How to create an ATS, Job Board and Agency friendly CV

How to create an ATS, Job Board and Agency friendly CV

Posted on 05 June 2025

Creating an ATS-friendly CV (Applicant Tracking System-friendly) is essential to ensure your resume passes through software filters and reaches a human recruiter. As recruiters we also reformat your CV and this simplifies the process too.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a document.

Use a Simple, Clean Format

Submit as a .docx or PDF

Use standard professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Font size: 10–12 pt for body text; 14–16 pt for headings.

No graphics or tables: ATS may not read text inside images, text boxes, or tables.

Use bullet points, not symbols.

Use Standard Headings

Use conventional section headers such as:

Contact Information

Professional Summary

Work Experience

Education

Skills

 Optimize with Keywords

Tailor your CV to the job description or have versions for separate industries or roles.

Avoid keyword stuffing — keep it natural and relevant.

Use a Chronological or Hybrid Format

Chronological: Most ATS-friendly. Lists jobs from most recent to oldest. You want employers to see where you are now at the earliest opportunity.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Overuse of acronyms without spelling them out(i.e “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)).

Complex formatting, including columns, charts, images and symbols can look good but often can create issues.

Proofread and Test

Proofread for grammar, spelling, and formatting consistency.

 

 

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