What an ATS is
An applicant tracking system stores applications and lets recruiters search them. How it works differs between employers, and no one can promise how a CV will be ranked.
Practical steps
- Use standard headings such as Experience, Education and Skills.
- Use one column and simple bullets.
- Avoid tables, text boxes, headers and graphics for important details.
- Use words from the advert where they honestly describe you.
- Save as the file type the advert asks for.
Do not keyword-stuff
Repeating keywords unnaturally reads badly to people. Use each one where it fits.
Check yourself
Copy your CV into a plain text file. If it reads in order and nothing is missing, it is probably clean.