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How to Check if Your CV is ATS-Friendly

Applying for jobs can feel like a numbers game, with many candidates vying for the same role. In this competitive landscape, an ATS-friendly CV is your secret asset. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools employers use to streamline recruitment. They scan CVs to identify the most qualified candidates based on set criteria.

If your CV isn’t formatted correctly or doesn’t include the right keywords, it may never reach a human recruiter’s hands. This guide will show you how to ensure your CV is ATS-friendly, increasing your chances of getting noticed and landing interviews.


What is an ATS and how does it work?

An ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is a tool used by employers to streamline the hiring process. Rather than manually reviewing every CV, hiring managers rely on ATS to filter applications based on specific keywords, qualifications, and formatting. The system works by scanning your CV for relevant keywords and phrases that match the job description. It also checks the structure of the CV to ensure the information can be categorized and read correctly.

Once the ATS has analyzed your CV, it ranks or categorizes it, presenting only the top matches to the recruiter. While this makes the hiring process more efficient, it also means that your CV needs to be optimized to pass through this automated filter, which is why having an ATS-friendly CV is essential.

Signs your CV may not be ATS-friendly

Not every CV is built to perform well in an ATS. In fact, some common design choices can hinder your chances of getting noticed. If your CV includes creative formatting or lacks relevant keywords, it might not make it through the system.

Here are a few red flags to watch for:

  • Overly complex designs: Graphics, images, or decorative fonts can confuse ATS software.
  • Non-standard headings: Unusual section labels like “My Career Story” instead of “Work Experience” may not be recognized.
  • Missing keywords: If your CV doesn’t include terms from the job posting, it could be overlooked.

By identifying these issues, you can start making changes to improve your CV’s chances of passing ATS filters.

Step-by-step guide to check if your CV is ATS-friendly

Now that you know what an ATS-friendly CV looks like, it’s time to put your own to the test. Here’s a simple process to check and optimize your CV:

  1. Test the format: Save your CV as a plain text file. If the content becomes jumbled or unreadable, you may need to simplify the design.
  2. Match keywords: Compare your CV to the job description. Identify key terms and integrate them into your CV where relevant.
  3. Review file types: Save your CV as a .docx or .pdf file, as these are typically ATS-compatible.
  4. Check section titles: Make sure your headings like “Work Experience” and “Education” follow standard naming conventions.

You can make use of ready-made ATS resume templates for Word, which are also available as Google Docs.

Tools and resources to optimize your CV

There are several tools and resources available that can help you optimize your CV for ATS. These tools make it easier to ensure that your CV meets all the necessary criteria without needing to be an expert in ATS software.

One popular tool is ChatGPT, or alternatively, you could use Copilot or Gemini, which can analyze your CV and give you a score based on its ATS compatibility. It can highlight areas where your CV is lacking in terms of formatting or keyword usage, providing useful feedback that helps you improve.

Start by uploading your resume on ChatGPT as a Word .docx or PDF.

Prompt example:
“Analyze my CV for ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compatibility and provide a score based on formatting, keyword optimization, and overall readability. Highlight areas that may cause issues, such as improper formatting, missing keywords relevant to my industry, or lack of clear structure. Offer specific feedback on how I can improve my CV to increase my chances of passing ATS screening. If possible, suggest relevant keywords or formatting changes that align with my target job role.”

Keyword analyzing is another thing to use ChatGPT for. You can compare your CV to the job description and ask for suggestions on which keywords you may have missed or could incorporate more naturally. The goal is to make your CV as relevant as possible to the specific role you’re applying for.

Prompt:
“Analyze my resume and compare it to the attached job description. Identify key terms and phrases from the job posting that are missing or underutilized in my resume. Suggest specific keywords I should incorporate more naturally to improve alignment with the role and increase my chances of passing an ATS scan. Additionally, provide recommendations on how to integrate these keywords effectively without making my resume feel forced or unnatural.”

Additionally, many CV builders and professional services offer templates designed with ATS compatibility in mind. These templates are structured with the right headings, fonts, and formatting to ensure your CV will pass through an ATS without issues.

Common myths about ATS and CVs

There are several myths and misconceptions about ATS that can confuse job seekers and make them hesitant to create an ATS-friendly CV. Let’s debunk some of these myths so you can approach the job application process with more confidence.

Myth 1: ATS only cares about keywords
While keywords are important, they aren’t the only factor ATS looks at. ATS also evaluates the structure of your CV, the clarity of the headings, and the overall readability. Using relevant keywords is essential, but presenting them in a clean, easy-to-read format is just as crucial.

Myth 2: ATS rejects creative designs
It’s true that complex designs with images, colors, or unusual fonts can confuse ATS. However, you don’t have to sacrifice creativity entirely. You can still create a visually appealing CV, but it should prioritize readability and simplicity. Stick to a clean design with standard fonts, and use color sparingly.

Myth 3: An ATS-friendly CV is dull and generic
Many people believe that making their CV ATS-friendly means it will look boring or lack personality. In reality, an ATS-friendly CV can still reflect your unique experiences and skills. The key is balancing design and content so that both ATS and human recruiters can easily read and understand it.

By understanding and correcting these myths, you can create a CV that not only passes ATS checks but also stands out to recruiters.

Practical examples of ATS-friendly CVs

To give you a clearer idea of what an ATS-friendly CV looks like in practice, let’s take a look at some examples.

Before optimizing for ATS, a CV might include sections like “My Career Journey” or “What I’ve Done So Far.” While creative, these section titles may confuse an ATS, which expects standard headings like “Work Experience” or “Professional Experience.” By switching to more conventional headings, you can help the system easily categorize your information.

Another common issue is keyword optimization. For instance, if a job description calls for “project management” but your CV only mentions “project lead,” the ATS may not recognize the relevance of your experience. Instead, aim to incorporate both terms where appropriate to ensure you’re not missing out on important keywords.

Here’s a comparison:

  • Before ATS optimization:
    Section heading: “My Professional Journey”
    Experience listed as: “Lead various teams and manage projects”
  • After ATS optimization:
    Section heading: “Work Experience”
    Experience listed as: “Project Manager overseeing team collaboration and project execution”

This simple change helps your CV become more aligned with ATS requirements, while still presenting your skills clearly.

Final checklist to ensure your CV is ATS-friendly

To wrap up, here’s a quick checklist to ensure your CV is ready for ATS:

ATS-friendly CV

Conclusion

Creating an ATS-friendly CV is no longer optional—it’s essential if you want to be seen by recruiters. By focusing on clear formatting, strategic keyword use, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase the chances of your CV making it past the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.

Remember that an ATS-friendly CV doesn’t mean you have to lose your unique voice. With the right balance of content, design, and optimization, you can create a CV that’s both ATS-compatible and a true reflection of your professional abilities.

So, take the time to optimize your CV today. Use the tools and tips from this guide to create a document that will stand out in both the digital and human review processes.