How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV (With 11 CV Examples That Get Interviews)

If you’ve ever worried that your CV might be binned by a bot before a human even sees it, you’re not alone. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are widely used in the UK hiring process—but they’re not the all-powerful gatekeepers many job seekers fear.

This guide cuts through the noise with expert-backed tips on creating an ATS-friendly CV that also appeals to real recruiters. You’ll learn what actually matters, how to future-proof your layout and keywords, and—most importantly—how to check if your CV passes ATS screening using Enhancv’s free CV-checking tool.

Our CV ATS Checker highlights areas for improvement and gives your CV a score out of 100 based on how well it matches the job advert.

What is an applicant tracking system?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that helps recruiters manage large volumes of job applications. It keeps CVs organised, makes them searchable, and speeds up the hiring process, especially in sectors like tech, healthcare, and finance.

While over 75% of UK companies with 50+ employees use ATS, smaller firms and startups might not. That’s why advice like “always optimise for ATS” can be misleading. It's not about tricking a robot—it’s about making your CV clear, relevant, and easy to search.

What does an ATS actually do?

Applicant tracking systems are designed to support recruiters—saving time, keeping things organised, and helping teams collaborate.

Here’s how ATS software typically works:

• Stores and organises applications: Recruiters can quickly access CVs in one place.
• Filters candidates by keywords: If your CV doesn’t match job-related terms, it might not show up.
• Parses your CV: The system reads and simplifies it—non-standard formats can sometimes cause errors.
• Ranks applicants: Some systems assign scores based on keyword matches or qualifications.
• Supports recruiter searches: Hiring teams can run keyword or Boolean searches to find relevant CVs.
• Manages scheduling: Interview invites and follow-ups are automated.
• Enables team feedback: Recruiters can leave notes and ratings on candidates.

Still, there’s a lot of confusion around how ATS works—often fuelled by online content or sales tactics.

Look at what you really need to know:

After all that, you might be wondering:

Why does ATS optimisation matter?

ATS optimisation helps ensure your CV actually gets seen by a recruiter. Even if you don’t know which system a company uses, a well-structured, clearly worded CV gives you the best chance of being found in a keyword search.

That doesn’t mean stuffing it with keywords. Focus on relevance—use the language of the job advert to show you understand what the employer’s looking for.

In the next part of this guide, we’ll show you how to write an ATS-friendly CV—one that reaches recruiters with the right keywords in the right places.

What does an ATS-friendly CV look like?

An ATS-compatible CV is easy for applicant tracking systems to scan and understand. That means using a clear layout, conventional headings, and logical section order—just as a human would expect.

These systems typically scan your CV from top left to bottom right, so think of it like reading a book. If the structure is overly creative or non-standard, the software may struggle to process it correctly.

Your name and contact details should appear at the top, your work history in the centre (in reverse chronological order), and your skills and education near the bottom or in a side column. Avoid unusual formats that disrupt this flow.

To make sure your CV is easy for an ATS to read, stick to the following best practices.

Use reverse chronological order

A reverse chronological CV is the most widely used and preferred format in the UK. It presents your career progression clearly, starting with your most recent role. This helps recruiters quickly see whether your latest experience matches the job you're applying for.

Here’s what recruiters expect to see on a traditional CV:

Create a clear, readable layout

Stick with easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Lato, Rubik or Volkhov in sizes 10–12pt. (While Comic Sans might technically pass ATS scans, it won't impress a recruiter).

Set margins between 1.25 and 2.5 cm and leave enough white space between sections. Keep section titles conventional—call it "Skills," not "Things I Rock At." ATS systems don’t recognise quirky headings.

Using colour, columns, or even a small profile photo is fine (if it’s common in your industry), but make sure none of it gets in the way of your main content.

Be mindful of small formatting details

Little things like bullet style, punctuation, and date formats can trip up some ATS software. Where possible:

• Use standard bullet points (• or –).
• Separate skills with commas, not vertical lines.
• Stick to month/year formatting (e.g. Jan 2024 – Jul 2025).

Choose the right file format

PDF is usually the safest choice—it keeps your formatting intact and is readable by most modern ATS. That said, always check the job ad first. If an employer asks for a Word CV, stick to that.

At the end of the day, ATS compatibility matters—but it’s not everything. Recruiters still open and skim most CVs manually. A well-written, clearly structured document that speaks to the role will always stand out.

Here’s an example of a CV template that applicant tracking systems would parse without a problem.

Now, check out how to put it all into practice.

How to optimise your CV sections for ATS

Content matters more than clever formatting. If your CV doesn’t reflect the language used in the job description, it’s less likely to show up when recruiters search by keyword.

