An ATS-friendly CV is a must for a successful job search in the UK, as more and more companies adopt applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan job applications. If your CV isn’t optimised for this software, chances are it will get discarded before even reaching the recruiter, ruining your chances of landing the job.
Luckily, with the right guidance, anyone can build a CV that appeals to ATS and recruiters alike.
Keep reading to discover how to create a document that passes through the ATS and catches the hiring manager’s eyes in seconds!
Key Takeaways
ATS is a software that facilitates the recruitment process.
An ATS CV is a curriculum vitae optimised for applicant tracking systems.
To format an ATS CV, use the reverse-chronological or combination format, a professional font, and a clear layout or an ATS-friendly template.
Enrich your CV with keywords from the job description to optimise it for ATS.
Avoid overusing keywords, incorrect file formats, complex graphic elements, and grammar errors to create a flawless ATS CV.
What Is ATS, and Why Is It So Popular?
ATS is a recruitment software that companies use to streamline the hiring process.
Its primary purpose is to take the manual labour out of recruitment: with this software, recruiters don’t have to manually post job adverts, organise applications, and go through hundreds of irrelevant CVs to identify qualified candidates. ATS scans and filters applications based on how well they align with the job description, saving recruiters precious time.
Improved efficiency is the main reason ATS is so popular; research carried out by Sven Laumer et al. suggests that it accelerates the recruitment process by 20% while also reducing recruitment costs. Plus, this software can minimise unconscious hiring bias, leading to more objective hiring decisions.
How Does the ATS Work in the UK Job Market?
In the UK job market, ATS scanning software such as iSmartRecruit and Longlist is used to automate recruitment tasks and manage job applications.
ATS Key Features
Job listing distribution
Job application collection
Keyword matching
Applicant screening, filtering, and ranking
Candidate management
Since its market in the UK is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 8.6% by 2029, creating an ATS-friendly CV is essential to your job hunting success.
What Is an ATS-Friendly CV?
A CV for ATS is a curriculum vitae formatted and written to be easily scanned and understood by this software.
In other words, it’s a CV designed according to ATS requirements to ensure the software can easily parse its contents and identify relevant qualifications. It plays a pivotal role in the hiring process; after all, if your document doesn’t pass the ATS check, it won’t even reach the recruiter.
The main difference between a standard, general CV and an ATS CV is that the latter is tailored to the job. A one-size-fits-all document will immediately get rejected, as ATS scans applications and ranks candidates based on their relevance and suitability for the role, i.e., it looks for keywords that indicate the qualifications recruiters seek in a candidate.
With this in mind, let’s look at an ATS CV example to get a general idea of what this type of document looks like.
ATS CV Example
How to Format an ATS-Friendly CV
Correct formatting is key to writing a CV that is compatible with ATS; if the software can’t even scan the document, it will automatically discard your job application.
So, here’s a step-by-step on how to format an ATS-friendly CV:
#1. Pick the Right CV Format
The most ATS-friendly CV format is reverse-chronological, where you emphasise work experience by adding this section right below the CV header, listing each entry from the most recent to the oldest.
However, this format isn’t suitable for all candidates, including those making a career change. The combination (hybrid) format is better for those seeking to highlight transferable skills and downplay the lack of relevant work experience.
Although the functional format is sometimes recommended to candidates with little to no experience, ATS may struggle to scan it. Because of this, it’s best to stick with the reverse-chronological or combination formats, even if you’re writing a student CV.
#2. Create a Clear Layout
A clear, well-organised layout appeals to ATS and recruiters alike, as it creates a document that is easy to navigate and scan.
Here are the key elements that can help you align your CV layout to ATS requirements:
ATS CV Layout Tips
Length. Long documents filled with irrelevant information aren’t compatible with ATS, so keep yours concise. In the UK, the recommended CV length is one or two pages.
Margins. Set 2.5 cm margins on all sides to create ample white space and ensure your CV doesn’t look cluttered.
Bullet points. Use bullet points to organise information; this way, both ATS and recruiters can easily skim through it.
Line spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing to improve readability.
Section headings. Stick with standard section headings (e.g., ‘Work Experience’ instead of ‘Career Progression’) so the ATS can easily recognise the contents of your CV.
#3. Select an ATS-Friendly Template
If spending hours adjusting document margins or writing all the sections from scratch isn’t your idea of fun, using a template to craft your CV is your best option.
However, not all CV templates are compatible with ATS. Those with decorative elements (logos, background images, multi-column designs, etc.) can do more harm than good by making it difficult for the software to scan the document.
If you’re looking for professional ATS CV templates for the UK job market, consider building your CV with CV.co. Our templates are expertly designed to ensure that recruitment software can easily read and understand every piece of information you add!
#4. Use a Professional Font
Rare and overly decorative fonts (cursive fonts, Papyrus, etc.) can confuse the ATS, so it’s best to use standard CV fonts, such as:
ATS CV Fonts
Arial
Calibri
Verdana
Helvetica
Times New Roman
To maximise ATS compatibility and readability, avoid extreme font sizes. The recommended sizes are 10–12 pts for body text and 14–16 pts for headings. Use the same font and font sizes throughout the document to maintain consistency.
#5. Avoid Overly Complex Graphics
Although visual elements can make your CV look more appealing and set it apart from others, they can also cause your application to be rejected. Because most ATS can’t read or interpret images, tables, and other complex graphics, it’s best to limit their use to a minimum.
For example, if you want to highlight key information, it’s better to use bolding or italics (sparingly!) than to include a text box that the software may ignore.
