What Is an ATS-Friendly CV? How to Get Past the Software

What an ATS does

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that collects CVs, pulls out details such as your job titles, dates and skills, and lets recruiters search them. If the software cannot read your CV properly, a recruiter may never find it, however well qualified you are.

How to format an ATS-friendly CV

• Use one column. Tables and side columns can scramble your details.
• Keep contact details in the main body, not in the page header or footer.
• Use standard headings such as Work Experience, Education and Skills.
• Avoid text inside images, icons and graphics, and skill rating bars.
• Use a common font, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Write dates the same way throughout, such as Mar 2021 to Jun 2024.

Use the words in the advert

Recruiters often search for terms taken straight from the job advert. If the advert says "creditors reconciliations" and that is work you have done, use those exact words. Only include what is true for you, because you will be asked about it in the interview.

Nothing can guarantee a pass

Each employer's system is different and is set up differently, so no tool can promise that your CV will get through, and any score is only a guide. What you can do is remove the things that commonly cause problems, and match your CV to each job.