Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter candidates. Smaller companies increasingly adopt them too. If your CV isn't ATS-optimized, you might be rejected before a human ever sees your qualifications.

How ATS Systems Work

ATS software scans your CV, extracts information, and ranks you based on keyword matches and criteria. Common systems include Taleo, Workday, Greenhouse, and Lever. They're looking for:

  • Keywords matching the job description
  • Standard section headers they can parse
  • Text they can actually read (not images)
  • Logical structure and formatting

ATS-Killing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Tables and columns — ATS reads left-to-right, gets confused
  • Headers and footers — Often completely ignored
  • Images and graphics — Can't be parsed
  • Text boxes — Frequently skipped entirely
  • Unusual fonts — Stick to standard ones
  • Creative section names — "Where I've Made Impact" confuses parsers

⚠️ Warning: Many "creative" CV templates from design sites are ATS disasters. Beautiful to humans, invisible to machines. Test any template before using it.

ATS-Friendly Formatting

  • File format: PDF (with text layer) or .docx
  • Fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Helvetica
  • Section headers: "Work Experience" not "Career Journey"
  • Date format: Month Year – Month Year (consistent)
  • Layout: Single column, standard margins
  • Bullets: Simple round bullets, not fancy symbols

Keyword Optimization

ATS systems match keywords from your CV against the job posting. To optimize:

  • Copy 10-15 key terms from the job description
  • Include exact phrases when possible
  • Use both spelled-out and acronym versions (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
  • Integrate naturally — don't stuff
  • Put keywords in context with achievements

💡 Pro Tip: Many ATS systems let you test-parse your CV. Upload to a job you're qualified for (even if not applying) and see if it renders correctly in their system.

Testing Your CV

Free ways to test ATS compatibility:

  • Copy-paste your PDF into a plain text editor — can you read it?
  • Upload to free ATS scanners online
  • Ask a friend in HR to run it through their system

Key Takeaways

  • Use standard section headers and simple formatting
  • Avoid tables, columns, graphics, and text boxes
  • Match keywords from the job description
  • Save as PDF with text layer or .docx
  • Use standard fonts and bullet points
  • Test your CV before submitting

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