🧩 What Makes an ATS-Friendly CV? (Simple Guide)
Learn the key components of an ATS-friendly CV including headings contact details skills formatting and file type choices.
An ATS-friendly CV is designed so computers can read it easily 🤖.
These systems scan your CV before humans see it.
Let’s explore what should be inside your CV to pass this scan ✔️
anatomy of ATS CV
📑 Use Standard Headings
ATS software looks for common section names. Using creative titles may confuse the system ❌
- ✅ Work Experience
- ✅ Education
- ✅ Skills
- ✅ Contact Information
Avoid headings like:
- 🚫 My Career Journey
- 🚫 Where I’ve Worked
Clear headings help bots understand your CV faster 🔍
📬 Contact Information Tips
Make your contact details simple and professional 👔
- 📧 Use a professional email (example: yourname@email.com)
- 🔗 Add LinkedIn profile link
- 📍 Include location (optional)
- 📱 Provide phone number
Avoid nicknames or casual emails ❌
🛠️ Skills Section for Keywords
The skills section helps ATS match you to jobs 🎯
- ✔️ List hard skills clearly
- ✔️ Use bullet points
- ✔️ Match job description keywords
Example:
- Java
- Spring Boot
- React
- SQL
This increases visibility in searches 🔎
📁 File Type Matters
Choosing the right file format is important 📄
- ✅ .docx — Most ATS friendly
- ✅ Simple PDF — Usually safe
- 🚫 Image-based PDF — Risky
Always check job instructions before submitting ✔️
🎯 Final Tip
To create a strong ATS CV:
- 📝 Use clear headings
- 📧 Keep contact info professional
- 🔤 Add relevant skills keywords
- 📁 Choose correct file format
Small changes can greatly improve your chances of getting interviews 🚀
