How to make your CV ATS-friendly
Updated 1 November 2026
Many larger employers and recruitment platforms use an applicant-tracking system, or ATS, to receive and sort CVs. It reads the text of your CV and files it into fields. If the layout confuses it, parts of your CV can go missing. These habits keep your CV readable by both software and people.
What an ATS does
An ATS takes your CV file, pulls out the text, and sorts it into headings such as experience, education and skills. A recruiter can then search and filter the people who applied. It reads text. It does not see pictures or fancy design.
Formatting habits that help
- Use real, selectable text. Never send a photo or scan of a CV as your only copy.
- Use the standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills.
- Keep a simple layout. Heavy tables, text boxes and graphics can scramble the order.
- Use a common, readable font and normal bullet points.
- Put your contact details in the body of the page, not only in a header or footer.
- Save as a PDF or Word file, as the advert asks.
Use the words from the advert
Read the job advert and note the skills, tools and duties it names. Where they are true for you, use the same words in your summary, your experience and your skills. This helps a search find you and also shows the person reading that you understood the job. Only include things you have really done.
A CV is still read by people
Passing a system is only the first step. A person will read the CV next, so it must also be clear, honest and specific. Write for both.
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Build my CVCommon questions
Is a PDF safe for an ATS?
A PDF with real text is normally fine. A PDF made from a scanned picture is not, because there is no text to read.
Should I copy the whole advert into my CV?
No. Use the advert’s key words where they truthfully describe you, and keep the rest in your own words.
Does every employer use an ATS?
No. Many smaller employers read CVs directly. A clean, simple CV works well either way.