Check If Your CV Is ATS Friendly
What Is an ATS? (Applicant Tracking System)?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by companies to collect, scan, filter, and rank job applications automatically. Instead of recruiters reading every resume manually, an ATS analyzes resumes to determine which candidates best match the job description.
An ATS works by:
- Extracting text from resumes
- Identifying skills, job titles, and keywords
- Comparing resumes against the job description
- Ranking candidates based on relevance
Most medium and large companies use ATS software such as Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo, and iCIMS. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may be rejected before a human ever sees it.
👉 A well-optimized ATS resume significantly increases your chances of getting shortlisted.
Why Resumes Get Rejected by ATS?
Most resumes are rejected by ATS systems due to formatting issues and missing keywords, not because the candidate is unqualified.
Common reasons resumes get rejected include:
- Missing job-specific keywords
ATS systems look for exact keywords from the job description. If your resume doesn’t include them, it may score low. - Complex formatting
Tables, columns, graphics, icons, and text boxes can confuse ATS software. - Unclear headings
ATS prefers standard headings like Work Experience, Skills, and Education. - Wrong file format
Some ATS systems struggle to read scanned PDFs or image-based resumes. - Keyword stuffing
Repeating keywords unnaturally can reduce ATS ranking and harm human readability.
👉 ATS rejection does not mean your resume is bad — it means it is not optimized for software.
PDF vs DOCX for ATS: Which Is Better?
Choosing the right resume file format is critical for ATS compatibility.
DOCX (Word Resume)
- Best format for ATS
- Easy text extraction
- Supported by almost all ATS platforms
PDF Resume
- ⚠ Can be ATS-friendly if text-based
- ❌ Scanned PDFs are unreadable
- ❌ Design-heavy PDFs may break parsing
Best Practice:
Use DOCX unless the job posting specifically asks for a PDF.
👉 If you use PDF, ensure it is text-based, simple, and not scanned.
How Recruiters Use ATS Systems
Recruiters use ATS platforms to save time and reduce manual screening.
Typical ATS workflow:
- Job description is uploaded into the ATS
- Resumes are collected through job portals or email
- ATS scans resumes automatically
- Candidates are ranked by match score
- Recruiters review only top-ranked resumes
Recruiters usually do not see rejected resumes unless they manually search for them.
👉 Your resume must first impress the ATS before it can impress a recruiter.
How to Improve Your ATS Score
Improving your ATS score is about alignment, clarity, and simplicity.
1️⃣ Match the Job Description
- Use exact keywords from the job posting
- Include required skills, tools, and certifications
2️⃣ Use Standard Resume Headings
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications
3️⃣ Keep Formatting Simple
- One column layout
- No tables or text boxes
- No icons or images
4️⃣ Optimize Skills Section
- List both technical and soft skills
- Avoid long paragraphs
5️⃣ Choose the Right File Format
- DOCX preferred
- Avoid scanned PDFs
6️⃣ Avoid Keyword Stuffing
- Use keywords naturally in context
- Focus on relevance, not repetition
👉 An ATS-optimized resume increases visibility, not just score.
Why Use an ATS CV Checker?
An ATS CV checker analyzes your resume the same way an ATS system does. It helps you:
- Identify missing keywords
- Detect formatting issues
- Improve ATS compatibility
- Increase interview chances
👉 Checking your ATS score before applying can dramatically improve success rates.
Quick ATS Resume Answers
Is my CV ATS friendly?
If your CV uses clear headings, simple formatting, and job-specific keywords, it is more likely to be ATS friendly.
What makes a resume ATS friendly?
An ATS-friendly resume uses standard headings, relevant keywords, a single-column layout, and a simple DOCX or text-based PDF format.
Why does my resume fail ATS screening?
Resumes fail ATS screening due to missing keywords, complex formatting, tables, images, or unsupported file formats.
Can ATS read PDF resumes?
ATS can read PDF resumes only if they are text-based and not scanned or image-heavy. DOCX files are safer for ATS systems.
What is a good ATS score for a resume?
A good ATS score is usually above 70%, indicating strong keyword matching and proper formatting.
How do I increase my ATS score?
You can increase your ATS score by matching job description keywords, simplifying formatting, and using standard resume headings.
Do fonts affect ATS compatibility?
Yes. Simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are easier for ATS systems to read.
Does ATS reject resumes automatically?
Yes. ATS systems automatically filter resumes that do not meet keyword or formatting requirements.
How long does ATS take to scan a resume?
An ATS scans a resume in seconds, much faster than a human recruiter.
Can ATS detect skills accurately?
ATS detects skills based on keyword presence, not skill level or experience depth.
Should I customize my CV for each job?
Yes. Customizing your CV for each job improves ATS matching and ranking.
Does ATS read headers and footers?
Most ATS systems ignore headers and footers, so important information should be in the main body.
Can ATS read tables or columns?
Many ATS systems struggle with tables and multi-column layouts, which can break resume parsing.
Is a one-page resume better for ATS?
ATS does not care about resume length, but clarity and keyword relevance matter more.
Does ATS scan job titles?
Yes. ATS systems heavily analyze job titles to match role requirements.
Can ATS detect certifications?
Yes. Certifications are detected when clearly listed using standard section headings.
Is keyword stuffing good for ATS?
No. Keyword stuffing can reduce readability and lower ATS effectiveness.
Does ATS check grammar?
ATS does not evaluate grammar, but poor grammar may affect recruiter decisions later.
Should I include a summary section?
Yes. A clear professional summary helps ATS and recruiters understand your profile quickly.
Is an ATS CV checker accurate?
An ATS CV checker simulates how applicant tracking systems analyze resumes, helping identify weaknesses before applying.