You now know what an ATS is, but how do you build a CV that is guaranteed to pass the scan? Follow this step-by-step plan to maximize your chances of an interview.
Step 1: Choose the right file format
While PDF is often the standard to preserve formatting, older ATS systems can struggle with complex PDFs. A Word document (.docx) is often the safest for the parser. If you do use PDF, ensure the text is selectable and not saved as an image.
Step 2: Simple structure
Use standard headings. An ATS looks for familiar terms.
- Use "Work Experience" instead of "My Professional Journey"
- Use "Education" instead of "What I Learned"
Step 3: Avoid complex formatting
Tables, text boxes, columns, headers, and footers are the enemy of ATS. Information in a header (like your contact details) is often completely skipped by the software. Keep your text in the 'body' of the document.
Step 4: Use the right fonts
Choose safe, universal fonts. Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, Tahoma, or Verdana are excellent choices. Avoid exotic fonts that the scanner won't recognize.