What is an ATS and why does it matter?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to manage job applications. When you apply online, your CV is almost always processed by an ATS before a human sees it. The system scans for keywords, parses your information into structured fields, and ranks or filters candidates automatically.
The problem: ATS software is not very smart. It's good at finding exact keyword matches. It's bad at reading formatted layouts, interpreting unusual fonts, or understanding meaning.
If your CV doesn't parse correctly, you can be genuinely qualified for a role and still be filtered out before a human ever reads your application.
How ATS systems read your CV
Most ATS systems work by extracting text from your file and matching it against job requirements. A few things that routinely cause problems:
- Complex layouts: two-column layouts, tables, text boxes, and headers/footers often break ATS parsing
- Graphics and icons: invisible to the parser
- Unusual fonts or embedded elements: some systems struggle to extract text accurately
- Abbreviations: the system may not know that "PM" means "Project Manager" unless you write it out
7 things to do to pass ATS screening
1. Use a single-column layout
Two columns look professional to humans but confuse most ATS parsers. A single-column layout ensures text is read in the correct order.
2. Avoid tables, text boxes, and headers/footers
ATS systems often skip or misread content in these elements. Keep everything in the main body of the document.
3. Use standard section headings
Label your sections "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" — not creative alternatives like "My Journey" or "Where I've Been." The ATS is looking for standard headings to categorise information.
4. Mirror the job description's language
This is the most important one. If the job says "stakeholder management," use that phrase — not "client communication." Read every job description carefully and reflect its exact language where accurate to your experience.
5. Include both acronyms and full terms
Write "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)" the first time so the ATS matches either version. Apply this to certifications, tools, and job titles throughout.
6. Submit as PDF
Most modern ATS systems handle PDFs well. A PDF preserves your formatting and prevents layout shifts across different versions of Word. Check if the listing specifies a format preference — when it doesn't, PDF is usually safest.
7. Keep formatting simple
Use a clean, well-structured template. The ATS doesn't care about design — a simple, text-forward layout parses more reliably than a visually complex one.
What ATS can't replace
Even when you pass the ATS, a human still reviews shortlisted CVs. ATS optimisation isn't about gaming a system — it's about not getting accidentally filtered out. The same clarity and relevance that helps an ATS understand your CV also makes it easier for a recruiter to read.
NobelCV uses clean, ATS-friendly templates built for single-column, text-forward layouts. You can start from scratch or import an existing PDF and rebuild it in a format that parses reliably.