How to Create an ATS-Friendly CV and Avoid Rejections

A well-optimized CV is the key to securing job interviews, especially in today’s highly competitive job market. If you are an international job seeker or applying to multiple roles, ensuring that your CV is ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly is crucial.

Recruiters take an average of just 6 seconds to scan a CV before deciding whether to move forward with a candidate. If your CV is not well-structured, optimized for ATS, and relevant to the job role, it could get rejected before a recruiter even sees it.

Many candidates unknowingly make critical mistakes that lead to ATS rejection. In this blog, we will discuss four major mistakes that often result in CV rejection and how to fix them so your CV stands out and increases your chances of landing interviews.

Mistake 1: Using a Generic ATS CV

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is sending out the same CV for every job application. A generic CV lacks customization and does not align with the specific job requirements, making it less appealing to recruiters.

How to Fix It:

• Tailor your CV for each job role – Study the job description carefully and highlight the skills, experiences, and keywords that match your profile.

• Use the right keywords – Many ATS systems filter applications based on keywords found in the job description. If your CV lacks these keywords, it may not even reach the recruiter.

• Modify your summary and skills section – Ensure that your CV’s summary and skills sections are aligned with the role you’re applying for.

  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Save multiple versions of your CV for different job roles. For example, if you're applying for positions in both data analysis and software development, create a separate CV tailored for each field.

Mistake 2: Poor Formatting

A poorly formatted CV can make it difficult for ATS software to parse your information correctly, leading to misinterpretation or outright rejection.

How to Fix It:

• Use a clean, single-column format – Avoid using tables, text boxes, graphics, or multiple columns. ATS software struggles to read complex layouts.

• Stick to standard fonts – Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or script fonts.

• Keep headings simple and clear – Use common section titles such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications to help ATS and recruiters navigate your CV easily.

• Save your CV as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF – Some ATS systems struggle to read PDF files, so check the job description for the preferred format before submitting.

💡 Pro Tip: Test your CV’s ATS compatibility by copying the content into a plain text editor (like Notepad). If the formatting gets distorted, it might not be ATS-friendly.

Mistake 3: Having Multiple Pages

Unless you have 15+ years of work experience, your CV should ideally be one page, or at most, two pages. Recruiters scan CVs quickly, and a long, cluttered CV can make it difficult for them to identify key information.

How to Fix It:

• Focus on relevant experience – Only include job roles and experiences that directly relate to the position you’re applying for.

• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs – Bullet points make it easier to scan important information quickly.

• Highlight achievements instead of responsibilities – Instead of listing generic job duties, showcase your accomplishments using quantifiable results.

• Remove old and irrelevant experiences – If a job you held more than 10 years ago is not directly relevant, remove it or keep it brief.

💡 Pro Tip: Follow the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your achievements effectively.

Example:

• Weak: Managed a team of sales representatives.

• Strong: Led a team of 10 sales representatives, increasing revenue by 30% in 6 months through targeted marketing strategies.

Mistake 4: Adding Irrelevant Information

Some applicants still include unnecessary personal details that add no value to their CV and take up valuable space.

What to Avoid:

• Full home address – Instead, just mention your City & Country.

• References available on request – Recruiters assume you will provide references if needed.

• Personal details – Avoid adding marital status, gender, or date of birth unless specifically requested.

• Outdated or irrelevant skills – Remove any obsolete technologies or tools that are no longer relevant in today’s job market.

  
  

What to Include Instead:

• Your professional contact details – Include your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile link.

• Portfolio or project links – If you work in fields like design, tech, or writing, add links to your GitHub, Behance, or personal website.

• Updated skills – Make sure your skills section highlights the latest tools and technologies relevant to your field.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're applying for a remote job, mention that you are open to remote work in your location section.

Final Thoughts

By avoiding these four major mistakes and following the right strategies, you can significantly improve your CV’s chances of passing through ATS and catching the attention of recruiters. Here’s a quick recap:

• Customize your CV for each job – Tailor it to match the job description.

• Use ATS-friendly formatting – Stick to a clean, single-column layout with clear headings.

• Keep it concise – Limit your CV to 1-2 pages and focus on relevant information.

• Remove unnecessary details – Only include essential contact details, skills, and experience.

Taking these simple steps will make your CV stand out, get noticed, and increase your interview invitations. If you need help optimizing your CV, consider getting professional feedback or using online ATS-friendly CV templates.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your CV not only passes the ATS scan but also makes a great first impression on recruiters. Good luck with your job search!