ATS CV Optimisation Guide | ATS for Executive CV | CVEXEC.UK

   How to optimise your CV for ATS in the UK? ATS CV Optimisation Tips

We offer a comprehensive guide discussing the following: 1) ATS systems and job hunting. 2) Limitations of AI-resume generation tools. 3) How ATS systems really work. 4) Useful CV ATS optimisation tips (CV format and content best practices). Following CV ATS optimisation best practices and consistency are both critical. Below we highlight some areas of improvement and key observations on how to write a CV for ATS optimisation. These include the following based on two core themes - CV Format and CV Content:

• Comprehensive list of factors (more information below)
• Use MS Word ATS-Compatible CV Formats (Avoid PDFs)
• Avoid Multiple Columns, Tables and Text Boxes
• ATS CV Format: Headers, Footers and Margins
• ATS CV Format: Avoid Graphics, Images and Icons
• ATS CV Format: Choose CV ATS-Compatible Fonts
• ATS CV Format: CV Filename Best Practices
• ATS CV Format: ATS Date Formatting Best Practices
• ATS CV Format: Ideal ATS-Friendly CV Length
• ATS CV Format: Use ATS-Optimised CV Headings
• ATS CV Format: Linking to other resources.

• CV Content: ATS Systems Can Spot Manipulation
• ATS CV Content: Authenticity Always Wins
• ATS CV Content: Job Descriptions Give Clues
• Avoid Exaggeration and Cliches (Adds No value)
• ATS CV Content: Avoid Mentioning Career Objectives
• Use Industry-Aligned Job Titles for ATS (Be Specific)
• Industry Accreditations, Certifications & Acronyms
• ATS CV Content: Use Direct Action-Focused Language
• ATS CV Content: Include Quantifiable Achievements
• ATS CV Content: CV Information and Context
• ATS CV Content: CV Match to Job Expectations

   CV Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Job Hunting Effectiveness

Each ATS System Works Differently

There are many different ATS systems solutions out there. Each work slightly differently. This means all CVs must be presented in a consistent, easy-to-read and clear minimalist format. The aim is to give CVs a greater chance of getting through the applicant tracking systems algorithm and job selection criteria.

Why do ATS Systems Prefer Minimalist CV Formats?

CV applicant tracking systems work best using clear minimalist CV formats. ATS systems need to parse (or process) information, remove white space and identify keywords and keyword combinations. Overcomplicated formats do not work as they confuse or block ATS systems from analysing CV content effectively.

There Is No Guarantee of Bypassing ATS Systems

With everything considered, there is still absolutely no guarantee of getting through applicant tracking systems. Following ATS best practices, applying early and allowing for the human intervention often gives a better chance of getting through initial ATS system screening. Whilst ATS systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is even more important to understand how they work, technical requirements and limitations. Avoiding limitations can help.

Real, Authentic & Credible CVs Always Stand Out

The value of a well-crafted CV which sounds real and authentic must not be under-estimated. Recruiters are pushing back on AI-generated resumes and content because they can no longer distinguish between who is real or someone who has used an AI tool. Recruiters are becoming more wary around the use of AI tools and can spot patterns. With this, recruiters welcome real, authentic and credible CVs.

   AI-Resume Generation Tools Do Not Really Work for ATS

What are the limitations of AI-Resume Tools?

AI-resume generation tools are only as good as the information provided. Getting your CV written by a professional removes any uncertainty regarding the CV. An experienced CV writing company should be able to draw-out value added information like achievements, value-added skills, industry expertise and talking points far more so than any AI-generation tool.

Are AI-Resume Tools ATS-Friendly?

No. Despite perceiptions and claims they are not. Online AI-resume generation tools tend to use overcomplicated and non-ATS friendly formats like multiple columns, text boxes, fancy icons and even incompatible fonts. This is part of the myth. Such tools may enhance presentation, but do not work effectively on how ATS systems interpret and analyse information.

Can AI-Resume Tools Help with CV Keyword Analysis?

Yes, AI-tools can help facilitate keyword analysis, analyse job descriptions and offer better CV alignment to job requirements. However, ATS systems are now far more sophisticated. Simply dumping many keywords into a CV no longer works as well as previously. It is far more about strategic keyword placement, keyword combinations and how keywords are linked through the entire CV document. It is more than simply copying and pasting from a job description (although job details give important clues).

   How CV Applicant Tracking Systems Work in Reality

ATS CV Optimisation is not an Exact Science

Given AI-tools, CV best practices and ATS-friendly CV optimisation, it is still not an exact science as there are so many variables involved when selecting candidates for interview. These include ATS system configuration, job selection criteria, keyword configurations and job specification alignment. Even with a perfect well-targeted CV document, candidates should always seek to customise CVs for every application and use the job description for clues on keys skills and keywords. Candidates also need to look at clues around the type of person and company culture (person and culture fit is important).

