CV ATS Format: The Complete Guide to Creating an ATS-Friendly CV

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application used by many companies to filter and rank job applications. Acting as a digital gatekeeper, it scans CVs for specific keywords, analyses formatting, and determines whether your CV meets job requirements before passing it on to human hiring managers.

Key ATS functions include:

• Scanning your CV for keywords from the job description.
• Parsing details into searchable sections like work history and skills section.
• Ranking applications based on alignment with job qualifications.
• Filtering out CVs that don’t meet the criteria.

Without the proper CV ATS format, even the best candidates risk rejection. ATS parsing can misread tables, columns, or graphics images, so a straightforward layout is essential.

1. Standard Fonts and Formatting

• Standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Helvetica.
• Font size: 10–12 points for body text.
• Line spacing: 1.0–1.15 for clarity.
• Margins: 0.75–1 inch on all sides.

2. Clean, Simple Design

• Avoid graphics, charts, and icons.
• Skip text boxes and tables.
• Use a single-column format to ensure ATS scans are successful.
• Remove headers, footers, and decorative borders.

3. Proper File Format

• Save your CV as a docx file (Microsoft Word) for maximum compatibility.
• Use PDF only if explicitly requested.
• Avoid specialised file types like Pages or RTF.
• Name files professionally: “FirstName_LastName_CV.docx.”

4. Standard Section Structure

A good ATS-friendly CV format uses these sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Core Skills/Competencies
• Professional Experience
• Education
• Certifications and Additional Information (if relevant).

Keyword Integration

To optimise your CV, ensure it aligns with the job description:

• Analyse the job listing for specific keywords.
• Highlight skills and qualifications mentioned in the posting.
• Use both full terms and acronyms (e.g., “Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)”).
• Incorporate keywords throughout your CV, especially in the skills section and work history.
• Include action verbs like “managed,” “led,” or “implemented” to describe your accomplishments.

Tailoring Your CV

Customisation is key to aligning with specific job requirements:

• Adjust your professional summary to reflect the role.
• Prioritise relevant skills and achievements for the job position.
• Modify terms to match the language of the job posting.

Use Quantifiable Achievements

Highlight measurable results to catch the attention of both ATS and hiring managers:

• "Increased team productivity by 25%."
• "Managed a budget of £3M."
• "Reduced operational costs by 20% annually."

Design Errors to Avoid:

• Fancy formatting or creative fonts.
• Visual elements like charts or icons.
• Complex designs with multiple columns.

Content Mistakes:

• Omitting keywords from the job description.
• Using non-standard section headings.
• Including irrelevant details.

Technical Issues:

• Uploading scanned PDFs or password-protected files.
• Using incompatible formats like RTF.
• Adding special characters in file names.

Here's how to structure each section:

A well-structured ATS-friendly CV offers several advantages:

1. Improved Ranking: Your CV will likely match job qualifications and land at the top of the candidate pool.
2. Increased Visibility: Ensures hiring managers see your application.
3. Reduced Errors: Proper formatting minimises the chance of rejection due to ATS parsing issues.
4. Career Growth: Demonstrates your ability to align with industry standards, enhancing your job interview opportunities.

Creating a CV ATS format is a must in today's job market. Review your existing CV, make the necessary adjustments, and test it with an ATS tool to ensure it meets all the job requirements. An optimised CV can pave the way for career progression and improve your interview chances. Start today and take your first step toward your next opportunity!