Bypassing ATS: Strategies for Crafting a CV that Stands Out in the Digital Recruitment Landscape

Understanding ATS: What You’re Up Against

Modern ATS platforms do far more than automatically post jobs – they classify, filter, and rank applicants using advanced algorithms. ATS scans CVs for keywords, filters out unqualified candidates, and even grades resumes based on perceived relevance to the job description. This is designed to streamline hiring, but it also means that even qualified candidates can be screened out by simple formatting or language errors.

Nerdii ensures that your CV is optimized and tailored to go through ATS and not get rejected based on some writing oversight before a human recruiter even sees it.

Why Optimizing for ATS Matters

If your CV isn’t ‘readable’ by an ATS, it may never be seen by a hiring manager, regardless of your fit for the role. Here’s why intentional optimization is crucial for you to stay relevant in the job market:

• ATS automation ranks or rejects based on the presence or absence of specific keywords.
• Resumes with complicated designs, tables, or graphics may get misread or discarded.
• Subtle differences, like using job titles exactly as listed in the job post, can have a big impact.
• Mass applications don’t work anymore. Even if you are sending out a hundred applications everyday, if recruiting teams are using ATS (which most of them are), none of your submissions will be seen.

Steps to Create an ATS-Friendly, Standout CV

While Nerdii will always take a thorough look at your CV and guide you through editing it to make sure it is perfect for applications, we share a few tips that anyone can use to create CVs that are relevant for job applications in 2025.

1. Choose a Simple, Consistent Format

   Stick to clean, straightforward formatting. Use standard section headings like “Work Experience”, “Education”, and “Skills”. Avoid headers, footers, columns, graphics, or tables, which many ATS systems can’t read correctly. Save your document as a .docx or PDF (if the posting allows, as some platforms struggle with PDFs).

2. Use Role-Specific Keywords Thoughtfully

   Study the job description carefully. Identify the required skills, qualifications, and technologies, then naturally integrate relevant keywords into your CV. For example, if a job posting mentions “project management” and “Agile methodologies,” make sure those terms are present in your experience and skills sections however, avoid unnatural repetition or keyword stuffing.

3. Mirror Job Titles and Phrasing

   Recruiters often search for exact job titles and terms pulled from their listings. If your official title was “Client Success Specialist” but the job you want is “Customer Success Manager,” consider reflecting both terms in your descriptions (e.g., “Client Success Specialist (Customer Success Manager equivalent)”). This increases your visibility both to algorithms and human readers.

4. Structure with Bullet Points for Clarity

   Bullet points help ATS systems parse your achievements and responsibilities effectively. Begin each point with a strong action verb (“Led”, “Coordinated”, “Developed”). Wherever possible, quantify your impact (“Increased sales by 20% over 12 months”).

5. Avoid Images, Charts, and Other Embedded Elements

   ATS cannot read text embedded within images, infographics, or icons. Keep critical information in standard text.

6. Standardize Your Contact Information

   Place your name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile at the top of your CV as plain text. ATS systems often cannot parse contact details found in headers, footers, or graphics.

7. Include Both Hard and Soft Skills

   While technical qualifications are key for ATS matching, most systems now also look for soft skills relevant to a position. Match these to the language used in the job posting (e.g., “team collaboration”, “leadership”, “communication”).

8. List Certifications and Tools Relevant to the Role

   If the job requires specific platforms, certifications, or methodologies (e.g., “Certified Scrum Master”, “Salesforce”, “Google Analytics”), ensure these are spelled out in full, as abbreviations can be missed.

9. Optimize Your File Name

   Use a professional file name format, such as “Firstname_Lastname_Position_2025.docx”. This not only looks professional to recruiters but ensures the file is easily retrievable in the system.

10. Proofread and Test Your CV

    Typos and inconsistent formatting can trip up even the best ATS systems. Use online tools or even upload your resume to free ATS simulators to check its compatibility.

Real-Life Example – How Simple Tweaks Can Lead to Success

Sarah, a project manager looking to enter the tech industry, found that her elegantly designed CV with multiple columns and graphic elements rarely got her calls back. Nerdii helped her switch to a simple, keyword-rich text-based format that mirrored job descriptions more closely and helped her land five interviews within a month. Small changes can yield big results.

Key Things to Avoid When Creating an ATS Resume

• Avoid unusual fonts (stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
• Don’t use abbreviations unless also spelled out elsewhere
• Skip headers and footers for critical info
• Never include tables, images, or charts

How Recruiters Score Applications

Recruiters don’t manually sift through hundreds of resumes anymore. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are widely used by recruiting teams, especially by larger organizations. Jobscan research suggests that 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS, while a Kelly OCG survey found that 66% of large companies use them, with 35% of smaller organizations also relying on recruitment software, according to Pennsylvania Western University. 

Recruiters typically set specific filters or keywords, such as job titles, technical skills, certifications, or even years of experience. The ATS then scans each application and assigns it a score based on how closely it aligns with these inputs. High-scoring candidates are surfaced to the top, while others may never make it past the first round.

Nerdii helps ensure your CV is both ATS-optimized and aligned with what real recruiters are actually searching for.

Actionable Checklist for an ATS-Compatible, Standout CV

• Use clear section headings and standard formatting
• Incorporate all relevant keywords naturally
• Match job title phrasing closely
• Quantify results and achievements
• Update certifications, tools, and skills regularly
• Test with ATS compatibility checkers
• Customize per application if possible

FAQs About Bypassing ATS and Optimizing Your CV

Q1: Do all employers use ATS for hiring?

While most medium and large employers now rely on ATS for part or all of the hiring process, some small businesses may still use manual review. Given the prevalence of ATS-enabled job boards, preparing an ATS-friendly CV is recommended for all applicants.

Q2: Will my custom-designed CV ever reach a human recruiter?

Creative or graphic CVs are best reserved for in-person presentations or direct submission to a hiring manager. For online applications, always use an ATS-optimized version to ensure your profile passes the first digital screening.

Q3: How often should I update my CV for ATS compatibility?

Review and refresh your CV each time you apply for a new role. Adjust keywords and summary sections based on unique job descriptions to maximize alignment with ATS criteria.

Q4: Are PDF resumes compatible with ATS systems?

Compatibility varies by the system. Some ATS platforms process PDFs accurately, while others may struggle. When in doubt and if permitted, submit your CV in .docx format which is universally accepted.

Q5: How do I know if my CV is ATS-friendly?

Use free online ATS resume checkers or simulators. These tools mimic how an ATS parses your document, highlighting areas for improvement.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps in the Digital Job Market

Today’s digital recruitment landscape demands more than just a well-written CV; it requires strategic adaptation to automated hiring. By following these ATS optimization strategies and teaming up with Nerdii, you set yourself up for greater visibility and a significant edge over competitors. Combine ATS compatibility with authentic self-presentation, and update your application materials for each new opportunity to ensure you make every shortlist.

Mastering the nuances of applicant tracking systems isn’t about gaming the system, it’s about giving your hard-earned skills and experiences the best chance to shine in a crowded digital landscape.