Here's a statistic that should stop you in your tracks: 75% of CVs are rejected by automated software before a human ever reads them. That software is called an Applicant Tracking System — ATS — and it's used by almost every medium to large employer on the planet.
If your CV isn't written with ATS in mind, your application is likely going straight into a digital bin. Here's exactly how to fix that.
What is an ATS and why does it matter?
An Applicant Tracking System is software that employers use to filter incoming CVs. When you apply for a job online, your CV gets scanned by an algorithm before a recruiter sees it. The system scores your CV based on how well it matches the job description — looking at keywords, formatting, structure and more.
Only CVs that score above a certain threshold make it through to a human. Everyone else is automatically rejected, often with a generic "we'll keep your details on file" email.
The good news: once you know how ATS works, you can write a CV that consistently beats it — and gets your application in front of real people.
The 7 rules of ATS-optimised CVs
1. Match keywords from the job description
ATS systems are looking for specific words and phrases from the job posting. If the job description says "stakeholder management" and your CV says "managing relationships with partners," the ATS may not make the connection.
Read the job description carefully and mirror its exact language. If they say "agile methodology," use "agile methodology" — not "agile working" or "scrum-based approach."
2. Use a clean, simple format
ATS systems can't read tables, text boxes, headers and footers, or complex formatting. Stick to a single-column layout with standard section headings. Avoid putting important information in headers, footers, or sidebars — the ATS may never read it.
3. Use standard section headings
Don't get creative with section names. Use the headings ATS systems expect: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Personal Statement. Unusual headings like "My Journey" or "What I Bring" can confuse the parser.
4. Avoid images, graphics and icons
Most ATS systems cannot parse images. Skill bars, profile photos (unless required by country), logos and icons should all be removed from your ATS submission. Save the designed version for when you send your CV directly to a person.
5. Submit as a Word document or simple PDF
Some ATS systems struggle with PDFs, especially those created from design software like Canva. A Word document is the safest format. If you submit a PDF, make sure it's a text-based PDF — not a scanned image.
6. Include a skills section
Many ATS systems specifically scan for a dedicated skills section. List your hard skills clearly — software, languages, methodologies, certifications. Don't bury them in job descriptions where the parser might miss them.
7. Quantify your achievements
Numbers stand out to both ATS systems and humans. "Increased sales by 34%" scores better than "improved sales performance." Add metrics wherever you can — team sizes, budgets, percentages, revenue figures.
What ATS score should you aim for?
Most recruiters set their ATS threshold at 70–80%. Aim for 85%+ to be safe. CV Zone's AI automatically generates an ATS fit score for every CV it produces — so you know exactly where you stand before you apply.
The fastest way to ATS-optimise your CV
Manually rewriting your CV for every job is exhausting. CV Zone does it automatically — paste the job description, and our AI tailors your CV to match the exact language, keywords and structure that ATS systems are looking for.
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