What is an ATS and how do you get past it?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is the software companies use to collect and pre-screen applications. For popular roles it can filter out most CVs before a human ever reads them. Knowing how it works is half the battle.
How an ATS works
The system scans your CV's text, identifies the sections (experience, education, skills) and compares keywords against the job ad. The better the match and the cleaner the layout, the more likely your CV moves forward.
How to get past it
- Use keywords from the ad - the ones you genuinely meet.
- Standard section names - "Experience", "Education", "Skills".
- Save as PDF - it preserves the layout and reads cleanly in most systems.
- Keep the layout simple - no trick columns, tables or graphics that hold key text.
- Don't hide details in headers or footers of the document.
The bottom line
The ATS isn't the enemy - it's a filter. A readable CV that genuinely matches the ad will pass; after that it's the recruiter you need to convince.
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Comments (2)
Does an ATS read .docx files?
Most do, but PDF preserves your layout more reliably. Exception: if the posting explicitly asks for .docx, send .docx.
Recruiter here - tables and text boxes are the most common reason a CV arrives scrambled on our side.