How to write an ATS-friendly CV

Your CV has an important job before it reaches a hiring manager. Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sort and scan applications, and these tools decide which CVs move forward. If your CV is not structured in a way the software can read, your application may be overlooked even if you have the right experience.

As a recruitment agency, we review thousands of CVs every day and see how small changes can make a big difference. 

In this blog, we explain what an ATS is, how it affects your job search and the steps you can take to create a CV that performs well. You will find simple, practical advice that helps your CV reach the right people and improves your chances of being shortlisted.

What is an applicant tracking system (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system is software employers use to manage and filter job applications. It scans each CV for keywords, skills and clear structure, then ranks how closely your experience matches the role. Most UK employers now use ATS tools to handle large volumes of applications, which means your CV needs to be formatted in a way the software can interpret.

An ATS does not judge your personality or potential. It focuses on text it can read and match to the job description. When your CV is written with ATS rules in mind, it is more likely to reach a hiring manager and be reviewed properly. As a recruitment agency, we work with these systems daily, and we see how a well-structured, keyword-aligned CV can improve your chances of progressing to an interview.

How ATS impacts your job search in 2026

ATS software plays a larger role in hiring each year, and by 2026 it is expected to be a standard part of the application process across most sectors. These systems help employers manage higher volumes of applicants, which means your CV is reviewed by technology long before it reaches a hiring manager. When your CV is easy for an ATS to scan, you stand a stronger chance of being shortlisted.

The tools used in 2026 will place more focus on skills, keywords and career history that match the job description. This shift means your CV needs clear wording, simple formatting and relevant terminology that reflects your experience accurately. 

From our work with employers, we see how candidates with well structured, ATS-ready CVs move through the process more smoothly. Preparing your CV for these systems helps you stay competitive in a market where clarity and relevance matter more than ever.

By 2026, we expect more employers to use AI-supported ATS tools, which place even greater weight on job-specific skills and keyword relevance.

What is an ATS-friendly CV?

An ATS-friendly CV is a document written and formatted so an applicant tracking system can read it without confusion. It uses clear headings, simple structure and relevant keywords that match the job description. 

This helps the system understand your skills, experience and suitability for the role. When your CV is ATS-friendly, it has a far better chance of reaching a hiring manager rather than being filtered out early.

From our work with employers, we see that an ATS-friendly CV focuses on clarity first. It avoids tables, graphics and layouts that software cannot process. The content is written in plain text, with skills and experience presented in a direct and readable way. 

This approach helps both the system and the hiring team review your CV quickly, giving you a stronger chance of being shortlisted for the roles you are targeting.

How to write an ATS-optimised CV

Creating an ATS-optimised CV does not need to feel complex. Small layout changes and clear wording can make your CV far easier for screening tools to read. These adjustments help your application progress through the first stage so a hiring manager can review your profile properly.

The steps below are simple to put into practice and give you a stronger chance of being shortlisted for the roles you want.

Choose the right file format for ATS systems

Most ATS tools read standard file formats, and the safest option is a Word document. A .doc or .docx file maintains your structure without causing issues for screening software. While some systems can read PDFs, not all do, so choosing a Word format helps you avoid unnecessary risk and ensures your CV is processed correctly.

Using the right file format also supports clear text scanning. When your CV is saved in a format the system trusts, your job titles, skills and experience are far more likely to be captured accurately. This simple choice often improves your visibility in the early stages of screening.

Use clean, ATS-safe formatting

Clean formatting helps an ATS interpret your CV without errors. Simple headings, standard fonts and short paragraphs make the content easy to scan. Avoid decorative elements or complex layout features, as these can disrupt how the system reads your details.

Clear formatting also helps hiring teams. A layout that is easy to follow gives your experience more impact and reduces the chance of important details being overlooked. When both the ATS and the hiring manager can read your CV quickly, your application carries more weight.

Structure your CV in a single readable column

ATS systems read text from top to bottom, so a single-column layout is the most reliable structure. Multi-column designs often cause information to be misread or skipped entirely. Keeping your CV in one clean column ensures every section flows logically and is captured correctly.