CV ATS Systems Are Not Totally Automated

People assume ATS systems are a completely automated process. They are not. There is always some degree of human intervention during the candidate selection process. For instance, even if say 300 people apply for the same role the HR Assistant might only have the time (opportunity) to look through the first 20-30 CV applications. This still means that over 90% of candidates will still be rejected. Recruiters will also search databases for keywords or against specific criteria.

Not All Executive Recruiters Use ATS Systems

Writing in an ATS friendly format also helps executive recruiters. Some executive recruiters do not rely on ATS systems as very often algorithms are limited to mainstream job searches. There is a high degree of human interaction in executive recruitment, where recruiters will look beyond the CV by looking at the person and wider impact as a leader. These subtle nuances cannot be picked up by ATS systems. Instead, some executive recruiters may copy and paste the minimalist CV format into an AI tool to interrogate the CV in more detail.

Always Write CVs for Humans Not Just ATS Systems

With everything in mind, always consider the human element. A human is going to offer you a job and not an algorithm. Find a balance between writing for humans and algorithms. Clear minimalist formats work best for ATS systems.

   ATS CV Optimisation tips (CV format best practices)

CV Format: Is it best ro use MS Word ATS-Compatible CV Formats? (Avoid PDFs)

Many candidates send CVs in a PDF format. This does not work and results in a zero match. ATS systems treat PDFs as an image. ATS systems cannot read images. The best file format is to use MS Word doc or compatible documents (docx). This is a common reason for CVs being rejected by ATS systems. If using MS Word documents, these can be password protected to stop recruiters from making an unauthorised changes.

CV Format: Is it best to Avoid Multiple Columns, Tables and Text Boxes on CVs?

Formatting issues destroy CV applications. Columns and text boxes may enhance presentation, but there also restrict space for showcasing meaningful content within the CV. A column down the left-hand side of the entire CV reduces over space for content by at least one-third. ATS systems read from left to right, so tables will be merged and information gets scrambled. Such formats confuses ATS systems and sentences become distorted. Always use simple formats, bullet points and tabs for spacing on the same line.

CV Format: What is the best advice for using CV Headers, Footers and Margins?

Headers and footers are completely ignored. Do not use or put contact information into headers or footer as ATS systems will automatically spot information missing from the CV. No contact information being visible means applications are rejected. All information must be in the body of the document and page margins. Contact details need to go right at the top so ATS systems can pick up this information. Margins need to be carefully calibrated. Anything less than 1.27cm (or half an inch) make margins too narrow. Narrowing margins too much is bad practice, though if there is a lot of information to be included, it is perfectly acceptable to go onto a third page.

CV Format: Is it best to using Avoid Graphics, Images and Icons on ATS CVs?

Yes. Avoid graphics, images or icons. These cannot be converted into plain text. Some countries use photos on the CV, which can disrupt how the document is parsed. These elements may enhance presentation and save space, though ATS systems ignore these. They add no value and can even block robots from scanning the entire document.

CV Format: What are the best CV ATS-Compatible Fonts?

AI-generation tools have a habit of using fancy fonts. ATS uses optical character recognition within algorithms aligned to specific fonts. Non-compatible fonts and characters will be converted into random symbols. This makes documents look corrupted. Use Arial or Calibri or Times New Roman (Times New Roman looks untidy). If needing to highlight key information, bold or italic fonts are acceptable.

CV Format: How do you label CV Filenames for ATS Systems?

Always label CV files clearly with your name, job title and CV in the filename. This makes a real difference as recruiters know what type of document they are opening. Recruiters can also search by filename if they wish to find candidates in recruitment databases. Recruiters are busy (and some are very lazy), so will not waste time searching through multiple CVs to find a specific candidate. Make recruiters lives as easy as possible.

CV Format: What is the best Date CV Format to use for ATS Systems?

CV date formatting is important to get right for ATS systems. This can be expressed in a MM/YYYY format or a Month and year. If there is confusion on date formats, it will show as zero (and may also highlight a gap in work experience). Overcomplicated layouts, columns and tables may distort dates and even place them against wrong employment roles. ATS systems read from left to right, so it is always best to have employment details on the same line (job title, date and employer name).

CV Content: What is the Ideal ATS-Friendly CV Length?

There is no ideal CV length for ATS systems. Cramming too much information onto a one-page resume does not work. CVs must land naturally on 2-3 pages. A longer more detailed CV may even help with ATS systems given there are likely to be more quantifiable achievements, better alignment of job titles across multiple roles, greater industry relevant experience and inclusion of more keywords (and keyword combinations). It is about finding the right balance to get the ideal CV length without waffling on too much.

CV Content: What are the best ATS-Optimised CV Headings to use?

