ATS CV – How to Write? How Does Applicant Tracking System Work?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a technology used by the vast majority of large companies to filter CVs before they reach a recruiter. If your CV doesn't pass through the ATS, it will never reach human eyes. Do you know how to write a CV that will pass through this automated gatekeeper? Learn from us how to master the art of creating an ATS-friendly CV!

What is ATS CV and Why is Everyone Talking About It?

How Does Applicant Tracking System Work and What Does It Look For?

12 Essential Rules – How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV

What to Avoid in Your CV? Errors That ATS Eliminates

Summary

FAQ – CV ATS

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What is ATS CV and Why is Everyone Talking About It?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that companies use to automatically review and categorize thousands of CVs. Instead of forwarding each document to a recruiter, it's first "filtered" through an algorithm that searches for specific keywords, formatting, and structure.

Simple math:

✔️500 applications come in daily for one position
✔️A recruiter can only read 40-50 CVs per day
✔️ATS automatically rejects CVs that don't meet the criteria
✔️Only 5-10% of applications reach the recruiter

✨ Tip: Writing a CV without understanding ATS is like shooting blindfolded. Without optimizing for this system, your CV will never be read by a human.

How Does Applicant Tracking System Work?

To write a CV that will pass through ATS, you need to understand how this system works. Here are the stages of the process:

1. Document Parsing

ATS first "reads" your CV, extracting text from it. The system prefers simple formats (like .docx or .pdf) because more complex files (e.g., with graphics, unusual formatting) may be transmitted incorrectly.

2. Keyword Search

The system scans your CV for keywords associated with the job posting. If we're looking for "Project Manager" and you write "Manager of Projects", ATS might skip you. Keywords include:

✔️Technical skills – specific software, programming languages, certifications
✔️Work experience – positions, types of projects
✔️Education – field of study, education level
✔️Certifications and awards – specific names

3. Scoring Assessment

ATS awards your CV points for each keyword found. The more matches, the higher the score (usually 0-100 points). Only CVs with higher scores move to the next stage.

4. Ranking and Filtering

CVs are ranked by score. The highest-rated documents go to the recruiter, the rest are automatically rejected – sometimes without any notification.

12 Essential Rules – How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV

Rule	Description	Example
1. Use simple file formats	.DOCX (Microsoft Word) – best choice .PDF – good, but sometimes parsing issues NOT: .pages, .odt, .ppt, files with graphics or unusual formatting	Save your CV in .docx or .pdf before sending
2. Use keywords from the job posting	Copy key skills from the job description Incorporate them naturally in sections: skills, experience Avoid paraphrasing – use exact terms	Job posting: "proficiency in Python and SQL" ✓ Good: Python 3.6+, SQL databases ✗ Poor: "I can code"
3. Create a simple hierarchy with headings	Use standard section headings No text before sections Avoid nested or missing headings	EXPERIENCE Position \| Company \| Date SKILLS Category: list
4. Smart formatting – no ATS tricks	Bold text is acceptable NOT: colors, gradients, tables, text boxes, graphic lines NOT: images, icons, graphic symbols Simple font at reasonable size (10-12 pt)	Bad format: CV in designer layout with icons Good format: CV with bold headings, clean text
5. Proper CV structure	Contact information at the top Professional summary Work experience Education Skills Certifications (optional)	Follow standard section order
6. List specific skills clearly	Bullet points – ideal for ATS Each skill on a separate line Categorize: Technical Skills, Soft Skills	SKILLS • JavaScript, React, Node.js • Project management • Agile/Scrum
7. Use consistent date format throughout	Use consistent date format Preferred: "Month Year" (e.g., "January 2024") or "01/2024" Avoid mixing formats in the same CV	CONSISTENT: January 2024 – March 2025 INCONSISTENT: Jan 2024 – 3/25
8. Skip full address (or keep it minimal)	You can list city + country Remove full address (data safety) Alternative: link to LinkedIn with full details	✓ OK: London, United Kingdom ✗ Too detailed: 123 Main Street, Apt 45, London W1A 1AA, UK
9. Be specific in experience descriptions	Don't write: "Responsible for various tasks" Write with specific results and technologies Can ATS scan it? Does it contain keywords?	✗ Weak: Worked on projects ✓ Strong: Developed React frontend components, improving performance by 40%
10. Avoid unnatural keywords	Incorporate keywords naturally Avoid artificial "keyword stuffing" Your CV should read naturally for humans	✗ Unnatural: "Expert Python Python Python programmer" ✓ Natural: "Advanced Python & JavaScript development, 5+ years experience"
11. Add "Certifications" and "Courses" section	Specific certification names (for ATS!) Dates obtained (if current) Issuing organization	AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Amazon Web Services, 2024 Certified Scrum Master – Scrum Alliance, 2023
12. Test your CV before sending	Send CV to your own email and open it on different devices Check if formatting stayed intact Use online tools: ATS Keyword Checker, jobscan.pro	Before sending to an employer, check your CV looks the same everywhere

