job titles and industries.
  • Research common skills and qualifications for those roles.
  • Update your resume with relevant keywords.
Review 'What Color Is Your Parachute?'
Gain a broader understanding of career planning and job searching strategies to complement your ATS knowledge.
Show steps
  • Read the book's sections on skills assessment and career goals.
  • Identify your key skills and how they align with target roles.
  • Reflect on your career goals and how to articulate them effectively.
Optimize LinkedIn Profile
Improve your online presence by optimizing your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords and accomplishments to attract recruiters using LinkedIn's search functionality.
Show steps
  • Research keywords relevant to your target roles.
  • Incorporate keywords into your headline, summary, and experience sections.
  • Update your skills section with relevant skills.
  • Request recommendations from colleagues and managers.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze Job Descriptions
Practice identifying key skills and requirements from job descriptions to tailor your resume and application materials effectively.
Show steps
  • Find 5-10 job descriptions for roles you're interested in.
  • Highlight key skills, responsibilities, and qualifications.
  • Create a list of common keywords and phrases.
Resume Rewrite Project
Undertake a complete rewrite of your resume, focusing on keyword optimization and tailoring it to specific job descriptions to maximize ATS compatibility.
Show steps
  • Research target job descriptions and identify keywords.
  • Rewrite your resume, incorporating keywords naturally.
  • Use an ATS resume scanner to check for compatibility.
  • Refine your resume based on scanner results.
Review 'The 2-Hour Job Search'
Learn efficient job searching techniques to supplement your ATS knowledge and increase your chances of landing interviews.
Show steps
  • Read the book's sections on networking and outreach.
  • Identify potential contacts in your target industry.
  • Craft personalized outreach messages to connect with them.
ATS-Friendly Resume Template
Develop a resume template that is specifically designed to be easily parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems, ensuring that your information is accurately extracted and presented.
Show steps
  • Research ATS-compatible resume formats.
  • Create a template using a simple, clean design.
  • Test the template with an ATS resume scanner.
  • Refine the template based on scanner results.

Career center

Learners who complete Applicant Tracking System: The Secret to Dominate Job Search will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Resume Writer
Resume Writers craft professional resumes and cover letters that highlight a candidate's skills and experience. This course helps Resume Writers create Applicant Tracking System-friendly documents that increase their clients' chances of getting noticed. The course's focus on keyword optimization, resume customization, and avoiding rejection triggers directly translates into improved resume effectiveness. Understanding the specific challenges and nuances of Applicant Tracking Systems allows Resume Writers to tailor their services to meet the evolving demands of the job market. With this course, a Resume Writer can craft documents that not only impress human readers but also pass through the initial screening of automated systems.
Outplacement Consultant
An Outplacement Consultant assists individuals who are transitioning out of a job, helping them find new employment opportunities. This course helps Outplacement Consultants provide relevant and up-to-date advice on navigating Applicant Tracking Systems. The course offers practical tips on resume customization, keyword optimization, and avoiding common pitfalls. By understanding how these systems work, Outplacement Consultants can equip their clients with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their job search. This expertise enables the consultant to provide valuable support during a critical career transition, improving the client's chances of securing new employment.
Job Search Coach
Job Search Coaches guide individuals through the process of finding and securing employment. This course will be useful for Job Search Coaches to help their clients navigate the complexities of Applicant Tracking Systems. The course provides insights into optimizing resumes and applications to pass through initial screenings. By understanding the common pitfalls and strategies for success within Applicant Tracking Systems, the Job Search Coach can offer targeted advice and support. The knowledge gained from this course can enable Job Search Coaches to significantly improve their clients' job search outcomes.
Career Consultant
Career Consultants provide personalized career advice and guidance to individuals seeking professional growth. This course helps Career Consultants offer more effective strategies for navigating Applicant Tracking Systems. The course provides insights into resume optimization, keyword usage, and avoiding common mistakes. By understanding the inner workings of these systems, Career Consultants can empower their clients to stand out in the competitive job market. The knowledge gained from this course enables Career Consultants to tailor their advice to the specific challenges posed by Applicant Tracking Systems, leading to better outcomes for their clients.
Career Counselor
Career Counselors advise individuals on career exploration, job searching, and professional development. This course helps Career Counselors guide their clients through the complexities of Applicant Tracking Systems. By understanding how these systems work and the strategies candidates can use to optimize their applications, Career Counselors can provide more effective and practical advice. The course's emphasis on resume customization, keyword optimization, and avoiding common pitfalls equips career counselors with valuable insights to help their clients succeed in the competitive job market. The course will be useful for helping Career Counselors provide more effective career-search guidance.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
A Talent Acquisition Specialist focuses on finding, attracting, and recruiting qualified candidates for an organization. This course helps a Talent Acquisition Specialist understand the candidate's perspective on Applicant Tracking Systems. The course provides insights into how candidates optimize their resumes and navigate the system. This knowledge allows the Talent Acquisition Specialist to better assess the quality of applications and improve the effectiveness of their recruiting strategies. By understanding the challenges candidates face, the specialist can refine their approach to attract top talent and streamline the hiring process. The Talent Acquisition Specialist can also leverage these insights to improve the design and implementation of their own Applicant Tracking System.