ATS systems are programmed to use a clear structure. This is often defined by section headings. We use profile summary, key skills, professional experience and education as headings. This keeps everything simple for the ATS system to understand what is on the CV using an established order or logical progression. If headings are not properly calibrated, then anything between sections can be completely ignored. For instance, education needs to be placed at the base of the CV, exactly where recruiters expect to find this.

CV Content: How to Link to other resources on an ATS CV?

When linking to websites or external resources, the full URL link text must be visible. This allows the recruiter to copy and paste the exact link to access the online resource or website. Click here does not work. Always include a LinkedIn profile URL as this impacts ATS scores.

   ATS CV Optimisation tips (CV Content Development)

CV Content: Can ATS Systems Spot Manipulation on a CV?

Yes, Modern ATS systems can spot evidence of manipulation, hiding text and keyword stuffing. Every word is parsed into plain text. All white space is stripped away, so it is easy to read text and find keywords. Should the CV get through to a human, then they will also be able to spot manipulation, overuse of keywords and where sentences do not make sense.

CV Content: Is it best to be always truthful on a CV? Authenticity Always Wins

Always write for a human as well as an applicant tracking systems. Be authentic. Write real sentences, natural text and information around keywords. ATS systems reward well-written CVs with natural sounding sentences. This also builds trust and credibility with recruiters.

CV Content: Do Job Descriptions Give Clues for ATS CV Optimisation?

Yes. Job descriptions give clues. Use exact match keywords, terminology and phrases where possible. Apply Boolean search techniques to use keywords and different keyword combinations. ATS systems cannot recognise synonyms or keyword variations. This means tweaking CVs before sending applications to give better keyword alignment. For instance, an exact match keyword might be 'Stakeholder Management' as a skills, so including 'Managing Stakeholders' will not work. Be specific and fit keywords naturally into sentences and key skills profiles.

CV Content: Is is best to Avoid Exaggeration and Cliches on a CV? (Adds No value)

Yes. ATS systems place no value such terms. Candidates overuse cliches, buzzwords or exaggerated terms in a CV. Instead, focus on job tile alignment, hard skills, specific information, quantifiable achievements, technical expertise, industry experience, transferable skills and some personal traits. Do not over-embellish or exaggerate CV documents as candidates will be found out further down the line at interview.

CV Content: Is is best to avoid Career Objectives on a CV?

Yes. Do not waste space with a career objective. ATS systems prioritise the top-half of the CV looking for keywords, skills and specific information. Career objectives add no real value unless perhaps when transitioning careers (i.e. you need clear intent and positioning).

CV Content: How do you use Job Titles for ATS CV optimisation? (Be Specific)

It is always best to use highly established, industry-aligned and well-calibrated job titles. Make job titles searchable and align with job descriptions. A long as it is a good fit and credible, there is no need to use your precise job title as per your contract of employment. Give yourself a chance by translating fancy, vague or non-standard job titles into the industry equivalent. Job titles can easily be clarified at interview. Great emphasis is placed on searching for relevant job titles in the CV, so this is an easy win-win for candidates.

CV Content: Can you use Industry Accreditations, Certifications & Acronyms in a CV?

Yes. Recruiters may use specific search queries on databases to find information. Make sure you include precise industry accreditations, technical certifications, industry recognised acronyms, professional memberships or specific training standards. If using acronyms, write out the full terminology at least once to maximise search term and keyword visibility. Use these to your advantage.

CV Content: How Can You Use Direct Action-Focused CV Language?

The very best CVs use direct language. Use strong, action-focused and impactful words like led, spearheaded, delivered, executed and so on. This not only shows clear intent about roles, but avoids limitation of using passive phases or language which lacks impact. Using direct language helps keep recruiters interested and the CV comes across as more energetic and motivated when the CV is being read.

CV Content: Do CV ATS Systems Look for Quantifiable Achievements?

Yes. ATS systems are configured to search for quantifiable achievements, evidence of high performance and business outcomes. These not only help bring your CV to life, but also validates credentials. Numbers, figures, mathematical symbols, percentages and currency signs are what ATS actively search for, so make sure these are included in each role.

CV Content: What CV Information to includde for ATS Systems? (Context is important)

ATS systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They now evaluate the overall context of skills throughout the CV and work experience. Candidates can no longer get away with stuffing keywords at the top of the CV. There must be a skills context running through the entire CV. This gives added skills validation and helps increase overall trust score.

CV Content: How do you match an Optimised ATS CV to Job Expectations?

Be consistent, credible and realistic. ATS systems can now assess whether someone is overselling themselves or using exaggerated language. It can now calibrate job titles, experience and keywords. This is to identify whether candidates are over-qualified or even claim to be an executive when they are in a project management position for example. Match your CV to expectations of your work experience, skills and expertise to that of the job description. Candidates may get through the ATS system, though they will be found out at interview.

Executive Career Solutions : UK Enterprise Awards.

# Winner, Best Executive Career Development Company.
# Winner, Excellence Award for Executive Personal Branding.