Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies and most mid-to-large businesses use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs automatically. Your CV must be built to pass ATS first — before any human ever reads it. This guide explains exactly how ATS works and how to beat it.
1How ATS Systems Work
ATS software parses your CV into structured data, scans for keywords from the job description, and assigns a match score. CVs below the threshold are automatically rejected. Common ATS platforms include Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, and Taleo.
2The Most Common ATS Mistakes
These formatting choices cause ATS to misread or reject CVs entirely.
- Using tables, columns, or text boxes
- Custom headings like "My Journey" instead of "Work Experience"
- Putting important info in headers or footers
- Using fancy fonts or unusual characters
- Not including keywords from the job description
3Keyword Optimization Strategy
Read the job description carefully and identify the most important skills, tools, and phrases. Include them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills section.
- Copy 10-15 key phrases from the job posting
- Place important keywords in your summary and first job role
- Use variations: "Project Management" and "project manager"
- Do not keyword-stuff — write naturally but deliberately
4Safe Formatting Rules
Follow these to ensure every ATS can read your CV correctly.
- Single-column layout only
- Standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Summary
- Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman font
- Save as PDF unless Word is specifically requested
- Use bullet points — not custom symbols
Frequently Asked Questions
What ATS score do I need?
Most companies set thresholds between 60-80%. Aim for 70%+ keyword match by including relevant terms from the job description throughout your CV.
Does ATS read PDFs?
Most modern ATS systems read PDFs correctly. If in doubt, submit PDF unless the job posting specifically asks for Word.