What is ATS and how your CV can pass automated filters

Sent dozens of applications and getting no response? The problem might not be your profile — it could be that your CV never even reaches a human. Learn about ATS systems and how to optimise your CV to get past them.

What is an ATS?

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It's software used by companies to manage the volume of applications they receive. When you apply for a job online, at most medium and large companies, your CV is first read by an algorithm, not a person.

Companies like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Greenhouse, Lever, Workday and Taleo are examples of widely used ATS platforms. Many medium-sized companies already use some form of automated screening system.

Why 80% of CVs are filtered automatically

The ATS filters candidates based on criteria set by the recruiter:

• Keywords — The system looks for specific terms from the job description in your CV
• Minimum experience — Years of experience in the field or with specific technologies
• Education — Required academic degree
• Location — Some systems filter by geographical area

If your CV doesn't mention the right keywords, it's automatically rejected — even if you're the perfect candidate for the role. The algorithm doesn't understand context, it only matches text.

ATS-friendly formatting: what to avoid

The ATS reads your CV as plain text. Complex visual elements can confuse the system and cause important information to be lost:

• Avoid tables and columns — The ATS reads left to right and may scramble the order of information
• Avoid headers and footers — Information in headers and footers may not be read
• Avoid text boxes — Content inside text boxes in Word is often not extracted
• Avoid images and icons — The ATS can't read images, including your photo or decorative icons
• Avoid skills charts — Progress bars for skills are not interpreted by the systems
• Avoid exotic fonts — Use Arial, Calibri, Helvetica or Georgia

Keywords: the heart of the ATS strategy

Before sending your CV for a specific role, read the job description carefully and identify the most important keywords. Look for:

• Technologies and tools mentioned (e.g. React, Salesforce, Power BI)
• Required technical skills (e.g. project management, data analysis)
• Specific certifications or qualifications
• Action verbs associated with the role

Then incorporate those keywords naturally in your CV — in the summary, experience and skills. Don't use keyword stuffing (listing words without context) — more modern systems and human recruiters recognise that tactic.

How to structure your CV for ATS

Use standard section headings that systems recognise:

• "Work Experience" or "Professional Experience" — not "My Journey"
• "Education" or "Academic Background" — not "Where I Studied"
• "Skills" or "Competencies" — not "What I Know"

How to check your ATS score

The most effective way to know if your CV passes ATS filters is to use an analysis tool. The typical process is:

1. Paste the job description
2. The system analyses your CV vs. the description
3. You receive a score and a list of missing keywords
4. You adjust the CV and check again

ATS isn't everything

Optimising for ATS is necessary but not sufficient. A CV that passes the ATS still needs to impress the human recruiter. Formatting, clarity and quantified results remain essential when your CV reaches a recruiter's desk.

CV Creator Pro includes built-in ATS analysis: paste the job description, get a score from 0 to 100 and see exactly which keywords are missing and what to improve to maximise your chances of moving to the next stage. Analyse your CV free