How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV? UK Template & Format

You're researching guides about CV writing and keep stumbling upon “ATS”—a term that pops up everywhere yet remains a mystery. And nah, it’s not an Advanced Typo Scanner.

This guide explains what an ATS CV is, provides the right ATS-optimized CV template for the UK, and covers all essential CV technicalities.

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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

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What is ATS and an ATS-friendly CV?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software employers use to streamline recruitment. It helps them sort, scan, and rank job applications quickly. This system scans CVs for keywords, qualifications, and other criteria set by the employer to find the most suitable candidates.

An ATS-friendly CV is a document that is easily read and can be accurately interpreted by these systems. It uses a clean and simple layout, incorporates relevant keywords from the job description, and avoids complex formatting like tables, images, or graphics. An ATS-friendly CV is more likely to pass the initial automated screening and be considered for the next recruitment stages.

How to write an ATS-optimised CV?

Do you know the basic idea of SEO? It aims to boost a website’s visibility for relevant searches on search engines like Google. While it involves complex activities, it primarily focuses on using the right keywords and making a website relevant to what users are looking for.

How does this correspond with the ATS concept? Essentially, creating an ATS-friendly CV is similar to SEO for job applications. It increases your chances of getting noticed by potential employers, but only if you focus on incorporating keywords from the job description and tailoring your CV to match the job's requirements.

Here’s how to write an ATS-optimised CV step by step:

1. Use a simple layout

An ATS-friendly CV should have a clean layout. Avoid confusing the software with complex designs, tables, images, or graphics. Stick to a traditional format with clearly outlined sections, using classic fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri to ensure readability. A clear CV layout helps the ATS easily parse and understand the content of your CV.

2. Incorporate keywords

Read the job description and identify key terms and phrases related to skills, qualifications, and experience. Add these keywords naturally throughout your CV, especially in the personal profile, work experience, and skills sections. Using relevant keywords helps the ATS match your CV to the job requirements, so you’re more likely to be considered for the position.

3. Adjust for readability

Use bullet points to list your accomplishments. This not only makes your CV easier for the ATS to scan but also for recruiters to read. Ensure consistent formatting throughout your CV, such as standardised dates and headings. Clear and organised information helps the ATS and human readers quickly understand your qualifications.

4. Use regular headings

Stick to common section headings like “Work experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” These standard headings are easily recognised by ATS software. Avoid using creative or unconventional headings that the ATS might not identify.

5. Avoid headers and footers

Refrain from placing critical information in the headers or footers of your CV, as some ATS might ignore these sections. Make sure all essential details, such as your contact information, are in the main body of your CV. This ensures that all critical information is easily accessible to the ATS and recruiters.

6. Focus on relevant content

Tailor your CV to the specific job by emphasising relevant work experience and skills. This means removing any information that is not related to the job you are applying for. Highlighting relevant content ensures that the ATS and recruiters can quickly see that you have the necessary qualifications and experience for the role.

7. Save in the right format

When saving your CV, use a .docx or .pdf file format, as these are commonly accepted by ATS software. Avoid using file types that may not be compatible with the employer's ATS. Saving your CV in the correct format ensures the software can easily process and read it.

8. Proofread thoroughly

Finally, proofread your ATS CV to check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. A polished and professional CV reflects well on you as a candidate. Consider using tools like Grammarly or having a friend review your CV for any mistakes. A properly written CV ensures you present yourself to potential employers in the best possible light.

That’s how you create an ATS-friendly CV that stands a better chance of making it through automated screening processes and reaching the hands of human recruiters. But there’s more to a successful, ATS-oriented CV document.

What is an ATS-friendly CV structure?

Let’s make things even easier by outlining the right ATS-friendly CV structure. Here are the key sections an ATS CV template includes:

1. Header with contact information

Put your full name, phone number, email address, and professionally prepared LinkedIn profile at the top of your CV. A clean header containing essential information ensures it is accessible to both ATS and recruiters.

2. Personal statement

Tailor your personal statement to the specific job you are applying for and incorporate critical keywords. Highlight your professional background, key skills, and career objectives in particular, and mention the name of the company you’re aiming for

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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3. Work experience

List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, and start with strong action verbs to enhance confidence and readability.

4. Education

This part of your ATS CV should detail your academic background, but only include relevant qualifications and experience supporting your application. Mention the name of the institution, list the degrees obtained, and dates attended.

5. Skills

A list of relevant skills that align with the job description is a must-have. This section allows the ATS to match your capabilities with the job requirements. Use bullet points and incorporate keywords from the job posting to ensure the ATS recognises your skills.

6. Certifications

Add any relevant certifications, licences, or professional development courses. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organisation, and the date you received it. You can also mention professional organisations if you belong to any.

6. Additional sections

Sections such as Languages, Volunteer work, Professional affiliations, or Hobbies and interests can be included if they add value to your application. These elements provide a more extensive view of your skills and points of interest. Ensure these sections are accurate and enhance your candidacy for the job.

Now, see how an ATS-friendly CV looks in practice:

ATS CV template (example)

What makes this CV template ATS-friendly?

1. Structured format: Information is organized into clear sections (Personal statement, Work experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, Hobbies).
2. Clear contact information: The phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile are easily accessible and correctly formatted.
3. Personal statement: A concise and targeted personal statement highlights key skills and experiences relevant to the job.
4. Chronological work experience: Work history is presented in reverse chronological order with clear job titles, employers, and dates of employment.
5. Use of keywords: It includes industry-specific keywords such as “patient care,” “medical procedures,” “infection control,” and “communication” that are likely to be picked up by ATS.
6. Achievements highlighted: Quantifiable achievements are prominently displayed to show impact and value (e.g., reduced patient care time by 10%).
7. Readable descriptions: Duties and accomplishments are described in short, readable sentences, making the CV easier to scan for ATS and human readers.
8. Education and certifications: A clearly listed educational background and relevant certifications with dates can be easily recognized by ATS.
9. Skills section: A dedicated skills section that summarises key competencies and organises them with bullet points will likely match the job description.
10. Consistent formatting: The font type, size, and style are consistent throughout the document, with appropriate use of bold for headings and job titles.
11. Simplified template: This ATS-friendly CV template avoids the use of graphics, images, or complex formatting that can confuse ATS software.
12. Plain text: It uses plain text without special characters or unusual fonts, ensuring ATS can read the content without issues.

And that's it! Now you know how to meet the ATS requirements and create a CV that is liked by robots and appeals to humans. Good luck with your own application!

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Thank you for reading this article about an ATS-friendly CV. I hope that now you’ll write your ATS-optimised CV much easier. If you have any questions regarding the ATS CV format or template, feel free to leave a comment.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.