How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV

Use a clean, single-column layout

ATS parsers read top to bottom, left to right. Tables, text boxes, multiple columns, and graphics can scramble the reading order or hide content entirely. Stick to a single column with clear section headings such as Professional Summary, Experience, Education, and Skills. Use a standard font and export as a text-based PDF, never as a scanned image.

Mirror the language of the job description

ATS ranking is largely keyword matching. If the job asks for "stakeholder management" and your CV says "worked with different teams", you may not get credit for the skill. Read the job description carefully and use its exact terms where they honestly describe your experience. Include both the spelled-out form and the abbreviation, for example "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)", because you cannot know which one the system searches for.

Structure every role the same way

For each position, list your job title, company, location, and dates in a consistent format. Then use bullet points that start with a strong action verb and end with a measurable result.

• Bad: "Responsible for sales in the region."
• Good: "Grew regional sales 32% year over year by launching two new channel partnerships."
• Keep bullets to one or two lines and lead with the most impressive ones.

Test before you send

Copy your CV text into a plain text editor. If the result is readable and in the right order, an ATS can probably read it too. Better still, run it through an ATS checker that scores it against a real job description and shows you missing keywords before a recruiter ever sees it.