ATS & Job Search

How To Conquer Ats And Job Board Search Engines

ATS & Job Board Compliant CV

Thankfully both ATS and job boards follow the same basic ground rules when it comes to optimising your CV. Here are the 8 most important components needed to ensure you have a search friendly CV that will conquer ATS and job board search engines:

1. File Format

You have spent hours making your PDF CV look stunning! However, it might be all for nothing, as not all ATS can scan or read PDF for keywords and other important information correctly. Talking purely about searchability and the ease with which your CV can be read by an ATS, sending your CV as a Word Document is always the safest bet. All ATS can read and scan a CV in Word, plus it is much easier for ATS to parse Word it into a digital applicant profile. Remember though, do not use text boxes, tables, columns, logos, colours, or special fonts which can also prevent ATS from reading the content correctly.

2. Keyword Optimised

It is essential your CV is keyword optimised as much as possible, in line with the roles you are applying for. Job descriptions will give you plenty of pointers. Research and cross-reference job advert content with your content. Check how roles are described, what titles they use, and what key skills the employer is looking for. Use these relevant terms and spread them responsibly throughout your CV. Do not over list terms otherwise your CV may be seen as spamming.

3. Headline

Your headline should be focused on the exact job you are targeting and state the exact job title. Let's say you are applying for Customer Service Manager roles, by having your headline as "Customer Service Manager" it will maximise success and ensure your CV is ranked higher.

4. Summary

Start your summary with a strong clear statement of who you are and what you do. Follow this with 2-3 targeted sentences. Highlight your most relevant strengths, skillset, and core competencies that are unique to you as a candidate and relevant to the role.

5. Key Skills

Your skill section is vital to ensure your CV is keyword optimised and passes ATS. Don't simply copy relevant skills from job advert and list as bullet points, tell one or two sentences about it and demonstrate your experience, however, make sure to keep it short and factual. It's important to highlight your best hard and soft skills to position yourself as a well-rounded candidate. Have the right mix of both!

6. Education & Qualifications

Ensure you list the exact qualifications (Bachelor's Degree, MBA, etc) as well as the place you gained it - some universities or institutions can add additional search quality to your CV.

7. Career History

Put your "Job Title" first, then "Company name (country)" and then the "start and end date". Below this quickly set the scene by adding a 1 line introduction on the company, and possibly what level you are reported to, then list your duties and responsibilities. Keep it skill/task driven and relevant to the roles you are going to target. To close, list all stand out achievements at the end. Your previous job title might be "Customer Care Manager" as the main job title for example, but then, as you describe the role, say something like: "As a customer service manager, it was my responsibility to..."

8. CV File Name

Name your CV file as a combination of your name, the job title you are applying for and "CV", this looks professional and makes it easy for recruiters to find the correct file.