How to Optimise Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

When you apply online, chances are your CV will be screened by a piece of software before it ever reaches a recruiter’s desk.

Research by Jobscan found that 98.8% of Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter and manage applications. For large organisations, this is the only way to cope with hundreds — sometimes thousands — of applicants per role.

That means if your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it might never even be seen by a human.

The good news? Optimising your CV for ATS doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. The CVs that perform best are the same ones that impress recruiters: clear, concise, and tailored.

In this guide, we explain:

• What an ATS is and how it works

• Common ATS myths

• Key mistakes to avoid

• Three proven strategies to make your CV both ATS-compliant and recruiter-ready

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What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An ATS is software that:

• Collects applications into a database

• Parses CVs to extract information (like work history, dates, skills)

• Allows recruiters to search or filter candidates using keywords

For example, if a company is hiring a Marketing Manager, the recruiter may search within the ATS for candidates who list “SEO,” “campaign management,” or “Google Ads.” Anyone without those terms on their CV risks being filtered out, even if they have the right skills.

In many systems, recruiters can also set “knockout” filters — like minimum years of experience or required qualifications. If you don’t match, your CV is automatically rejected.

That’s why it’s crucial to write with both audiences in mind: the software scanning your CV and the recruiter who will (hopefully) read it.

Common ATS Myths (and the Truth)

• Myth 1: “ATS automatically rejects my CV.”
  Not always. ATS is a tool, not a judge. Recruiters decide how strict to set filters. A strong, keyword-optimised CV still has every chance.

• Myth 2: “I can trick the ATS by stuffing in keywords.”
  Wrong. Keyword stuffing is obvious and can harm your credibility. Recruiters see the raw text ATS pulls — and won’t be impressed by paragraphs that read unnaturally.

• Myth 3: “Fancy designs help me stand out.”
  Actually, they hurt. Columns, graphics, logos, or unusual fonts often confuse parsing software, causing your details to be scrambled or omitted entirely.

Three Key Strategies to Optimise Your CV for ATS

1. Stick to a Simple, Professional Format

ATS struggles with:

• Tables and text boxes

• Columns

• Icons and graphics

• Logos and images

If your CV includes them, important information may not be captured correctly — or at all.

Instead, use a traditional, single-column layout with clear section breaks. Stick to black text on a white background, standard fonts (like Cambria, Calibri, Arial), and consistent spacing.

Remember: recruiters value clarity. A clean design conveys professionalism and attention to detail.

2. Incorporate Relevant Keywords

Keywords are the bridge between the job description and your CV. Recruiters filter applications using them to quickly find qualified candidates.

To optimise your CV:

• Review the job description closely

• Highlight recurring terms, especially technical skills, tools, and certifications

• Naturally integrate these into your bullet points and skills section

• Focus on context — show how you used the skill to deliver results

For example, instead of writing:

“Responsible for SEO.”

Write:

“Led SEO strategy for e-commerce site, increasing organic traffic by 35% in 12 months.”

This proves your competence while embedding a key keyword (“SEO”).

3. Use Conventional Section Titles

ATS is programmed to recognise standard headings. If you try to be creative (“My Journey” instead of “Work Experience”), the system may not categorise your information correctly.

Stick with:

• Work Experience

• Education

• Skills

• Certifications / Qualifications

• Publications (if relevant)

This ensures your CV is parsed accurately, with each section placed where recruiters expect to see it.

Bonus Tips for ATS Success

• Always submit in Word or PDF (unless the job posting specifies otherwise). Both formats are widely ATS-compatible.

• Include dates (month and year) for each role. Missing dates may cause your CV to be flagged as incomplete.

• Don’t hide text in white font. Recruiters can see it, and it damages trust.

• Keep bullet points short and impactful. ATS scans favour clear, concise statements over dense paragraphs.

In Summary

Applicant tracking systems are here to stay — but they aren’t the enemy. A well-optimised CV will get past the filters and make a strong impression on recruiters.

Focus on clarity, relevance, and professionalism:

• Keep the format simple

• Use the right keywords

• Stick to standard section titles

Do this consistently, and you’ll dramatically improve your chances of making it from the digital pile to the interview shortlist.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk