Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems: ATS-Friendly CV Tips

Creating an ATS-friendly CV is essential in today’s digital hiring landscape. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications, scanning for specific keywords and formats that match the specific job requirements. Unfortunately, this can be a barrier for candidates who aren’t aware of how these systems function and their CVs are, therefore, not optimized for ATS compatibility.

Understanding how ATS works and tailoring your CV to meet these standards can greatly increase your chances of passing the initial screening. To make this happen, we’ll share key tips and strategies for making your CV stand out, from formatting and keyword use to content organization—helping you move one step closer to landing your ideal job!

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

As the name suggests, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a type of software used by employers to collect, organize, and rank job applications. ATS software scans each CV, picking out keywords and data that match the job description.

Therefore, an “ATS-Friendly CV” refers to a CV optimized to ensure that it gets through these digital boundaries and into the hands of a hiring manager.

Why Is an ATS-Friendly CV Important?

With companies often receiving hundreds of applications per job, many rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. These systems automatically scan and rank CVs based on keywords, skills, and qualifications relevant to the job description.

An ATS-friendly CV increases your chances of making it through this initial digital screening, ensuring your application reaches a human recruiter.

By using the right keywords and ATS-friendly strategies, you boost your visibility and improve your chances of advancing to later stages, such as securing a job interview. In today’s competitive job market, an optimized CV is crucial to getting noticed.

Understanding ATS Systems

As mentioned earlier, these software applications help employers manage the recruitment process by scanning, sorting, and ranking CVs based on specific so that the hiring manager is able to review them. Here is in great detail how these tools function:

Key Sections to Include in an ATS-Friendly CV

You must ensure that each section is carefully crafted to highlight your qualifications while conforming to ATS guidelines. Here are the key sections to consider:

1. 1. Contact information.

1. 1. Professional summary.

1. 1. Experience.

1. 1. Education.

1. 1. Skills.

1. Contact Information

Your contact information should be easy to find at the top of your CV for hiring managers. Include the following details:

• • Full name

• • Phone number

• • Professional Email address

• • LinkedIn Profile.

Note that adding your LinkedIn profile is optional but recommended, especially if you’ve worked with a career coach online to optimize it.

Avoid placing your contact information in headers or footers, as some ATS systems will not process these sections correctly, let alone read them.

2. Professional Summary

A well-crafted professional summary should provide a brief overview of your skills, experience, and career goals. It should be concise—ideally two to three sentences—and tailored to the specific job you’re applying to. We recommend using action-oriented language, such as “proven track record” or “strong communication skills,” to communicate your value and stand out.

Here is a model example for a professional summary:
“Experienced content writer with a strong background in creating SEO-optimized content for diverse industries. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, project management, and meeting strict deadlines. Aiming to bring expertise in content development to enhance brand visibility and drive engagement.”

Try to incorporate industry-specific keywords that align with the job description as naturally as possible and without overstuffing. This will help boost your ranking in ATS searches. 

3. Experience

When detailing your experience, keep descriptions simple and readable. For each role, include your position title, employer, dates of employment, and 3-5 bullet points summarizing key responsibilities.

Here is an example of an experience section:

Content Writer, [Company Name]
June 2021 – Present

• • Created SEO-driven content tailored to client needs across various industries.

• • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure content alignment and workflow efficiency.

• • Produced engaging, audience-targeted content to drive brand visibility and engagement across multiple platforms.

4. Education

It’s imperative that you list your educational background in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree or qualification.

For each entry, include the following:

• • Degree (like Bachelor of Arts in English).

• • Institution name.

• • Location (optional).

• • Dates of attendance.

If relevant to the role, you could add your GPA, relevant coursework, or academic honors to further bolster the credibility of this section.

Avoid using unconventional abbreviations. For instance, write “Bachelor of Science” instead of “B.Sc.”

You should ensure that the institution names are spelled out fully and correctly. Many ATS systems are geared to scan for full terms rather than abbreviations.

5. Skills

For this section, make use of bulleted lists of keywords that align with the job description. Divide skills into technical skills and soft skills where applicable, as this makes it easier for the ATS to categorize your qualifications for the vacancy.

Here is an example of a model skill list:

• • Technical skills: SEO, Content Management Systems (CMS), Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop.

• • Soft skills: Communication, Collaboration, Project Management, Attention to Detail.

Refer to the job listing for specific skills or tools mentioned and include relevant ones in your CV.

Avoid including vague terms, like multi-tasking, unless they’re specifically noted in the job description.

ATS-Compatible Formatting

Here are some of the best practices for creating an ATS-compatible format:

Be sure to avoid any complex formatting, such as graphics or tables, in the main sections of your CV. While tables can be useful for summarizing information, ATS systems may struggle to interpret them into quantifiable data.

Optimizing Your CV for ATS Keywords

The primary way ATS ranks applications is by scanning for relevant keywords. An ATS-friendly CV should include keywords that align with the job description without keyword stuffing.

