Today most applications pass through software before reaching a human. We explain, step by step, how the ATS reads your CV, which formats get filtered out and how to raise your score.
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that companies use to automatically read, rank and filter incoming CVs. A recruiter doesn't open hundreds of applications one by one; the system scores CVs against the job criteria and surfaces the best matches.
Most large and mid-sized companies now use an ATS. This means even a strong candidate can be filtered out — without ever being reviewed — simply because the system couldn't parse their CV correctly. An ATS-friendly CV makes sure your content actually reaches a human.
Knowing the process explains why some formats get filtered out.
The ATS first converts your CV to text and splits it into sections: contact, experience, education, skills. Tables, text boxes, multi-column layouts and text inside images get scrambled or lost at this stage — the system can't read them.
The system searches your CV for the skills and terms from the job posting. When phrases like 'React', 'project management' or 'sales target' match the ad, your score rises. Without a match, you stay invisible even if you have the experience.
The ATS assigns a relevance score based on match rate, years of experience and section completeness. Low-scoring CVs automatically drop to the bottom of the list.
The recruiter usually sees only the highest-scoring CVs. So most of the competition happens before a human ever sees your CV.
Most of your formatting decisions determine whether the CV gets read at all.
• Use a simple single-column layout — the system reads top to bottom.
• Use standard section headings: 'Work Experience', 'Education', 'Skills'.
• Write text as real text; don't embed it in images/logos.
• Use common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Georgia) at 10-12pt.
• Write dates consistently and clearly (Month YYYY).
• Reflect the posting's keywords honestly in your CV.
• Tables and text boxes — they scramble during parsing.
• Two/three-column designs (some ATS break the order).
• Conveying information only through graphics, icons or images.
• Putting contact info in the header/footer area (some systems skip it).
• Creative section headings ('My Journey', 'My Arsenal').
• Photos (many ATS can't read them + a risk in some countries).
The most effective way to pass the ATS is to tailor your CV slightly for each application. Here's the practical method:
These mistakes trip up even strong CVs in the system:
As you write your CV in the AcceptCV editor, your ATS compatibility score is calculated in real time. You see which section is missing and what to strengthen as you type — before you apply, without guessing.
Measure your ATS scoreIt means a CV that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can read smoothly and split into the right sections. A simple single-column layout, standard headings, real text (not images) and keywords that match the posting make a CV ATS-friendly.
A selectable-text PDF is usually safest — it preserves the design and modern ATS read it. If the posting specifically asks for Word (.docx), send that. Never send an image or scanned PDF; the text can't be read.
Often yes. The ATS reads text top to bottom; tables and multi-column layouts break the order and mix up information. AcceptCV templates are designed to be read as a single flow.
Many ATS can't read a photo and some misparse a CV that has one. Photos are also not expected in countries like the US/UK. If unsure, a photo-free version is safer.
No. Listing keywords back to back or hiding them in white text is caught by modern ATS and recruiters and counts against you. Place keywords naturally inside your experience.
Ideally yes — at least tailoring the summary and skills to the posting significantly raises your match rate. In AcceptCV you can keep multiple versions and quickly adapt each to the job.
Single column, standard headings and a live ATS score — everything you need for a CV that passes the system.
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