What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies to automatically filter thousands of job applications before they reach a human recruiter. According to various industry reports, more than 75% of large companies now use ATS in their recruitment process.
This means your CV can be rejected not because of insufficient qualifications, but because of a format or keywords that don't match the system. Understanding how ATS works is the first essential step for every modern job seeker.
How ATS Reads Your CV
ATS works by parsing the text from your CV, then matching it against keywords defined by the recruiter from the job description. The system scores each CV based on keyword relevance, information order, and format readability.
CVs with high scores appear at the top of the list and get the recruiter's attention. CVs with low scores, even from highly competent candidates, sink to the bottom or are never seen at all.
ATS-Friendly CV Format
This is the main foundation for ensuring your CV is read properly by the system:
- Use a single-column format: Avoid two-column layouts, tables, or text boxes. ATS often misreads the text order from multi-column formats.
- Standard, readable fonts: Choose Arial, Calibri, Garamond, or Times New Roman at 10-12pt. Avoid decorative fonts the system can't recognize.
- Save as .docx or .pdf: The .docx format is most commonly accepted by ATS. If sending a PDF, ensure it's text-based (not a scanned image).
- Avoid headers and footers for important information: Many ATS systems don't read content in document headers/footers.
- Don't use images or graphics: Logos, photos, infographics, and icons cannot be read by ATS.
Effective Keyword Strategy
Keywords are the heart of ATS optimization. Here's how to determine them correctly:
- Analyze the job description: Read every word carefully. Words that appear repeatedly are priority keywords.
- Use term variations: If the company writes "project management", also include relevant abbreviations and synonyms.
- Mention specific tools and software: Microsoft Excel, Google Analytics, Salesforce, Figma — specific application names are highly sought by ATS.
- Insert keywords naturally: Don't just stack keywords without context. Embed them in sentences describing your real experience.
CV Structure ATS Prefers
The following section order has proven most effective for passing ATS filters:
- Contact Information — full name, phone, professional email, city, LinkedIn URL
- Professional Summary — 3-4 sentences summarizing your experience and main selling points
- Work Experience — reverse order (most recent first), with measurable achievements
- Education — institution name, degree, major, graduation year
- Skills — list of relevant hard skills and tools
- Certifications — if relevant to the position
Test Your CV Before Sending
After finishing, use tools like CVPintar to analyze whether your CV is optimized for ATS. With thorough preparation, the chances of your CV advancing to the next stage will increase significantly.