This also means you shouldn’t add a photo to your CV. Not only does the software struggle to scan images, but some ATS may even discard your application right away due to the UK’s anti-discrimination laws.
Now that we’ve covered all about formatting, let’s discuss how to maximise ATS optimisation by incorporating relevant keywords in your CV.
How to Optimise Your CV With ATS-Compatible Keywords
To optimise your CV with ATS-compatible keywords, sprinkle them organically throughout the document. Doing this is critical because this software works on the principle of keyword matching; put simply, it scans your CV to identify specific words that indicate you may be a good fit for the position.
To find the right keywords for an ATS CV, read the job listing carefully and note down the soft and hard skills the company seeks in a candidate. Then, determine the ones you possess; you’ll want to integrate them into your CV, using the exact phrasing from the job description.
For example, if you’re applying for the marketing specialist position, some relevant keywords in the job advert may include ‘Google Analytics’, ‘SEO’, ‘email marketing’, ‘creativity’, ‘storytelling’, and ‘collaboration’. If any of these apply to you, include them to let the ATS know you match the company’s requirements.
To create an ATS CV, mention the keywords from the job description naturally in the following sections:
ATS Keywords Placement
CV header. Add the professional title listed in the job description under your name. Then, include the keywords in your personal statement to pass the ATS check and capture the recruiter’s attention (e.g., ‘Creative marketing specialist with 3 years of experience in SEO…’).
Work experience. Mention keywords when describing your responsibilities and achievements to optimise your work experience section for ATS.
Skills. List hard and soft skills separately to organise the document and show the ATS you’re qualified for the job.
You can also add ATS keywords in additional sections, such as languages, certifications, projects, and volunteer work.
Ultimately, you should craft a unique, ATS-friendly CV for each application by aligning its contents with the job description and, by extension, the recruiter’s expectations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your ATS-Friendly Resume
To create a top-ranking ATS CV, avoid the following mistakes:
#1. Overusing Keywords
Overloading your CV with keywords, even relevant ones, can quickly backfire. Even if your application passes the ATS scan, recruiters aren’t fond of keyword stuffing; it looks manipulative and rarely, if ever, reflects the candidate’s true abilities.
To create a powerful ATS CV, don’t simply list the keywords at the bottom of the document or mention them in every sentence. Instead, use them strategically and in context to illustrate your suitability for the job.
#2. Using Incorrect File Formats
No matter how good your CV is, it may not reach the recruiter if you save it using the wrong file format.
The best file formats for an ATS CV are .docx and PDF. While .docx was once seen as the gold standard, most recruitment software today can read PDF files just as easily. And, unlike .docx files, PDF CVs maintain consistent formatting across different devices.
That said, unless the employer requests you to submit your document in a particular format, it’s entirely up to you whether to use the .docx or PDF file format for your ATS CV.
#3. Using Complex Graphics or Tables
Since most ATSs struggle to read tables, decorative fonts, and other visual elements, stick to simple formatting. Otherwise, some of the information you include may be skipped altogether, and the software might reject your application.
Besides, what truly impresses recruiters isn’t how your CV looks; it’s what it tells about your suitability for the role. So, to leave a lasting impression, focus on impactful content rather than flashy visuals!
#4. Adding Headers and Footers
Putting information in the headers and footers of the document may seem like a great way to organise your CV, but this couldn’t be further from the truth; most ATS can’t read these sections.
Leave headers and footers untouched to ensure no information gets lost. You should also place the CV header at the very top of the page rather than the literal document header.
#5. Overlooking Grammar Errors
The key to writing an ATS CV is to match the job description’s language precisely. This also explains why typos and grammar errors can negatively affect your ranking or even get your application discarded.
If you list ‘project management’ in your CV, for example, the software won’t be able to determine that you know project management. And even if your document passes the ATS check, recruiters may find it off-putting due to a lack of attention to detail. So, don’t forget to proofread your CV before submitting it!
Craft an ATS-Friendly CV With CV.co
Looking to fast-track the ATS CV writing process? Try our CV builder!
It’s equipped with a dedicated AI helper and ATS-friendly CV templates, allowing you to create a professional document within minutes.
Final Thoughts
And that’s how you write an ATS CV!
When it comes to optimising your application for recruitment software, remember that simplicity is key. Fancy formatting might impress some recruiters, but it will definitely confuse the ATS.
So, keep it clear, professional, and, most importantly, tailored to the job description to ensure your application passes the ATS check and makes it into the hiring manager’s hands!
ATS CV FAQ
#1. Does my CV always need to be ATS-optimised?
Yes, your CV always needs to be ATS-optimised. Even if the company doesn’t use recruitment software, ATS CVs are well-formatted and tailored to the job, allowing the hiring manager to identify what makes you a viable candidate at a glance.
#2. Why is ATS rejecting my CV?
ATS may reject your CV because it hasn’t been optimised or formatted correctly. To create a winning ATS CV, choose the reverse-chronological or combination format, avoid complex graphic elements, organise the information using bullet points, and include relevant keywords. Once you’re done, save it as a .docx or PDF file.
#3. How do I find keywords for ATS?
You can find keywords for ATS by scanning the job description and identifying the skills and qualifications the employer expects you to have. Pay close attention to repeated terms, as these may be particularly important to them.
#4. Do I need a cover letter with an ATS CV?
You need a cover letter with an ATS CV, even if the job advert doesn’t indicate it. A well-written one can help you stand out among other candidates, detail your professional background, and convince the recruiter to invite you for an interview. You should also optimise it for ATS to ensure the recruiter receives it.