That’s why tailoring your CV to each role is essential—for both ATS scanning and human readers.

Get this right, and your CV will work for both the software and the person reading it.

Let’s see these tips in action by tailoring a CV to a real-world job description.

This job ad is packed with details that a junior software engineer could easily integrate into their CV.

First, we’ll explore how a targeted work history section can look based on the highlighted key terms above.

ATS-friendly experience section

Your work history is one of the best places to include relevant keywords—but keep it honest. Focus on achievements you can back up with real results, rather than overstating your skills.

The example below shows how to align your experience with the job advert.

This experience section is both ATS- and recruiter-friendly for several key reasons:

• Clear structure: The entry follows a consistent layout, including the job title, company, location, dates, and bullet points—making it easy for applicant tracking systems to parse and for recruiters to skim.
• Concise and focused: The language is clear, professional, and to the point. Each bullet communicates value without unnecessary detail
• Targeted keywords: It includes relevant technical terms such as "Python", "Pytest", "CI/CD", "C/C++", all aligned with the job description and increasing visibility in keyword-based ATS searches.
• Strong action verbs: Bullet points begin with impactful verbs like "developed", "partnered", and "reviewed", which bring energy and clarity to the candidate’s contributions.
• Quantified results: Metrics such as “40% reduction in manual testing hours” show real, measurable impact—something recruiters value when shortlisting candidates.

Next, let’s look at another crucial part of a CV—the skills section.

ATS-optimised CV skills section

Adding relevant skills is fairly straightforward, and with Enhancv’s CV Builder, the formatting takes care of itself.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Tailor to the job description: Pull out specific skills mentioned in the role advert and reflect them in your list (using the same wording where possible).
• Group skills into categories: Especially in tech roles, it helps to separate your skills by type. This improves clarity and helps the reader focus on what matters most.
• List hard skills only: Use this section for technical or job-specific abilities. Soft skills like communication or teamwork are better demonstrated through your summary or work experience.
• Keep it scannable: Aim for up to 15 skills grouped under two or three headings. Bullet points or short comma-separated lists work well.
• Avoid duplicates: If you’ve mentioned a skill prominently in your summary or experience section, there’s no need to repeat it here unless it’s a critical keyword.

Below is an example of how a candidate might tailor their skills section to match the job advert we looked at earlier.

Education and certifications: what ATS needs to see

When adding education and certifications to your CV, focus on what’s relevant to the role. There’s no need to list every course—just highlight qualifications that align with the job.

Below is an example of how a tailored education and training section might look.

ATS-friendly personal statement

Although your personal statement appears at the top of your CV, it’s best to write it last—once you’ve completed the other sections. That way, you’ll have a clear picture of your experience and skills, making it easier to summarise them effectively.

Depending on your level, you can choose between a CV summary and a CV objective:

• Write a summary if you already have relevant experience. It should highlight your core skills, areas of expertise, and key achievements—ideally using the same language as the job description.
  
• Use an objective if you’re just starting out or switching careers. This is a short statement about your goals and what you’re hoping to contribute, rather than what you’ve already achieved.

For a junior software engineer—especially someone with limited professional experience but relevant education and projects—an objective is often the better choice.

Here’s what a well-tailored objective might look like for this role:

Use our tips to create a clear, ATS-friendly CV, but remember—the real aim is to show the hiring team that you’ve carefully read the job description and can make a valuable contribution to the organisation.

How to check if my CV is ATS-friendly

The quickest way to find out is by running it through an ATS checker—an AI-powered tool that compares your CV against a job description. It shows how well you match the skills, keywords, and structure employers are looking for, and gives you feedback you can use to improve your chances of getting noticed.

Enhancv’s free CV Checker reviews your document against 16 key criteria in five categories, from content and file type to keyword use in the most important sections.

Here’s why it’s worth using:

• AI engine: Get tailored suggestions for improving every section of your CV.
• ATS compatibility: Instantly see if your layout and formatting are easy for ATS to read.
• Free to use: No cost, no catch—just actionable feedback.

11 ATS CV examples

Here are 11 ready-made CV examples with proven ATS success rates, available to customise in the Enhancv app. They’re designed for industries where applicant tracking systems are widely used.

Software engineer

Project manager

Data analyst

Marketing specialist

Human resources specialist

Sales executive

Financial analyst

Customer success manager

Civil engineer

Registered nurse

Business analyst

Final thoughts

Creating an ATS-friendly CV isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about clarity, relevance, and alignment with the role you want. With the right structure, targeted keywords, and clean formatting, your CV will be easy for both ATS and hiring managers to read. Use Enhancv’s free CV Checker to see exactly where you stand and make quick, impactful improvements.