ATS CV checklist
Ten fixes to make before you hit apply. No tricks, only what helps software and people read your CV.
- Applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse your CV into fields before a person sees it.
- A plain, single-column layout is the most predictable.
- No system gives a universal score, so aim to be clear rather than clever.
What an ATS does
Many employers use an applicant tracking system to collect CVs and pull out your name, contact details, jobs and skills into a database. Recruiters then search and filter that data. If the software cannot read your CV cleanly, the details it needs may be missing.
Systems differ, and no one can promise a score. The list below removes the most common reasons a CV is read badly.
Use standard section headings
Call sections "Work Experience", "Education" and "Skills", not "My Journey" or "What I Bring". Software looks for the familiar names.
Prefer a single column
Two-column and sidebar layouts can be read in the wrong order. Use Classic or Minimal for online applications, and keep designed layouts for email.
Keep contact details in the body
Do not put your phone or email only in the page header or footer. Some systems ignore those areas.
Use a standard font
Inter, Arial, Calibri and similar fonts read cleanly. Skip decorative fonts.
Do not hide text in tables, text boxes or images
A skills chart or a photo of your certificate cannot be read as text. Write it out in plain lines.
Mirror the job post, honestly
If the advert says "Accounts Receivable", use that phrase rather than "AR", where it is true for you. Do not add skills you do not have.
Use one date format
Pick "Mar 2021 to Present" or "03/2021 to Present" and use it for every role. Include months where you can.
Spell out acronyms once
Write "Key Performance Indicator (KPI)" the first time, then use KPI. This helps searches for either form.
Send the right file type
Send a PDF unless the employer asks for Word. Name it clearly, for example "Layla-Hassan-CV.pdf".
Read it as plain text
Copy your CV into a plain text editor. If the order is jumbled or something is missing, software will likely see the same problem.
Where CV Wasl fits
Classic and Minimal are single-column layouts made for online applications. The designed layouts (Modern, Two-Tone, Timeline, Executive, Compact) look sharper for a human reader and are marked "Less ATS-Safe" in the picker, so you can choose on purpose.
Questions
What is an ATS?
An applicant tracking system is software employers use to collect CVs and pull details such as your name, jobs and skills into a searchable database.
Is a two-column CV bad for ATS?
Not always, but it is less predictable. Single-column layouts are the safest choice for online applications.
Should I send a PDF or a Word file?
A PDF unless the employer asks for Word. A PDF keeps your formatting on any device.