What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to filter job applications. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to screen CVs before a human ever sees them.
Key Rules for ATS Compatibility
1. Use Standard Section Headers
Stick to conventional headers: Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications. Creative headers like "My Journey" or "What I Bring" confuse ATS parsers.
2. Avoid Tables and Columns
Many ATS systems read content left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Multi-column layouts can scramble your information. Use single-column templates for maximum compatibility.
3. Use Keywords from the Job Description
ATS systems match your CV against the job posting. Include exact keywords and phrases from the listing — especially technical skills, certifications, and industry terms.
4. Standard Fonts Only
Use Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Inter. Decorative fonts may not render correctly in ATS systems.
5. No Headers or Footers
Some ATS cannot read content placed in document headers or footers. Keep your contact information in the main body.
6. Save as PDF
PDF preserves formatting across systems. Avoid DOCX unless specifically requested.
ATS Score Checklist
- Standard section headers used
- Single-column layout
- Keywords from job description included
- Contact info in main body
- No images or graphics
- Saved as PDF
- File name includes your name
How cv.zaurah.com Helps
All our templates are ATS-tested with a 98% pass rate. Each template shows its ATS compatibility score, so you know exactly how recruiter-friendly your CV is before you download it.