CVs and applicant tracking systems (ATS): how to get past the first screen

Many companies receive applications in an applicant tracking system (ATS). It extracts the text of your CV to fill in a candidate record and help the recruiter sort applications. A CV the software reads badly can go unnoticed, even with an excellent profile.

What an ATS actually does

In most cases an ATS does not “reject” your CV on its own: it ranks it and lets the recruiter filter by keywords, degrees, location or experience. Your goal is twofold: make sure the text is read correctly, and make sure the terms they search for are there.

The right file format

• A PDF exported from a word processor is read by the vast majority of systems;
• Avoid image CVs (photos, scans, PDFs “printed” as images): the text cannot be read;
• If the offer asks for a Word file, send a .docx.

A layout machines can read

• Standard section headings: “Work experience”, “Education”, “Skills”;
• Important text in the body of the document, not in the header or footer;
• Simple columns; avoid nested tables and text inside shapes;
• The same date format everywhere (for example 03/2023 – 09/2025).

A polished layout is still possible, and even desirable: your CV will also be read by a human.

Keywords, without stuffing

Reuse the exact terms of the offer when they describe your real skills: job title, software, certifications, licences, languages. Spell them out at least once (for example “Customer relationship management (CRM)”). Do not add hidden or unrelated keywords: recruiters notice, and it undermines your application.

Check your CV in two minutes

Open your PDF, select all the text and paste it into a plain text editor. If the order makes sense and nothing is missing, an ATS will read it correctly. If blocks disappear or get mixed up, simplify the layout in that spot.

With MakeYouFirst

MakeYouFirst’s templates are real Word or PowerPoint documents with selectable text, and the content tailored to each offer honestly reuses the ad’s vocabulary from your profile. You can also use your own template: its layout is preserved.