ATS-friendly CV: how to pass applicant tracking systems
What an applicant tracking system is, how it reads your CV, and simple formatting rules that keep your application from being filtered out.
What is an ATS?
An applicant tracking system is software employers use to collect and search applications. Recruiters often filter candidates by keywords, so a CV the system cannot read well may never be seen.
Use a simple layout
Avoid putting important text in images, text boxes, headers or footers. Tables and multiple columns can confuse some systems. A clean single-column layout is the safest choice.
Use standard section titles
Write headings like "Work experience", "Education" and "Skills" rather than creative alternatives, so the system knows where each part belongs.
Mirror the job ad's keywords
If the ad asks for "customer service" and "Excel", and you have those skills, write them exactly like that. Only include skills you really have — interviews will test them.
Choose the right file type
PDF and Word (.docx) are the most widely accepted formats. Follow the employer's instructions if they name one.