How To Optimize Your CV for ATS (Application Tracking System), Increase Your Chances of Being Seen
- Kane Abbott
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Most companies that are hiring use a ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that filters out resumes before they even reach a human. It is crucial to understand how ATS works and how to tailor your application accordingly to increase your chances that a human will see your CV. (GoHire)
ATS scans, reads and ranks job applications based on specific keywords and formatting. These systems are designed to filter out unqualified candidates, but these systems could lead to a well-qualified applicant being filtered out if their formatting isn’t correct.
98.4% Fortune 500 companies use ATS when hiring (Jobscan)
What you need to know
Keyword Utilisation: Match job description keywords
Standard Job Titles: Use common industry titles
Simple Format: Stick to basic layout, use a CV template
Tailor for Each Role: Use relevant keywords & highlight achievements
Quantify Impact: Showcase measurable results
Correct Format: Save as PDF or DOCX
Keyword Utilisation
Carefully match your resume to the job description by using keywords related to the role (especially the keywords in the job description). This will help ATS recognise your qualifications and skills
Use Standard Job Titles
Use common job titles that align with industry standards, as opposed to using the exact title you were assigned (if you held a rare title). Write your job title atleast once and write the standard abbreviation atleast once.
Simple and Clean Format
Stick to a standard, basic CV layout. ATS can struggle to process complex formatting, so avoid images, tables, columns and use default typefaces. If you have a portfolio of work, include it in your
Tailor for Each Role
Carefully analyze the job description and incorporate relevant keywords into your CV. Highlight your experience using similar language to the job posting, and if needed, emphasize transferable skills and measurable achievements while using these tools to find the most important keywords and ensure ATS recognition.
Quantify Your Impact
Instead of just listing responsibilities, showcase your contributions with measurable results. Use numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of 10”) to demonstrate your value effectively.
And Finally...Save in Correct Format
Make sure to use a PDF or Docx to submit your CV as these are file types that ATS will easily understand. In whatever software you are using to make your CV
If you follow all steps in this guide you will be in a good position to having your CV seen by a real person!
As we have not tested out any ATS checker software, we don't feel comfortable making recommendations (when we find out the best platform we will let you know), you can search "ATS score checker" in the meantime if necessary.
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