ATS Resume Builder
Create an ATS-Friendly Resume That Software and Recruiters Can Read
Most mid-size and large employers receive applications through an applicant tracking system (ATS). An ATS resume is simply a CV that this software can read accurately — and that still convinces the human who reads it next.
- How ATS software works
- Keywords and structure
- Common mistakes
- ATS score and suggestions
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How an applicant tracking system works
When you apply online, the ATS extracts the text of your CV and splits it into fields: name, contact details, job titles, employers, dates, education and skills. Recruiters then search, filter and sort candidates using those fields and keywords.
Two consequences follow. If the software can't parse a section, that information may be invisible in searches. And if your CV doesn't use the terms the recruiter searches for, you can rank low even when you're qualified.
You may read that ATS software "automatically rejects" most resumes. In practice, behaviour depends on the system and on how the employer configures it — knock-out questions and filters exist, but humans usually make the decisions. The goal isn't to trick a machine; it's to be easy to find and easy to read.
Keywords: speak the language of the job posting
- Use the exact job title from the posting when it honestly matches your experience.
- Mirror the posting's terms for hard skills and tools (for example "Salesforce", "IFRS", "React").
- Write acronyms in full at least once: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)".
- Put important keywords where they naturally belong: summary, skills section and experience bullet points.
- Never copy hidden text or keyword lists — recruiters read the CV too, and it damages trust.
Finding the right keywords by hand is slow. CVixeo's job description matching lists the skills and keywords from a posting that weren't found in your CV.
An ATS-compatible structure
Standard section headings
"Work Experience", "Education", "Skills". Creative headings can confuse parsers.
Text, not images
Skills shown as icons, charts or images can't be read. Keep information in real text.
Consistent dates
Use one date format throughout (e.g. 03/2022 – 06/2024) so experience can be calculated.
Clean file
Send a text-based PDF unless the employer asks for Word. A scanned image of a CV can't be parsed.
ATS mistakes to avoid
Do
- Use a clear, single reading order
- Spell out job titles and skills in words
- Tailor keywords to each application
- Keep contact details in the main body of the CV
Avoid
- Key information inside images or text boxes
- Skill ratings shown only as bars or stars
- Unusual section names
- One generic CV for every job
Analyze and optimize your resume for ATS
CVixeo's templates use standard headings and real text, so your content stays readable. With Premium, the ATS check gives your CV a score from 0 to 100 with three to five concrete suggestions; for a deeper review, see the CV optimizer.
Remember that an ATS score is an indicator of readability and keyword alignment — not a guarantee. A CV that scores well still needs to show real, relevant results to a human reader.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is a PDF ATS-friendly?
A text-based PDF (one where you can select the text) is read correctly by most modern ATS. Image-only PDFs, such as scans, are not. If a posting explicitly asks for a Word file, follow the instruction.
What is an ATS score?
It's an estimate of how readable and keyword-aligned your CV is for screening software. CVixeo's score (0–100) comes with suggestions; it's a guide for improvement, not a prediction of whether you'll be hired.
Do all companies use an ATS?
No. Many small businesses read applications directly. But an ATS-friendly CV is also clearer for humans, so the same rules are worth following everywhere.
Should I use a one-column template?
A clear reading order matters more than the number of columns. Avoid putting essential information in sidebars made of images or text boxes, and check how your content reads top to bottom.
How is the ATS score different from the job match score?
The ATS score looks at your CV on its own. The job match score compares your CV with one specific job description. Use the first to fix general issues and the second before each application.
Related tools and guides
CV Checker & Optimizer
Get an ATS score and a section-by-section review of your CV.
Job Description Matching
Compare your CV with a job posting: missing skills, keywords and a score.
AI CV Builder
Build a complete, professional CV from scratch with AI.
Resume Optimizer
Import your existing resume and let AI rewrite it sharper.