Recruiter
A Recruiter identifies, interviews, and screens candidates to fill open positions within an organization. This course helps aspiring Recruiters understand how Applicant Tracking Systems work from the candidate's perspective. Knowing how candidates can optimize their resumes to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems allows the Recruiter to better assess the quality of their applications. The course will be useful for gaining insight into applicant strategies and improving the effectiveness of the recruiting process. Also, the recruiter can learn how to set up an effective Applicant Tracking System to find the best candidates.
Human Resources Generalist
A Human Resources Generalist handles a wide range of HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and policy implementation. This course helps a Human Resources Generalist gain a deeper understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems and their impact on the recruitment process. This course provides insights into how candidates interact with these systems and the challenges they face. This understanding allows the HR Generalist to improve the candidate experience and optimize recruitment strategies. By understanding the algorithms and screening processes of Applicant Tracking Systems, the Human Resources Generalist can make more informed decisions about recruitment technology and processes.
Workforce Development Specialist
Workforce Development Specialists create and implement programs that enhance the skills and employability of individuals in a community. This course helps Workforce Development Specialists provide valuable resources and guidance to job seekers navigating Applicant Tracking Systems. The course offers insights into resume optimization, interview preparation, and effective job search strategies. By understanding the challenges and opportunities within Applicant Tracking Systems, Workforce Development Specialists can empower their clients to secure meaningful employment and advance their careers. The course provides the specialist with practical knowledge to improve the effectiveness of their workforce development programs.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers oversee an organization's online presence, which often includes employer branding and recruitment marketing. This course helps Social Media Managers understand how to present job opportunities and company culture in a way that attracts qualified candidates. This course directly contributes to a Social Media Manager's ability to craft messages and content that resonate with job seekers, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of recruitment campaigns. By aligning social media strategies with the needs and expectations of candidates navigating Applicant Tracking Systems, the Social Media Manager can help attract top talent and improve the organization's employer brand.
Human Resources Assistant
A Human Resources Assistant provides administrative support to the HR department, often including tasks related to recruitment and onboarding. This course may be useful for a Human Resources Assistant by providing a solid understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems and how they function. Understanding the system’s logic and the challenges job seekers face in navigating it helps the assistant contribute effectively to the recruitment process. The tips on customizing resumes and avoiding rejection emails can inform how the assistant guides applicants and improves the overall candidate experience. In short, this course can help the Human Resources Assistant better assist both the HR team and potential candidates.
Branding Consultant
Branding Consultants help individuals and organizations develop a strong and consistent brand identity. This course helps a Branding Consultant advise clients on how to market themselves effectively to potential employers through Applicant Tracking Systems. The course provides insights into optimizing resumes, tailoring skills, and highlighting key experiences in a way that resonates with automated screening processes. A Branding Consultant can use this knowledge to guide clients in showcasing their unique value proposition and differentiating themselves in a competitive job market. The course enables the Branding Consultant to help clients create a personal brand that stands out within the context of Applicant Tracking Systems.
Training and Development Specialist
Training and Development Specialists design and deliver training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge. This course may be useful for a Training and Development Specialist, particularly if their role involves onboarding new hires or providing career development resources. This course can inform the development of training materials related to job searching and resume optimization. By understanding how Applicant Tracking Systems work and the strategies for success, the Training and Development Specialist can equip employees with valuable skills to advance their careers. This knowledge helps the specialist design training programs that meet the real-world needs of job seekers in today's competitive market.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create engaging and effective learning experiences, often involving curriculum development and training materials. This course may be useful for an Instructional Designer, providing insights into the specific challenges job seekers face when using Applicant Tracking Systems. Understanding how to optimize resumes and navigate these systems can inform the design of career development resources and training programs. The Instructional Designer can then integrate these strategies into their materials, helping job seekers improve their chances of success. The course enables the Instructional Designer to create training that is relevant and practical for today's job market.
eLearning Developer
eLearning Developers design and create online courses and training modules. Often, their work is for educational institutions and corporations. This course helps eLearning Developers create Applicant Tracking System-literate students. The course provides insights into optimizing resumes and applications to pass through initial screenings. By understanding the common pitfalls and strategies for success within Applicant Tracking Systems, the eLearning Developer can offer targeted advice and support. The knowledge gained from this course can enable eLearning Developers to significantly improve their students' job search outcomes. This allows the developer to create training that is relevant and practical for today's job market.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Applicant Tracking System: The Secret to Dominate Job Search.
Classic guide to job hunting and career change. It provides valuable insights into self-assessment, skills identification, and job market research. While it doesn't focus specifically on ATS, it offers a comprehensive framework for understanding your strengths and targeting the right opportunities, which is crucial for crafting an effective resume and application that resonates with both humans and algorithms. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Provides a structured approach to job searching, focusing on efficient networking and targeted outreach. While not directly about ATS, it complements the course by offering strategies to connect with recruiters and hiring managers, increasing the chances of your resume being seen by a human. It emphasizes a proactive approach to job searching.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser