Getting Your CV Into The Right Hands: How To Beat the Robots

The Career Academy10/05/23

Want your CV to reach a real person?


Most CVs are scanned by software before a person reads them. That is why an ATS-friendly CV is essential if you want to get noticed. The good news is that a few simple changes can boost your chances of being seen and invited to an interview.

If you are looking for work, you are entering a world where technology can help you move ahead of the pack. Knowing how to write a CV for modern recruitment is vital. The digital world runs on algorithms, so learning how to address the CV screening algorithm is often part of getting hired.

1. What is an Applicant Tracking System


Did you know that 75% of CVs submitted by qualified applicants don't even make it into the hands of a real person?

In plain English, an Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is a software that scans CVs, extracts the text, and ranks it against the job description. Clear headings, simple formatting, and relevant keywords help you match the role.

Good news. You do not need a fancy template. You need clarity and relevance.

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2. Make Your CV Keyword Friendly


Start with the job ad. Pull the exact words it uses. Then map those terms into your CV where they are accurate.

  • Title match: mirror the job title if it fits your history.
  • Skills and tools: list software and methods the ad names, for example Xero, Excel, Power BI.
  • Certifications: write the full name once, then the acronym, for example Certificate in Accounting, CIA.
  • Outcomes: show results with numbers, not only duties.

For deeper guidance on keywords, see this overview.

Mini checklist:

  • Job title appears near the top.
  • Six to eight role specific skills listed in one block.
  • Key tools repeated once in a role bullet.
  • At least three bullets show outcomes with numbers.

3. Get Your CV Checked


Small mistakes can block screening. Spelling, spacing, or hidden text inside shapes can cause parsing issues.

Three minute self review:

  • Copy all text and paste into a plain text editor. Does the order still make sense.
  • Run a spell check. Read aloud once to catch repeats.
  • Ask a friend to scan for clarity and missing dates.
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4. Make Your CV More Robot Proof

Many people prefer PDF. Some systems read PDFs as images, which can fail. When in doubt, send a Word file.

Formatting that works:

  • File type .docx, plain text .txt can work for portals that request it.
  • Fonts Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 11 to 12 pt.
  • One column layout, left aligned text, short bullets.
  • Standard headings, Education, Experience, Skills, Certifications, Referees.
  • Spell out acronyms once, for example Accounts Receivable, AR.

See this guide for simple formatting wins.

5. Common CV Mistakes That Block ATS

  • Two column templates that split key details.
  • Contact details inside headers or footers.
  • Skills shown as icons or images, not text.
  • Keyword stuffing that reads unnaturally.
  • Inconsistent titles or dates that do not match the ad.

Pro tip: name your file like this, Firstname-Lastname-CV-JobTitle.docx.

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6. Quick Wins You Can Apply in 20 Minutes

  1. Match the title under your name, for example Accounts Administrator.
  2. Front load key skills in a short list near the top.
  3. Turn duties into results with numbers, for example Processed 120 invoices per week with 99 percent accuracy.
  4. Standardise dates using MMM YYYY, for example Jan 2025 to Present.
  5. Save as Word, run a spell check, then do the plain text test.

7. Simple CV Layout You Can Copy

  • Header: Name, phone, email, LinkedIn URL, city.
  • Profile: Three lines on your strengths and role fit.
  • Skills: Six to eight skills and tools that match the ad.
  • Experience: Job title, employer, dates, three to six bullets with outcomes.
  • Education: Qualifications and provider.
  • Certifications: Relevant short courses or registrations.
  • Referees: Available on request.

Copy paste skeleton:

Firstname Lastname | City | 021 xxx xxxx | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/firstname-lastname

Profile
Two to three lines that show your strengths, tools, and role fit.

Skills
Xero | Excel | Accounts Payable | Accounts Receivable | Reconciliations | Customer Service

Experience
Job Title, Employer, City  Jan 2024 to Present
• Outcome with number and tool
• Outcome with number and tool
• Outcome with number and tool

Education
Qualification, Provider, Year

Certifications
Course or Registration, Year

Referees
Available on request

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an Applicant Tracking System and how does it work
Should I send my CV as Word or PDF
Do columns, tables, headers or footers cause parsing issues
Which fonts are ATS friendly
Where should I place keywords to improve matches
Do ATS scan cover letters too
How can I check if my CV is ATS friendly

Get In Touch

It pays to move quickly when a good role appears, since early applications can be screened sooner. Being ready with a clean, keyword aligned CV makes this simple.

We offer a free CV check to all enrolled students. Reach out before you apply so your CV is ready. You can also explore short online courses that build the skills employers search for.

Ready to be seen. Request your free CV check today, or browse our courses to strengthen your application.