How to beat ATS screening with your CV
Many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to collect and filter applications. If your CV cannot be read properly, or does not reflect the job description, it may never reach a person. Here is how to improve your chances.
What is an ATS?
An applicant tracking system is software that receives CVs, extracts information such as job titles, dates and skills, and helps recruiters search, sort and rank applicants. Systems differ in how strictly they filter, but all of them rely on being able to read your CV and match it to the role.
Formatting tips
- Keep the layout simple. Use a single column and avoid text boxes, complex tables and graphics, which can confuse parsers.
- Use standard headings. Experience, Education and Skills are easy for software to recognise.
- Choose a readable font in a normal size and use plain bullet points.
- Put contact details in the main body, not in a header or footer, where some systems skip them.
- Use a common file type. Follow the application instructions. A PDF or Word document is usually accepted.
Content tips
- Mirror the job description. If the advert asks for "stakeholder management", use that phrase where it truthfully applies to you.
- Spell out abbreviations once. Write the full term with the abbreviation in brackets, such as "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)".
- Quantify achievements. Numbers help a human reader once your CV gets through.
- List job titles and dates clearly, in a consistent format.
- Do not stuff keywords. A CV that is unreadable to a person will still fail at the next step.
Tailor every application
One generic CV rarely matches every job. Spend ten minutes re-ordering your skills and bullet points for each role, so the most relevant experience comes first.
Common ATS myths
- "The ATS automatically rejects most CVs." Many systems mainly organise and search applications. Rejection often comes from knock-out questions, such as right to work or required qualifications, or from a recruiter filtering by keyword.
- "You need a fancy template." Plain, well-structured documents are safer than designed ones.
- "More keywords always helps." Relevant, truthful wording helps. Repeating terms unnaturally does not.
- "One CV fits all." Tailoring each application is one of the most effective things you can do.
A quick pre-submission checklist
For a longer, tickable version, use our free ATS-friendly CV checklist, which you can print or save as a PDF.
- Does the CV use the same key skills and terms as the job advert, where they honestly apply?
- Are job titles, employers and dates clear and consistent?
- Is the layout a single column with standard headings?
- Are contact details in the main body of the document?
- Can you copy and paste the text from the file without it turning into a mess? If you can, software can probably read it too.
- Has someone proofread it for spelling and grammar?
Let EnDev do the heavy lifting
The EnDev ATS CV optimiser scans your CV against a job description, scores the match and rebuilds your CV into a structured, ATS-passable document. A full rewrite costs an estimated 15 credits, and credit packs start at £4.99.
Related reading
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
No, but many medium and large employers do, and recruitment agencies often use similar tools. It is sensible to write your CV so it works for both software and people.
Follow the employer's instructions first. When no preference is given, either format is usually accepted, as long as the layout is simple.
No. Hidden text is easy to detect, it is unethical and it can get your application rejected. Use honest, relevant wording in the visible text instead.
Check your CV against a real job description
Upload your CV and the job advert and see your ATS match.