ATS-friendly CV
Make your CV easy for people and systems to read.
Use clear headings, a focused layout, and job-relevant language to create a strong ATS-friendly CV.
Build an ATS-friendly CV →Use standard headings
Experience, education, skills, and contact details give applicant-tracking systems a familiar structure.
Match the job language
Use the relevant skills and terminology from the job description when they genuinely reflect your experience.
Prioritize clarity
Avoid decorative layouts, complex graphics, and vague claims that make your experience harder to understand.
What an ATS actually does
An applicant-tracking system, or ATS, helps employers collect, search, sort, and review applications. It does not replace the recruiter or hiring manager; it helps them handle a large volume of information.
Your goal is not to ‘beat’ a system with hidden keywords. Your goal is to make your real qualifications clear in ordinary text so they can be understood by both the software and the person reading your application.
How to use keywords properly
Read the job description and note the job title, core responsibilities, required skills, software, qualifications, and industry terms. Add the terms that genuinely apply to your experience in your summary, skills, and work history.
Do not copy an entire job description or repeat the same word excessively. Pair each important term with evidence. For example, if a role needs SQL, show the reporting, analysis, or data work where you used SQL.
Formatting choices that help
Use standard section headings such as Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. Keep your most important information as normal selectable text in a logical top-to-bottom order.
Avoid putting essential text inside images, graphics, tables, or complex text boxes. Choose a readable font, consistent dates, and clear bullet points. If the employer specifies a file format, always follow that instruction.
Before you apply
Quick CV checklist
- Use the exact job title where it accurately describes your target role.
- Add relevant skills and tools in plain text—not only in a visual skills chart.
- Use standard headings and consistent dates.
- Show evidence of every important keyword in your experience or projects.
- Submit the requested format and inspect the final document for readability.
Common questions
CV FAQ
Can an ATS read a two-column CV?
Some systems can process a two-column layout, but a simple single-column format reduces the risk that information is read in the wrong order. Use it when you want the most predictable result.
Do I need to include every keyword from the job description?
No. Include only terms that accurately reflect your skills, qualifications, and experience. Unsupported keywords can make your CV less credible when a recruiter reviews it.
Is a PDF ATS-friendly?
A text-based PDF is commonly accepted, but the employer's application instructions always take priority. If they request a Word document or another file type, send that instead.