This structure also supports readability for the employer. A single column presents your career history, key skills and achievements in a clear order, making it easier for them to understand your experience at a glance. It keeps the focus on your content rather than the design.

Use keywords naturally and in context

ATS tools scan your CV for keywords that match the job description. Including relevant skills, sector terminology and job titles helps the system recognise your suitability. Aim to use these terms naturally within your work history, summary and skills section rather than repeating them excessively.

As recruiters, we see that the strongest CVs balance keyword relevance with human readability. When you describe your experience clearly and in context, both the ATS and the hiring manager can see how your background fits the role. This approach helps you appear for the right roles without any risk of keyword stuffing.

Avoid headers, footers and design elements ATS cannot read

Headers and footers often cause key information to be missed. ATS tools may ignore these areas entirely, which means your contact details or job titles could be skipped. Keeping all important information in the main body of your CV makes it easier for the system to read.

Design elements such as images, icons, tables and graphics should also be avoided. These elements are not always scanned correctly, and they can break the structure of your document. Simple text is far more reliable and improves the accuracy of how your CV is processed.

What to include in an ATS-friendly CV

An ATS-friendly CV focuses on clear information that matches the role you are applying for. The aim is to present your skills, experience and career history in a way that screening tools can interpret accurately. When each section is structured with the system in mind, your CV stands a stronger chance of progressing to the next stage.

The following sections outline what you should include and how to present each part so both the ATS and the hiring manager can review your details with ease.

Clear contact details in the main CV body

Your contact details must sit at the top of your CV within the main text, not in a header or footer. Include your name, phone number, email address and location. This ensures an ATS can pick up your information without missing important details that might affect your application.

A clear contact section also helps hiring teams reach you quickly. When your details are easy to find and accurate, you reduce the chances of delays or missed opportunities. Simple, well placed information keeps your CV professional and accessible.

A keyword-aligned headline and summary

A short headline and summary at the top of your CV help the ATS understand your professional focus. Use wording that reflects the job you are applying for, such as your core role, key skills or sector. This section gives the system early context and strengthens your relevance to the position.

A clear summary also benefits hiring managers. It offers a quick overview of who you are, your strengths and the value you bring. When this section uses natural, relevant terminology, it supports both ATS scanning and human decision making.

Work history that highlights skills and outcomes

Your work history should present your roles in a clear format with job titles, dates and responsibilities. Use simple bullet points and describe what you achieved in each position. This helps the ATS match your experience to the job description through clear and recognisable terms.

We see stronger results when candidates explain the effect of their work, such as improvements made, targets met or responsibilities taken on. These details help employers understand your contribution and show how your skills have been applied in real situations.

A skills section built for ATS keyword matching

A dedicated skills section supports ATS keyword scanning. List the core technical skills, tools and sector-specific terms that are relevant to the roles you apply for. Keep this list concise, clear and reflective of your actual experience.

This section also helps hiring teams review your suitability quickly. A well structured skills list acts as a snapshot of your strengths and gives the reader a clear sense of what you bring to the role. It also supports your keyword relevance across the document.

Achievements that support keyword relevance

An achievements section helps you highlight work that directly relates to the job requirements. These points show measurable outcomes, successful projects or recognition that reflects your skills. When written clearly, these statements support both ATS relevance and human review.

Selecting achievements that align with the job description strengthens your chances of being shortlisted. It helps employers see the value you delivered and the context in which you used your skills. This clarity builds trust in your experience.

Education, certifications and relevant tools

Your education and qualifications should be listed in a simple, chronological structure. Include the course name, institution and dates. If you have certifications or training that match the role, place them clearly under this section.

Many ATS tools look for industry certifications or software experience. Listing tools and training in a clear format helps the system recognise them and improves your match score. This also reassures hiring managers that you have the necessary foundation for the role.

Optional sections that support stronger keyword relevance

Optional sections such as technical projects, volunteer experience or professional memberships can support keyword relevance when they add context to your skills. Include these only when they provide useful detail for the roles you are targeting.

These sections can also help differentiate your application. When used well, they show commitment to your field and offer more insight into your experience. Keep the wording simple and link each point back to the skills or knowledge required for the job.

