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CV & Applications

How to Make Your CV ATS-Friendly

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) help employers manage large numbers of applications. A few simple choices help your CV get read correctly.

Use standard headings

Stick to familiar section titles such as Profile, Experience, Education and Skills.

Keep formatting simple

  • Avoid tables, columns and text boxes
  • Don’t put key details in headers or footers
  • Use common fonts and save as .docx or PDF, as the advert requests

Include relevant keywords naturally

Use the skills and job titles from the advert where they genuinely apply. Keyword stuffing can backfire when a human reads it.

Remember the human reader

Passing the software is only step one. Your CV still needs to impress the hiring manager.

All resourcesNext: Answering “Tell Me About Yourself” with Confidence
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