Beating the Bots: How to Get Your CV Past the Applicant Tracking Systems ATS

Did you know that in many industries, up to 80% of CVs never reach a human eye? Rejection is a tough part of the job search, but your career shouldn’t be at the mercy of a misunderstood algorithm.
While final hiring decisions are made by people, more businesses are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—AI-driven software—to screen applications. A simple formatting error or a missing keyword could land your carefully crafted CV in the rejection pile before a recruiter even sees it.

What is an ATS?
An ATS is a digital filing cabinet and scanner used by employers to manage high volumes of applications. It rapidly scans, sorts, and ranks CVs based on how well they match a specific job profile.
To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, follow these “ATS-friendly” hacks.

1. Speak the Same Language as the Job Spec
   An ATS identifies specific keywords and phrases. If the software doesn’t see the exact terms it’s looking for, it assigns a lower score to your application.
   Mirror the Terminology: If the job description asks for “Customer Sales Experience,” don’t just write “Retail Experience.” Use the exact wording found in the ad.
   Focus on Skills: Include technical abilities, soft skills, and industry terms mentioned in the “Requirements” section.
   Be Selective: You don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had. Focus on the roles and responsibilities that are directly relevant to the position you’re applying for today.
2. Format for Simplicity
   While you might want your CV to look like a work of art, complex designs often confuse AI scanners.
   Stick to Standard Fonts: Use clean, widely-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
   Use Traditional Subheadings: Stick to “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid creative titles like “My Journey” or “Knowledge Base,” as the ATS might not know what they mean.
   Avoid Graphics and Tables: Most ATS tools struggle to read text inside tables, text boxes, or images. Keep your layout linear and vertical.
   The Right File Type: Unless specified otherwise, a Word Document (.docx) is the most “readable” for an ATS. If you choose a PDF, ensure it is not an “image-only” scan.
3. Don’t Let the “Bot” Block Your Goals
   The rise of AI in recruitment makes standing out more important than ever. While optimizing for the ATS is a necessity, remember that your CV eventually will be read by a human. Ensure your CV is readable for both the algorithm and the hiring manager.
   Pro Tip: If you’re worried about an automated rejection, a polite follow-up email to the recruiter or hiring manager can be a great way to ensure a human takes a second look at your application.

Let Us Help You Stand Out
At A Khan Recruitment LTD, we know exactly what employers are looking for. When you register with us, our expert consultants review your CV to ensure it’s optimized for both technology and people.
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Need a CV review? Contact us at info@khanrecruitment.com