How to Make Sure Your CV Passes AI Screening

Did you know that many organizations use **AI to screen applications**? These systems, called **Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)**, are not clever—they’re basic keyword scanners. If your CV is clear, simple, and properly formatted, you’re already ahead of most applicants.

Let’s make sure your CV gets seen by a real human.

1. Keep the Layout Simple (AI Loves Simple) 🤖

ATS systems struggle with creative layouts. **Clean and plain wins every time.** Think of the ATS as a photocopier, not a designer.

Do: Use a simple, single-column layout. Use standard fonts (**Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman**). Use clear section headings: Education, Experience, Skills, Achievements. Save as PDF unless the job post requests Word.
Don’t: No tables, text boxes, graphics, icons, images, logos, or columns. Avoid CV templates from Canva—ATS can’t read them properly.

2. Use the Right Keywords (Match the Job Description)

This is the most important rule. ATS looks for **exact words** that appear in the job ad.

**How to do it:** Read the job description. Highlight all skills, tools, duties, and keywords. Include those **exact phrases** in your CV—naturally, not forced.
**Example:** Job ad says: “Proficient in **Excel and data analysis**.” Your CV should say: “Proficient in **Excel and data analysis**,” not “Good with spreadsheets.”

3. Avoid Jargon and Slang

The ATS only cares about standard job titles and responsibilities. Avoid overly creative or informal language.

Don’t say: “I was the Office Ninja” or “Chief Coffee Brewer.”
Say: “Administrative Assistant” or “Junior Analyst.”

4. Don't Hide Your Experience

The AI needs to see your job titles and dates clearly.

**Be Clear:** Make sure your **job title** and the **company name** are written out clearly and appear at the top of your experience entry.
**Avoid:** Creative titles like “My Awesome Journey” or “What I Bring”—the AI won’t understand.

5. Avoid Overcrowding (AI can’t guess what you mean)

Write clearly, with **short bullet points**. 2–3 lines per point is perfect.

**Good:** Led a team of 5 volunteers to run weekly tutoring sessions.
**Bad:** I was in charge of lots of tasks including planning, managing people, doing admin, etc.

6. Use Numbers Where Possible

AI loves **measurable achievements**. Numbers make you appear more qualified.

“Increased social media engagement by 30%.”
“Helped process 200+ customer queries per week.”
“Reduced admin time by 15% using spreadsheets.”

7. Place Key Information at the Top

Most ATS systems scan in this order: Name, Contact details, Skills, Experience. Put Skills and your Professional Summary near the top to show instant relevance.