6 Steps To Write ATS-Friendly CV That Will Be Noticed By Employers

Does job searching sometimes feel like you’re flinging CVs to a black hole?

You may be wondering if your applications are being read at all!

Research shows that approximately 40% of employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) during the recruitment process.

I received an email from Juliet claiming that she spent a lot of resources applying for many jobs without any success. She asked her friends to review her CV but still, she didn’t get positive feedback. The last option was to consult professional CV writers who advised her that the CV needed to be revamped and tailored to have industry-related keywords. This did wonders because after that, the first application she submitted got her an interview which landed her a dream job.

For you to stand out like Juliet, having a  professional CV that is ATS-compliant is crucial. It should have the right keywords that match the job description, required experience, and professional skills.

But the question is, is there a perfect ATS CV?

There is no perfect ATS CV because the system can be adjusted and set up differently based on the keywords required.

Getting your CV pass the ATS system is quite easier than you might think.

Follow these 6 steps to create an ATS-friendly CV that will sail right through and impress the employer.

1. Use Long-Form And Acronym Versions Of Keywords.

When looking for the right candidates, employers may search for the keyword either in full or its abbreviations.

Some ATS will give exact keyword results based on the search. For example, if your CV has the keyword Search Engine Optimization and the employer searches the word SEO then it will not pass the system.

It is therefore important to use both the long-form and the acronym to increase your chances of selection.

2. Use A Chronological CV Format.

Some formats do not work well with the ATS system. For example, the functional CV format doesn’t emphasize work history.

Chronological CV format lists your work history in order of when you held each position, with the most recent job listed at the top.

Employers want to see your most recent positions and therefore using  this  format because it is ATS compliant is important.

3. Avoid Images, Tables, Or Columns.

For instance, having your photo at the top, a table in the skills section, and referees may cause a parsing error in the ATS system.

Having a picture of yourself may also cause discrimination.

4. Use A Screen-Friendly, Traditional Font.

For readability, it’s best to use fonts like Times New Roman and Arial because they are considered to be ATS-friendly.

Some fonts like Algerian are not compliant with the system and the system may automatically change unfamiliar fonts.

5. Don’t Use Headers Or Footers.

The information in headers and footers may get lost or cause parsing errors inside and ATS and your CV will not reach the hands of the employer.

6. Save Your File As A . Docx Or PDF

Always save your CV under your full name as a docx file or .pdf file. For example, in Juliet’s case, she could have saved it as Juliet Ann CV then change to pdf.

Most employers prefer PDFs because their format cannot be altered in any way and it can’t alter the design of your CV.

Bottom-Line

Creating a CV that is ATS-friendly is a highly effective way to increase your chances of getting an interview. Ensure that you include job-specific keywords, use standard CV sections, and a parsable format that will not be altered by the system.

Have your CV pass the ATS system by consulting our Professional CV writers to revamp your CV today!