Many employers use an applicant tracking system, or ATS, to collect and organise applications. The system may extract your contact details, job titles, dates, skills and education before a recruiter opens the file. Good formatting helps that information survive the process.

Use standard section headings

Choose familiar labels such as Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills and Certifications. Creative headings can look attractive but may prevent software from understanding where information belongs.

Keep the layout simple

Avoid placing essential details in headers, footers, text boxes or complex tables. Use a logical reading order and consistent dates. Decorative icons should never replace written contact labels or skill names.

Match the language of the vacancy

Read the job description and identify important tools, qualifications and responsibilities that genuinely match your background. Use the employer’s terminology naturally. Do not copy entire sentences or add keywords for skills you do not possess.

Choose the right file format

Follow the employer’s instructions first. A text-based PDF usually preserves the layout, while a DOCX file can be preferred by some systems. Never submit a scanned image of your CV because its text may not be searchable.

Test before sending

Copy the text from your PDF into a plain-text document. If the order is confusing or important information disappears, simplify the design. ATS-friendly does not mean unattractive; it means clear, structured and accessible.