Tips for writing an ATS-optimised CV

Once you understand how ATS tools read your CV, the next step is applying practical techniques that help your document perform well. These tips give you more control over how your CV appears in automated screening and help you present your experience with clarity.

Tailor each CV to the job description

Tailoring your CV makes it easier for an ATS to recognise that you match the requirements of the role. Review the job description and identify the skills, responsibilities and tools that appear most often. Use similar wording where it reflects your real experience.

This approach keeps your CV relevant and focused. It shows the employer that you understand the role and helps the ATS spot direct links between your background and their needs. Even minor adjustments can strengthen your match without rewriting the entire document.

Balance ATS optimisation with human readability

An ATS-friendly CV should still feel clear and engaging for the person who reads it next. Keep sentences short, avoid clutter and present your experience in a way that makes sense to a hiring manager. ATS optimisation supports your application, but it should never come at the cost of clarity.

Recruiters and employers spend more time on CVs that are easy to follow. When your formatting is simple and your points are direct, your strengths become easier to spot. This balance helps your CV progress through both technical and human review.

Use sector-specific keywords

Every sector has its own terminology, and using accurate wording helps you appear for roles that match your background. Include the tools, methods and experience commonly requested in your field, as long as they genuinely reflect your skill set.

Sector-specific keywords also help hiring teams understand your experience quickly. They can see at a glance whether you have worked in similar environments or handled similar responsibilities. This clarity builds confidence in your CV and supports your relevance for the role.

Test your CV using plain-text and ATS-checking tools

A simple way to check if your CV is ATS-ready is to paste it into a plain-text document. If the layout still reads clearly and nothing appears disordered, your formatting is likely suitable for screening tools. This test helps you spot hidden issues before you submit your application.

There are also ATS-checking tools that review structure, keyword relevance and formatting. While these tools vary in detail, they offer a straightforward way to identify areas for improvement. Candidates often find these checks helpful for final adjustments before applying.

Common mistakes to avoid when creating an ATS-friendly CV

Many candidates lose out on opportunities because their CV contains elements that ATS tools find difficult to read. These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. By avoiding them, you improve the chances of your CV being processed correctly and reaching a hiring manager.

Overloading your CV with keywords

Adding keywords helps an ATS understand your experience, but too many can make your CV feel forced. When keywords appear without context, the document becomes harder to read and may even weaken your message. Focus on using relevant terms where they naturally reflect your skills.

Hiring teams also prefer CVs that read smoothly. Keyword overuse can distract from your strengths and make your experience seem less clear. A balanced approach helps you stay visible in searches while still presenting your background with confidence.

Using creative templates ATS cannot read

Templates with heavy design features often cause issues during screening. Columns, graphics, icons and decorative fonts may look appealing but can disrupt how ATS tools extract information. This can lead to missing details or an incorrect interpretation of your experience.

A simple layout is far more reliable. It ensures the system can read your job titles, responsibilities and skills without confusion. Employers also prefer clear, straightforward CVs that allow them to focus on your experience rather than the formatting.

Using vague job titles or uncommon phrasing

ATS tools match your job titles to standard industry terms. If your titles are unclear or unusual, the system may not recognise your level or role. Choosing accurate, widely known terms helps your CV match more closely with relevant positions.

Clear phrasing also supports hiring managers. When your role titles and responsibilities are easy to understand, employers can quickly see where you fit within a team and how your experience applies to their needs.

Hiding key information in images, tables or icons

ATS systems cannot reliably read information stored within images, graphics or icons. If your contact details, skills or achievements sit inside design elements, they may be skipped entirely. This reduces your visibility and may prevent your CV from being shortlisted.

Keeping your content in plain text is the safest option. It ensures every detail that matters is captured correctly and presented in a format employers trust. Simple presentation protects the accuracy of your application and avoids unnecessary screening issues.

An ATS-friendly CV helps your application reach hiring teams by keeping your layout simple, your wording clear and your skills easy to scan. Small adjustments such as using the right format, choosing relevant keywords and avoiding design-heavy templates can make your CV far more effective.

Ready for your next move? Browse our latest jobs or submit your CV with us today.