How to Create an ATS-Friendly CV That Gets You Noticed

In today’s competitive job market, your CV isn’t always the first thing a human recruiter sees. Instead, it’s typically scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — a type of software used by companies to streamline the hiring process by filtering out resumes that don’t meet specific criteria.

If your CV isn’t ATS-optimized, it could be rejected before a recruiter even sees it — no matter how qualified you are.

Let’s break down exactly what an ATS-friendly CV is and how to create one that boosts your chances of landing an interview.

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System is software that helps employers manage and sort job applications. It works by scanning resumes for keywords, job titles, skills, formatting, and overall structure to determine how closely your CV matches the job description.

Why does this matter?
Because if your CV isn’t structured in a way that an ATS can understand, it might get filtered out — even if you’re the perfect candidate. That’s why creating an ATS-compliant resume is crucial in today’s digital hiring landscape.

Key Elements of an ATS-Friendly CV

1. Use a Simple, Clean Layout:

Why it matters:
ATS software can’t reliably parse complicated formatting. Elements like tables, graphics, text boxes, and columns can confuse the system, causing it to skip or misread information.

Avoid:

• Fancy templates with multiple columns

• Text boxes, charts, or embedded icons

• Complex design elements

Use instead:

• A single-column layout

• Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman

• Clear section headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills

Tip: If you're using a design platform like Canva, choose a minimal, text-based resume template. Here's a direct link to Canva’s resume templates you can customize.

Need help using Canva? Watch this beginner-friendly YouTube tutorial on how to create a resume with Canva.

2. Use Standard Section Headings:

Why it matters:
ATS systems are programmed to search for common section titles. Using creative or unusual headings can result in important information being skipped.

Stick to these headings:

• Contact Information

• Professional Summary

• Work Experience

• Education

• Skills

• Certifications (if applicable)

Avoid:
Creative labels like “My Journey” or “Things I’ve Done.” They may look unique but can confuse the system.

3. Include Relevant Keywords:

Why it matters:
ATS tools rank your CV based on how closely it matches the job description. Including relevant keywords improves your ranking.

How to do it:

• Read the job post carefully.

• Identify important phrases and skills (e.g., “project management,” “Agile methodology,” “data analysis”).

• Incorporate them naturally throughout your CV — especially in your summary, experience, and skills sections.

Pro tip: Use both full terms and abbreviations. For example:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Project Management Professional (PMP)

Need help finding keywords?
Use tools like Jobscan or Resumeworded to compare your CV with job descriptions.

4. Stick to Common File Formats:

Why it matters:
Some older ATS platforms can’t properly read certain file formats.

Best options:

• .docx (Microsoft Word) — safest for all systems

• PDF — acceptable, but only if the job description doesn’t say otherwise

Avoid:

• Scanned images

• JPG or PNG files

• Google Docs shared links (unless specifically requested)

5. Focus on Content, Not Design:

Why it matters:
An ATS can’t read visual elements like color, graphics, or fancy fonts. All it reads is plain text.

Your CV should be simple, clear, and easy to scan. Keep your layout clean and make your content — not your design — do the talking.

Step-by-Step: How to Create an ATS-Friendly CV

Step 1: Add Your Contact Information:

Place this at the top of your resume. Include:

• Full Name

• Phone Number

• Email Address

• LinkedIn Profile (optional)

• City & Country (no need for full street address)

Tip: Make sure your email address is professional (avoid nicknames or unrelated usernames).

Step 2: Write a Strong Professional Summary:

Your professional summary should be 2–3 lines that capture your core experience, strengths, and skills relevant to the job.

Why it matters:
This section often appears at the top of your CV and sets the tone for recruiters and ATS alike.

Example:

Results-driven marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns, SEO, and brand development. Proven track record of boosting online engagement by 40%.

Step 3: Detail Your Work Experience:

Start with your most recent job and work backward.

Format:

• Job Title

• Company Name – Location

• Dates (Month/Year – Month/Year)

• Bullet points with achievements and responsibilities

Why it matters:
Bullet points make your content easier to scan — for both ATS and recruiters. Use action verbs like managed, led, developed, and back up your claims with data whenever possible.

Example:

• Managed a $200K marketing budget, cutting costs by 15% through strategic planning

• Increased website traffic by 60% in 6 months with optimized SEO content

Step 4: List Your Education:

Include:

• Degree

• Institution

• Graduation Year

Still studying? Add your expected graduation date.

Step 5: Highlight Your Key Skills:

Use a bullet list for quick scanning. Prioritize hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (people skills) that align with the job post.

Example:

• Project Management

• Adobe Photoshop

• Microsoft Excel

• Team Leadership

• Customer Service

Use the job ad as a guide and mirror the language where possible.

Step 6: Optional Add-Ons:

If relevant, you can also include:

• Certifications (e.g., Google Ads, PMP, AWS)

• Languages (especially if the job requires multilingual skills)

• Volunteer Work

• Awards and Achievements

These extras can give you a competitive edge — especially in industries where culture fit and personal initiative are valued.

Should Your CV Include a Photo?

Short answer: Usually no — especially for ATS-friendly resumes.

Why?

• ATS software can’t analyze images, which means your photo adds no value in automated scans.

• Some countries and companies consider photos a potential source of bias, and therefore prefer CVs without them.

• A headshot may look professional, but it’s better reserved for your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or personal website.

Tip: If you still want a polished, professional image for platforms like LinkedIn or your own site, use a tool like Canva's free photo editor or explore free tutorials on how to take a professional headshot at home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls when building your ATS-ready CV:

❌ Using headers or footers (ATS may ignore content inside them)
❌ Including icons, graphics, or logos
❌ Using unusual fonts (stick to system fonts like Arial or Calibri)
❌ Saving as scanned images or screenshots
❌ Keyword stuffing (forcing too many terms unnaturally)

Bonus: Test Your CV Before You Submit

Before applying, test how your resume performs in an ATS:

 Jobscan — matches your CV against job descriptions
 Resumeworded — gives you a CV score and improvement tips

These tools can help you adjust formatting, highlight weak spots, and ensure your resume gets past digital gatekeepers.

Final Thoughts

Creating an ATS-friendly CV doesn’t mean your resume needs to look boring. It means focusing on structure, clarity, and relevance — giving you the best shot at getting seen by recruiters.

By following these guidelines:

• You’ll ensure your application isn’t discarded by automated filters.

• You’ll highlight the right keywords that match the job post.

• You’ll present your experience in a clear, professional way.

Remember, the goal is to pass the ATS and get your CV into the hands of a real person — where you can truly shine.