May 8 (edited) • General discussion
Crafting a Winning CV That Gets Noticed by Recruiters and Passes the ATS.
In today’s competitive job market, your CV is more than just a summary of your career — it’s your first impression. Whether you’re aiming for your dream job or seeking a career change, crafting a CV that not only attracts recruiters but also passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is essential.
The competition is fierce. For a single job posting, hundreds of candidates may apply — yet recruiters don’t have the time to carefully read every CV. Out of 200 applicants, the ATS may screen out up to 85–90% almost instantly, leaving only about 10 to 15 CVs for human review. From those, perhaps 5 to 7 will be shortlisted for interviews or further contact.
This makes it critical that your CV is not only well-written but also optimized for both ATS algorithms and human recruiters to give yourself the best possible chance of making the cut.
Here’s how to make your CV stand out for the right reasons:
Understanding the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
ATS software is designed to filter and rank applications. If your CV isn’t optimized for ATS, it might not even reach the hiring manager. Here are some quick facts:
- Format matters: ATS prefers simple, text-based documents (usually Word or PDF).
- Keywords are essential: ATS scans for keywords related to the job description.
- Section titles help: Clear headings like Work Experience, Skills, and Education make it easier for ATS to parse your information.
Dos: Crafting a CV That Wins
✅ Use a Simple and Professional Format
- Use common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
- Avoid headers and footers, which ATS may not read properly.
- Use bullet points to present responsibilities and achievements clearly.
✅ Tailor Your CV for Each Role
- Read the job description carefully and mirror key phrases and skills.
- Prioritize the most relevant experiences and achievements for the role.
✅ Incorporate Keywords Naturally
- ATS looks for specific industry and job-related keywords.
- Include technical skills, certifications, and industry jargon where applicable.
✅ Showcase Achievements, Not Just Duties
- Use action verbs (e.g. "led," "developed," "increased") to describe your impact.
- Quantify achievements (e.g. "Increased sales by 20%" or "Reduced processing time by 30%").
✅ Include a Skills Section
- List both hard skills (e.g. Power BI, Excel, SQL, Python, Financial Modelling) and soft skills (e.g. Communication, Leadership).
- Align these skills with the job description to improve ATS scoring.
✅ Write a Clear and Concise Professional Summary
- This is your elevator pitch — summarize who you are, your key skills, and what you bring to the role.
- Customize for each job to reflect the employer’s priorities.
✅ Use Reverse Chronological Order
- List your most recent experience first, as this is what recruiters and ATS prioritize.
✅ Check Grammar and Spelling
- ATS may not recognize misspelled words, causing your CV to be ranked lower.
- Proofread or use tools like Grammarly to ensure accuracy.
Don’ts: Mistakes That Can Hurt Your CV
🚫 Avoid Graphics, Images, and Complex Tables
- ATS often can't read text inside images or complex formatting.
- Stick to plain text and simple tables, if necessary.
🚫 Don’t Use Uncommon Job Titles
- If your job title was unique to your company, translate it into industry-standard terms.
🚫 Don’t Include Irrelevant Information
- Hobbies and outdated skills can clutter your CV and dilute your impact.
- Focus on what adds value to the job you’re targeting.
🚫 Avoid Dense Paragraphs
- Use bullet points and short statements to make your CV scannable.
- Recruiters typically spend less than 10 seconds on an initial scan.
🚫 Don’t Lie or Over inflate
- ATS and recruiters verify credentials and claims.
- Be honest — showcase your true strengths.
🚫 Avoid Using Fancy Headers Like “Curriculum Vitae”
- Use your name as the header instead. It makes your CV more personal and saves space.
Final Tips: Give Yourself an Edge
- Save your CV as a .docx or .pdf file unless instructed otherwise.
- Name your file professionally (e.g. John-Doe-Data-Analyst-CV.docx).
- Optimize for mobile viewing, as recruiters may read your CV on their phones.
- Update regularly — tailor for new roles and remove outdated details.
Conclusion
A winning CV bridges two worlds — it speaks fluently to both machines and humans. By aligning your CV with ATS-friendly guidelines while also showcasing your unique strengths and achievements, you dramatically increase your chances of landing interview calls.
Remember: the goal of your CV is not to get the job immediately — it’s to get you into the room. Once you’re there, your skills, personality, and passion will do the rest.
Dr. Callistus Ikpunuekhai, MCDA, MCT.
1
1 comment
Crafting a Winning CV That Gets Noticed by Recruiters and Passes the ATS.
