ATS-Friendly CV: How to Pass Applicant Tracking Systems

An ATS-friendly CV is one that applicant tracking systems can read correctly and recruiters can find. Use a simple single-column layout, standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills), a common font, no text boxes, tables, images or graphics for important information, the file type the employer asks for, and keywords from the job ad used naturally in your skills and achievements.

Many employers use applicant tracking systems to manage applications. Recruiters then search and filter candidates in the system. If your CV is hard to read or missing key terms, it may be overlooked.

Layout rules

Do	Avoid
Single column	Two or three columns
Standard headings	Creative headings like "My journey"
Text for contact details	Contact details in headers or footers only
Simple bullets	Icons, charts, skill bars
Common fonts	Decorative fonts
Plain text-based file	Scanned images

Use the job ad's keywords

Highlight skills, tools, certifications and job titles in the ad.
Include those you genuinely have in your skills section and achievements.
Use both the full term and abbreviation where relevant: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)".
Match the job title where it accurately describes your role.

Example

Job ad mentions: "Xero, month-end close, VAT returns, stakeholder reporting"

CV bullet: "Managed month-end close in Xero for 3 entities and prepared quarterly VAT returns, delivering stakeholder reports within 5 working days."

File type

Follow the employer's instructions. If none, a simple PDF exported from a word processor is usually fine; avoid image-based PDFs.

Test your CV

Copy and paste your CV into a plain text editor. If the order is jumbled or text is missing, an ATS may struggle too.

Do not forget humans

An ATS-friendly CV must still read well for the recruiter. Clear achievements matter as much as keywords. See work experience bullets and the best CV format.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ATS?

An applicant tracking system is software employers use to collect, store, search and filter job applications.

Do ATS reject CVs automatically?

Some systems use knockout questions or filters, and recruiters often search by keywords. A clear, keyword-relevant CV is more likely to be found.

Is PDF or Word better for ATS?

Many modern systems read both. Follow the employer's instructions; a simple text-based PDF or Word file usually works.

Should I stuff keywords into my CV?

No. Use relevant keywords naturally where they truthfully describe your experience.

ATS-Friendly CV: How to Get Past Applicant Tracking Systems