Did you know not every CV is compatible with the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)? Yes! That statement was not meant to scare you: your CV if not well tailored with the specific keywords, will not meet the ATS standard. So, we have written this article to help you with tips on how to write ATS compatible CV. Furthermore, there is a free resume sample that you can use as a guide to write yours: let’s get started!
Note: If you need any form of assistance with your CV/Resume, you can contact us today. An expert will review or revamp your resume and help you improve it to better capture the key things that will help you stand out.
What Is An ATS Checker
An ATS checker is an AI-powered tool that analyzes your resume to see how well it matches the job description. The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that recruiters use to organize job applications, filter every submitted CV/résumé, and forward only the most relevant, qualified job seeker to the hiring manager or recruiter.
What Is An ATS Compatible CV?
Remember this: not every CV or resume is ATS compatible. The way your CV is written will determine if it will be selected or rejected. Although if rejected it may not imply that you have a bad CV that you have low experience or that you are not qualified, it could be that the ATS was not able to detect some specific keywords that are needed for the position. Hence, to write an ATS-compatible CV, use these tips.
Tips On Writing ATS Compatible CV
Note: Before writing your CV, ensure you're qualified for the role you are applying for.Tip 1: Use Word Document To Create Your CV/Resume Instead Of PDFs
Make use of Word documents, not PDFS when submitting your CV/résumé. The reason is that; word documents are easy for the ATS to parse while PDFs pose some difficulty for the ATS.
Tip 2: Write Your Contact Information In Bold Visible Font
Let your contact information be the first thing you write in your CV. Contact information should include your place of residence, phone number, and email. The ATS takes note of those first.
Tip 3: Use Common Words For Section Headers
You don’t need to be too creative because, if the ATS doesn’t recognize any of your section headers, it may not analyze the information at all.
Tip 4: Ensure To Separate Your Sections Properly
Do not combine two sections of your header into one. For example; your “skills” is one header and “hobbies” is another header. Don’t write skills/hobbies as one section header.
Tip 5: Always Use Common Company Related Abbreviations To End the Company’s Name
End the names of the companies that you list in your CV (previous work experiences) with common company abbreviations. For example; Ltd, Inc, etc.
Tip 6: Include Skills Within Your Job Description
When describing your previous job experiences, always include the skills you acquired or made use of. This is because what the Applicant Tracking System is programmed to do when it reads a CV/résumé is the same as what a person would do; it is scanning for key information to find out whether or not you are a match for the job opening. Hence, you want to make sure that key skill or experience is present and that it is easy to find. Consequently, your skills are keywords for the ATS, and this leaves you with an ATS-compatible CV.
Tip 7: Avoid “Nesting” Jobs If You Have Held Several Positions At The Same Company
This means that you should not enclose different positions you have held into each other because you held them in the same company. If you worked as a clerk in a company and later were promoted to be a technical staff and further an executive… do not describe these three positions in a sentence or short paragraph. Write about each position independently.
Tip 8: Include Start And End Dates For Every Position
For each position you’ve held, include the start and end dates. If you are still holding a position, use common words such as “current” or “present” in place of the end date. Also, spell out the month instead of using the MM/YY abbreviation. For example; September 2001 should be used not 09/2001
Tip 9: Be Consistent With How You Structure Your Job Description
Each of your job descriptions should be written in the same order and include;
a. Job title
b. Company’s name
c. Company’s location (city/province)
d. Dates of employment
Tip 10: Formatting Should Be Simple
Do not include too much fancy formatting in your CV/résumé. Creative or fancy resumes are not only harder for ATS to read but also harder for recruiters to read. In other to scan your CV for relevant keywords most ATSs convert the document to a text-only file. Sadly, any fancy formatting will be lost.
Your formatting should be kept simple, that is;
a. Do not store information in columns, footers, headers, templates, fields, or tables
b. Do not use images or fonts that create symbols, like wing dings.
c. Do not make use of paragraphs within a single job description. Because information that belongs together may be split up.
Editor’s Recommendation: How to Optimize Your CV to Pass-through ATS
Frequently Asked Questions About ATS CV
1. What Does The ATS Do?
The ATS acts as an electronic gatekeeper for the hiring manager or recruiter. What the ATS does is analyze CVs/résumé content into sections and then scan it for specific keywords to determine if the job application should be passed along to the recruiters.
2. Should My ATS Compatible CV/Resume Be In PDF Format?
Most ATS can easily be read in PDF or Word format. So whether your CV is in PDF format or Word document it will still be compatible with the ATS. Nevertheless, it all depends on following these secret tips for writing ATS compatible CV.
Moreso, since many ATSs are unable to read tables or graphics and symbols etc, it’s best to avoid using them.
Read How to convert word document to Pdf3. Can ATS Read Two Column CV/Resume?
A resume with two columns is not bad but might be bad for an ATS. An ATS may not be able to read a CV/résumé with two columns and will therefore discard it.
4. What Is The Best Format To Send A CV/Resume?
This depends on the direction you were given in the job post. Well, for a CV submitted through an application system, follow the directions specified. If you are sending a resume directly to the contact or hiring manager through email, a PDF is your best choice.
5. Why Do Recruiters Make Use Of ATS?
Recruiters make use of ATS because it helps them manage their end-to-end recruitment process from sourcing to hiring. Also, ATS helps the recruiter to automate their organization’s recruiting and staffing operations.
Free ATS Compatible CV Template Downloadable Word Document Sample
Click here to download a copy of the free ATS-compatible resume sample. Avoid copying it word for word to safeguard your future job prospects.
Conclusion: ATS Compatible CV Template
At the end of the day, what is the essence of writing a CV if it’s not going to land you in your preferred job? The ATS CV stands out among others; a well-written CV will help you achieve your desired goal if tailored properly to the job role and the company. So, when writing your CV ensure to use enough keywords because the ATS screens and filters resumes even before they get to a manual recruiter.
How We Can Help You With Your Resume
We are a career brand that renders career services such as CV/Resume writing, personal statement/statement of purpose writing, LinkedIn Optimisation, Interview Guide, and Career coaching. We want to ensure we help you to navigate the tides of the academics, and corporate world. Contact us today to get an outstanding resume!
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