How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV
Feb 24, 2026
If you’ve ever applied for a role that you’re certain you’re perfect for and never heard back, it's likely the problem isn't you - rather your CV. Many employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) which scans and filters CV’s before they reach human eyes - and it’s this that’s potentially working against you.
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to write an ATS-friendly CV, as well as looking at what ATS software is, why CVs get rejected, and how to overcome it.
What is ATS Software?
ATS stands for Application Tracking System. It’s a type of software that collects, organises, and scans CVs during the initial stages of the hiring process. Recruiting departments rely on this software to help them narrow down their applicant pool in order to save time and function more efficiently. In simple terms, ATS acts like a digital gatekeeper. If your CV can’t be read correctly, it may be rejected automatically.
ATS software is widely used by UK employers across a range of roles, including graduate, charity, and corporate positions, as well as recruitment agencies. This means that in order to be successful in modern job applications, writing an ATS-friendly CV is essential.
How employers use ATS software to screen CVs
When you submit your CV online, the ATS software runs a number of scans. Its primary function is to read the CV’s context and it does this by looking for keywords related to the job. It will compare your previous job titles, skills, and experience to those outlined in the job requirements. From here, it will rank your CV against other applicants.
It’s therefore essential to use clear CV formatting and ensure your job titles, skills, and experience match the job description. If your formatting is confusing or the wording is too complicated, the system may score it poorly, even if you’re qualified.
Common CV mistakes that confuse ATS software
ATS software reads CVs in a very basic way and if your CV includes complex design elements, the system may misread or ignore important information. Some of the most common mistakes that confuse ATS software include:
Using multiple columns
Adding icons, logos or images
Placing key information inside text boxes
Using font styling like italics or bolding too frequently
Even if your CV looks visually great, these elements can cause problems for ATS systems.
As well as that, ATS systems scan CVs for keywords taken directly from the job description. If your CV doesn’t include the correct job title, required skills, or industry-specific terms, it’s likely to be ranked lower or even automatically rejected. That’s why it is essential to tailor your ATS-friendly CV to each job role and incorporate the same terminology used in the job description.
Formatting issues to avoid
ATS software has many faults with its primary fault being in relation to formatting. For example, it often has difficulty reading:
Tables
Headers and footers
Creative heading titles
Unusual fonts
Decorative designs
Highly designed or graphic-heavy CVs often fail ATS scans because the software prioritises readability over appearance. If your goal is to pass ATS software, a clean and simple CV ATS-friendly format is far more effective than a visually creative one.
In order to keep your CV ATS-friendly, all important information should appear in the main body of the document using plain text.
Tips for ATS-friendly CV formatting
Formatting is one of the most important factors when creating an ATS-friendly CV. The goal is to make your CV easy for the software to read while still looking professional.
The safest and most effective layout is one that is single columned, left-aligned, has clear section breaks, and includes bullet points for your responsibilities and achievements. This layout is not only preferred by ATS, but also for human recruiters.
Here’s a simple checklist for you to follow for your ATS-friendly CV template:
Does it use a single-column layout?
Are you using tables, text boxes, images, or icons? If so, remove them.
Are you using standard section headings for your work experience, education, and key skills?
Do your work experience and skills match the job description?
Are you using a simple font (e.g. Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)?
Have you saved your CV as a Word document or a simple PDF?
Are you using headers or footers? If so, remove them.
Are you utilising clear bullet points instead of long paragraphs?
Take a look at our free CV ATS-friendly templates today
Writing an ATS-friendly CV doesn’t mean making it boring, it means making it readable. By using clean formatting, clear headings, and relevant keywords, you can ensure your CV passes Applicant Tracking Systems and reaches a human recruiter.
Whether you’re using a free CV ATS-friendly template or writing your CV manually, the principles are the same: keep it simple, clear, and tailored to the job.
If you’re ready to optimise your CV for ATS software, take a look at our range of ATS-friendly CV templates today and give your application the best chance of being seen by both software and recruiters.