Most CVs never reach a human recruiter. They're filtered out automatically — usually within seconds — by software called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). If your CV isn't formatted and worded correctly, it won't matter how qualified you are.
Around 75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before a recruiter ever sees them, according to data from recruitment technology analysts. In 2026, with 93% of UK recruiters using some form of automated screening, writing an ATS-friendly CV isn't optional — it's the baseline.
This guide covers exactly what ATS looks for, the formatting mistakes that get CVs binned automatically, and how to write one that actually gets through.
What Is ATS and Why Does It Matter?
An Applicant Tracking System is software that scans, sorts, and ranks CVs based on how closely they match a job description. Most medium and large UK employers use one. If you've ever applied online via a company portal, your CV almost certainly went through an ATS first.
Different employers use different systems. The NHS uses Trac, many banks rely on SAP SuccessFactors, and the Civil Service uses Oleeo. Each works slightly differently, but they all do the same core job: parse your CV for relevant keywords and reject anything that doesn't match or can't be read properly.
Importantly, 88% of employers admit they've probably lost strong candidates to poor ATS filtering. The system isn't perfect — but you still have to play by its rules.
The Formatting Mistakes That Get CVs Rejected
Most ATS rejections aren't down to lack of experience. They're formatting errors that make the software unable to read your CV correctly.
Avoid all of the following:
- Two-column layouts. ATS reads left to right, line by line. A two-column CV gets scrambled — job titles end up next to the wrong dates, skills merge with company names.
- Text boxes and tables. Content inside a text box is often invisible to ATS parsers. Anything in a table may be ignored entirely.
- Graphics, icons, and skill bar charts. These look good in design templates but ATS can't read them. They leave blank gaps in your profile.
- Headers and footers for contact details. Around 25% of ATS systems skip header and footer content. Put your name, phone number, and email address in the main body of the document.
- Unusual fonts. Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Decorative fonts may fail to parse correctly.
- Creative section headings. "My Journey" won't map to a work history field. Use standard labels: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
Use a clean, single-column format. Save your CV as a .docx or PDF — both are reliably readable by most ATS. If the job posting specifies a format, use that.
How to Match Keywords Without Stuffing Them In
ATS scores your CV based on keyword matches with the job description. The more relevant terms you include — used naturally — the higher your score.
Here's how to do it properly:
- Read the job description carefully. Note any terms that appear more than once. These are the keywords the ATS is likely weighted towards.
- Mirror the language exactly. If the job says "stakeholder management," don't write "stakeholder engagement" — use the same phrase.
- Include a Skills section. This is where you can list relevant tools, methodologies, or qualifications in keyword-dense form. For example: "Project Management | Agile | MS Project | Budget Forecasting."
- Don't keyword-stuff your personal profile. It looks unnatural and won't help once a recruiter does read it.
- Tailor for each application. A generic CV is one of the main reasons applications fail ATS filtering. Even small adjustments — swapping a phrase or reordering your skills — make a significant difference.
Structure Your CV So Both ATS and Humans Can Read It
A CV that passes ATS still needs to impress the recruiter who reads it next. Structure matters for both.
| Section | What to Include | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Details | Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, location (city/region is fine) | No photo, no date of birth, no full home address required |
| Personal Profile | 2–4 sentence summary of your experience and what you're looking for | Use keywords from the job description naturally here |
| Work Experience | Roles in reverse-chronological order, with dates, employer, job title, and bullet points | Include at least one measurable result per role where possible |
| Education | Qualifications, institution, and dates | For experienced candidates, keep this brief |
| Skills | Relevant technical and soft skills | Match language directly from job description |
| Certifications / Training | Professional qualifications, licences, courses | Include full names — abbreviations may not match ATS keywords |
Use UK date formats (e.g. January 2024 – March 2026, not 01/2024). ATS systems calibrated for UK recruitment can misread US-format dates.
Writing Bullet Points That Actually Land
Once your CV gets past the ATS, a recruiter has roughly six seconds to decide whether to read further. Bullet points that list duties — "responsible for managing customer queries" — don't stand out. Ones that show results do.
A simple formula: Action verb + task + outcome.
For example:
- Managed a team of eight customer service advisers, reducing average handling time by 18% over six months.
- Delivered warehouse inventory audits across three sites, improving stock accuracy from 87% to 96%.
- Processed weekly payroll for 120 employees, maintaining 100% accuracy across a two-year period.
You don't need to quantify everything — but aim for at least one concrete result per role. Even approximate figures (roughly, approximately, around) are better than nothing.
CV Length, File Name, and Final Checks
Most UK CVs should be one to two pages. Two pages is fine for candidates with five or more years of experience. Going longer than two pages is rarely justified unless you're applying for a senior academic or technical role.
A few other things worth checking before you send:
- File name. Name your file something professional: FirstName-Surname-CV.docx. Avoid file names like "CV_final_v3_UPDATED."
- No photos. Photos on CVs are not standard in the UK and can cause issues with some ATS systems.
- Spell check in British English. Set your document language to English (UK) before running a spell check. Differences like "organise" vs "organize" can flag a mismatch.
- Test it yourself. Copy and paste your CV into a plain text editor like Notepad. If the layout holds up and reads logically, an ATS can likely parse it.
A Note on AI-Generated CVs
More job seekers are using AI tools to write or improve their CVs — and more recruiters are aware of it. Generic AI output tends to be vague, overly formal, and light on specific detail. It may pass ATS screening but often fails the human read.
If you use AI to draft sections, treat it as a starting point. Rewrite in your own voice, add specific details about your actual experience, and remove any phrasing that sounds like it was written for no one in particular.
Your CV should sound like you — specific, direct, and grounded in what you've actually done.
Ready to put your updated CV to work? Browse our latest jobs across the UK and find your next role today.