Expert Insight: "I have watched brilliant candidates rejected by AI screening because their CVs were formatted incorrectly. Formatting isn't cosmetic — it is the difference between being seen and being ignored."
Why Your Beautifully Designed CV Might Never Be Read
You spent hours perfecting your CV's colours, layout, and design. It looks professional and modern. There is just one problem: AI screening software cannot read it.
The 7 Rules of ATS-Friendly CV Writing
Rule 1: Use Standard, Machine-Readable Formatting
Do this: Single-column layout, standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Georgia), clear section headings.
Avoid this: Tables, text boxes, columns, graphics, logos, unusual fonts, headers/footers.
Rule 2: Include the Exact Keywords From the Job Description
Read the job description carefully. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Use the exact phrases in your CV where truthful.
Test Your CV Before Submitting: Copy all text from your CV and paste into a plain text editor like Notepad. If the information appears in the wrong order, is missing, or is scrambled — the ATS will struggle too.
Quick Checklist Before Every Application:
- ✅ Single-column layout with standard fonts
- ✅ Keywords from job description included naturally
- ✅ Standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
- ✅ No tables, text boxes, graphics, or columns
- ✅ Quantified achievements with numbers where possible