How to Write a Perfect ATS-Friendly CV

We don’t have to tell you how fierce the competitive job market is, and having a CV that stands out is more important than ever. With companies receiving an average of 250 CVs for each job posting, ensuring your CV makes it past the initial screening stage is important. This is where an ATS-friendly CV comes into play. An ATS, or Application Tracking System, is software used by employers to sort, scan, and rank CVs before they even reach a human recruiter. If your CV isn’t formatted correctly, it may never be seen, no matter how qualified you are for the job.

Creating an ATS-friendly CV involves more than just good content. It requires a strategic approach to layout, keyword usage, and formatting. This CV guide will provide you with all the necessary CV tips and professional insights to help you craft a standout CV that navigates through any application tracking system with ease. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing CV, our expert advice will ensure your professional CV gets the attention it deserves from both the hiring bots and recruiters.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a type of software used by companies to streamline their hiring processes. With the overwhelming number of applications employers receive, ATS helps to efficiently sort through CVs, making sure that only the most relevant ones make it to the recruiter’s desk. The system scans CVs for keywords, formats, and other criteria set by the employer, and then ranks the CVs accordingly.

Just imagine a recruiter looking for a needle in a haystack. An ATS acts like a powerful magnet, pulling out the most relevant needles, but only if those needles are made of the right material. If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it might get overlooked, no matter how well-qualified you are for the job, so reach out to us at CV Experts and we can discuss how to level up your ATS-ready CV.

Key elements of an ATS-friendly CV

1) Professional CV layout

The layout of your CV is one of the most important parts. A clean, structured, and professional CV layout not only makes your CV look nice, but also ensures it is readable by the ATS. A well-organised CV makes it easier for both the ATS and human recruiters to find key information quickly.

Use a simple template: choose a straightforward, ATS-friendly CV template. Avoid using tables, text boxes, or graphics that might confuse the ATS.
Clear sections: organise your CV into clear sections with headings such as Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
Consistent formatting: make sure there is consistent formatting throughout your CV, including fonts, spacing, and alignment.

2) Using the right keywords

Keywords are the heart of an ATS-friendly CV. The ATS scans for specific terms related to the job description. Including these keywords can significantly increase your chances of passing the initial screening.

Job description analysis: carefully read the job description to identify key skills and qualifications. Mirror these keywords in your CV.
Natural integration: seamlessly incorporate these keywords into your professional summary, work experience, and skills sections. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can make your CV look unnatural and difficult to read.

Tips for writing an ATS-friendly CV

Tailoring your CV to the job

Customising your CV for each job application guarantees that it aligns with the specific keywords and criteria set by the ATS.

Analyse the job description: identify key skills and qualifications.
Customise your professional summary: highlight relevant skills and achievements.
Adjust work experience: include examples that directly relate to the job requirements.

Highlighting relevant experience and skills

Make sure your most relevant qualifications stand out to both the ATS and recruiters.

Focus on recent experience: prioritise recent and related work experiences.
Quantify achievements: use numbers to show impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
Use action verbs: start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., “developed,” “managed”).

Keep your CV concise and relevant

Investing in professional CV writing services can significantly enhance your career prospects. By leveraging personalised assistance, you can guarantee that your CV effectively highlights your skills and experiences, maximising opportunities for advancement.

To make sure that your CV stands out and remains readable, keep it concise and relevant:

Ideal length: keep your CV to one or two pages.
Avoid irrelevant information: exclude outdated skills and unrelated job experiences.
Use clear language: avoid jargon and complex terms to improve readability.

Remember, your CV is a powerful marketing tool tailored specifically for you. Avoiding common pitfalls and following expert advice will increase its impact and your chances of landing the right interview.

If you would like an ATS-ready CV built for you, CV Experts can write one that passes the bots and impresses recruiters.