Here is an example:  

How to Choose the Right Keywords

The following are some effective strategies for identifying the right keywords to include:

1. 1. Analyze job descriptions. Use phrases and terms from the job description itself.

1. 1. Add industry keywords. Many career coach services recommend incorporating specific terms, like “project management,” which are often key in ATS.

1. 1. Highlight core competencies. Including competencies such as “data analysis,” “strategic planning,” or “content strategy” demonstrates specific skills that align with the job requirements, which will further make you a more attractive candidate.

To avoid redundancy, you must limit keywords to the most relevant terms for the position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in ATS CVs

To bolster your chances of getting past the pesky ATS screening, it’s essential to be aware of common pitfalls that can negatively impact your CV. 

Here are the top common mistakes to avoid in order to improve your application’s chances of success:

1. 1. Overly Complex Formatting

Many ATS platforms have difficulty parsing complex layouts, graphics, or unconventional formats. Sticking to simple and consistent formatting in this case is key.

2. 2. Lack of Job-Specific Keywords

Since the system scours for specific terms in your job application, using generic terms can lower your ATS score to a great degree.

3. 3. Using Headers or Footers for Important Information

ATS platforms often ignore headers and footers, so try to add essential information, like your name and contact details, in the main body of the CV.

Expert Tips from Career Coaches

Consider speaking with a career coach regarding your CV. These experts have valuable knowledge and can provide valuable insights into optimizing your CV.

Here are some expert recommendations that career coaches often swear by:

Strategic Formatting Tips

• • Save your CV in both .docx and .pdf formats.

• • Use a single-column layout.

• • Keep formatting consistent throughout the document.

• • Use standard bullet points.

• • Include a skills summary section.

Content Enhancement Strategies

• • Quantify achievements with metrics.

• • Use action verbs to begin bullet points.

• • Include relevant certifications.

• • Customize your CV for each application.

• • Focus on recent experience.

How to Write Your CV?

 Your CV while providing additional context and personalize your application. While the ATS may or may not scan your ,CV  having an optimized CV can still increase your chances of success.

If you want to know how to write CV that adheres to ATS rules, here’s a structured approach:

1. 1. Opening Paragraph
      

       

      • • Reference the position.
      • • Mention your current role.
      • • Express enthusiasm.

1. 1. Body Paragraphs
      

       

      • • Expand on key achievements.
      • • Connect experiences to job requirements.
      • • Demonstrate cultural fit.

1. 1. Closing
      

       

      • • Reiterate interest.
      • • Include a call to action.
      • • Provide contact information.

Next Steps in Your Job Application Process

After optimizing your ATS-friendly CV, try to focus on the following:

1. 1. Application Strategy
      

       

      • • Research target companies.
      • • Customize applications and meet the job application requirements.
      • • Track submissions.

1. 1. Interview Preparation
      

       

      • • Review common interview questions related to the job you’re applying to.
      • • Prepare STAR method responses.
      • • Research the company’s background.

1. 1. Follow-up Protocol
      

       

      • • Send thank-you notes.
      • • Monitor application status.
      • • Maintain professional networking.

Summary and Final Checklist for an ATS-Friendly CV

Now that you’ve followed these steps and have perfected a CV that abides by the rules of ATS tools, it’s paramount to go over your documents once again with fresh eyes to ensure that nothing is amiss.

Create a checklist for your ATS-friendly CV. Here is a suggested checklist that you could follow. Note that you can change the elements mentioned here as needed:

• • Contact information.

• • Professional summary.

• • Work experience.

• • Education.

• • Skills.

• • Keywords aligned to the role.

• • ATS-compatible formatting.

Optimize Your Job Search with ApplyRight

Having a well-optimized CV is just the start of your journey toward securing an ideal job. This is where ApplyRight can make a notable difference.

Their comprehensive suite of services is tailored specifically to enhance your job application process and increase your chances of success in the increasingly competitive job market.

Services Offered by ApplyRight:

• • CV Writing: ApplyRight’s team of experts specializes in devising tailored CVs that are not only ATS-friendly but also resonate with hiring managers. They also ensure your documents highlight your strengths while adhering to industry standards.

• • Interview preparation: ApplyRight offers personalized coaching to help you master common interview questions, provide killer delivery, and present yourself confidently.

• • Career coaching: Whether you’re unsure about your career path or seeking to advance, their career coaching services present valuable insights and strategies to help you achieve your professional goals.

• • Job application service: This service streamlines the job application process by assisting you in identifying suitable job vacancies, designing your applications, and tracking your submissions for maximum effectiveness.

• • LinkedIn profile optimization: In today’s digital age, a strong LinkedIn presence is of the utmost importance. ApplyRight helps optimize your LinkedIn profile to enhance your professional visibility online and attract recruiters.

By leveraging these services, you’ll ensure your CV stands out in ATS screenings and impresses hiring managers. Invest in your future today with ApplyRight to enhance your job search and boost your chances of landing interviews.