How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV in 2026 (+ Free Template Checklist)

If you've been applying for jobs and hearing nothing back, your CV might not be the problem — your formatting might be. Most large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before a human ever sees them. Studies suggest up to 75% of CVs are rejected at this stage alone.

Here's how to make sure yours gets through.

What Is an ATS?

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that scans, parses, and ranks CVs based on keywords and formatting. If your CV uses complex layouts, graphics, or unusual fonts, the system may misread or discard it entirely — regardless of your experience.

7 Rules for an ATS-Friendly CV

1. Use standard section headings

Stick to: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications. Creative headings like "My Journey" confuse parsers.

2. Avoid tables, columns, and graphics

Multi-column layouts and text boxes often get scrambled by ATS software. Use a clean, single-column format.

3. Match keywords from the job description

Read the job posting carefully and mirror the exact language used — especially for skills and job titles. If they say "project management", don't just write "managing projects".

4. Keep formatting simple

Use a standard font (Calibri, Arial, or Georgia), consistent spacing, and no headers/footers with key information — ATS often ignores those areas.

5. Save in the right format

Unless the job posting specifies otherwise, submit as .docx — it's the most reliably parsed format. PDF can work but varies by system.

6. Include a dedicated Skills section

List hard skills explicitly: programming languages, tools, certifications. Don't bury them in bullet points only.

7. Tailor each application

One generic CV won't rank well across different roles. Adjust your summary and skills section for each job — even small tweaks make a measurable difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a photo or headshot (not standard in the UK for ATS roles, and can cause parsing errors)
• Putting contact details only in the header
• Using icons or symbols instead of plain text
• Submitting a heavily designed template not built for ATS compatibility

Save Time With a Pre-Built ATS Template

Getting the formatting right from scratch is time-consuming. Our ATS-Ready CV Template Pack is pre-formatted to pass ATS screening, recruiter-tested, and available as an instant download — so you can focus on the content, not the layout.

👉 Download the ATS-Ready CV Template Pack — instant delivery, no faff.