What to Avoid in Your CV? Errors That ATS Eliminates

⚠️ Formatting errors that can eliminate you:

❌ Columns and tables – ATS reads them poorly, scrambling text
❌ Graphics and icons – QR codes, symbols, LinkedIn icons – ATS can't read them
❌ Scanned PDF headers – if you send a scanned CV, ATS won't read it
❌ Text boxes and frames – parsing might skip them
❌ Unusual special characters – symbols, arrows, dashes instead of hyphens
❌ Multiple colors and fonts – makes scanning difficult for the algorithm

✓ Content ATS likes:

Specific keywords from the job posting (use Ctrl+F)
Full names of companies, positions, programs (not abbreviations)
Exact employment dates – explain employment gaps
Numbers and results – increased productivity by 25%, managed a team of 10 people
CV length – ideal is 1-2 pages (ATS reads the full CV)
Working email – make sure the employer can contact you

Summary

ATS is the gate you need to open to reach the recruiter. Without understanding how this system works, even the best CV can be rejected.

Key points to remember:

✅ Use simple formats (.docx or .pdf)
✅ Include keywords from the job posting
✅ Maintain clean, standard formatting
✅ Be specific in experience descriptions
✅ List your skills clearly
✅ Test your CV before sending
❌ Don't add graphics, colors, or icons
❌ Don't do keyword stuffing

If you want to write a CV that will pass through ATS and reach the recruiter's eyes – remember that format and content are equally important. Our CV creator platform guarantees that your CV will be optimized for both algorithms and humans.

FAQ – CV ATS

1. Do all companies use ATS?

Most companies employing over 100 employees use ATS. Smaller companies may not use the system, but writing a CV optimized for ATS won't hurt – it will also read well for humans.

2. Is PDF better than DOCX?

In most cases, .docx (Word) is better because it's easier to parse. PDF can be problematic for some ATS systems. If the job posting specifies a format – follow it.

3. How many keywords should be in a CV?

Try to naturally incorporate 15-20 keywords from the job posting. There's no strict rule, but this is a reasonable range. Anything above that may be suspicious (keyword stuffing) and reduces readability for humans.

4. Will white text on white background work in ATS?

No – avoid this trick! Although white text is invisible to humans, some ATS systems may read it, and the employer may realize you tried to cheat the system. This could disqualify you as a candidate.

5. Do upper/lowercase letters in keywords affect ATS?

Most ATS systems are case-insensitive, but it's best to follow the standard – use as in the job posting. If they're looking for "Python", write "Python", not "PYTHON" or "python".

6. How long does it take ATS to read my CV?

The ATS system will analyze your CV in seconds. The computer automatically reads the document, searches for keywords from the job posting, and assigns points. Only CVs with the highest scores reach the recruiter – the rest are rejected without being seen by a human.

7. Is it worth preparing multiple CV versions?

Absolutely! Tailor each CV to the job posting – different positions require different keywords. Generic CVs may be less effective than customized ones.

8. Does ATS eliminate employment gaps?

ATS ignores gaps – the system searches for keywords, not your employment narrative. However, a recruiter may be curious about the reason for the gap (more than 3 months). Tip: short breaks are normal (job searching), long ones require explanation. If you had a gap, mention it naturally in your CV or cover letter – e.g., "unpaid leave", "training" or "career change". Don't hide gaps.

9. Can I try sending my CV again if it was rejected?

Yes, you can try again! There's no reason not to send an improved version of your CV. Keep in mind that the system treats each new submission as a completely separate application – it doesn't remember the previous rejection. That's why it's worth optimizing your CV better this time, adding more keywords from the posting.

10. Will adding portfolio or GitHub links hurt ATS?

No, links won't hurt! In fact, they can be very helpful, especially for technical positions (e.g., link to a project, portfolio, GitHub). ATS won't click the links, but the recruiter certainly will. Make sure your links work and show things that demonstrate your skills.

Recruitment Advisor

A team of experts responsible for creating substantive content about recruitment processes, job market trends, and advice for candidates. Our goal is to provide reliable knowledge about job applications and CV writing.

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ATS CVApplicant Tracking SystemCV Optimization

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