An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to manage job applications. It scans CVs for specific keywords, formats, and structures to determine if a candidate matches the job requirements. An ATS CV can be the difference between your application being seen or discarded.
According to recent studies, up to 75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before a human even reviews them. This is often due to formatting issues or missing keywords. By focusing on an ATS friendly CV, you ensure your skills and experience are accurately parsed and highlighted.
At The CV Experts NZ, our CV writing service emphasises ATS compliance from the start. We know that a well-optimised CV isn’t just about keywords—it’s about balancing readability for both machines and people.
Key Tips for Creating an ATS Friendly CV
To make your CV ATS-compliant, follow these practical steps. These tips are based on best practices we’ve refined through years of helping Kiwi job seekers.
1. Choose the Right File Format
Start with the basics: submit your CV in a format that ATS can easily read. Word documents (.doc or .docx) are generally preferred over PDFs, as some older ATS systems struggle with PDFs. However, if the job posting specifies PDF, go with that—but ensure it’s text-based, not image-based.
Avoid fancy formats like JPEG or PNG, as they won’t be parsed at all. Our specialist CV writers at The CV Experts NZ always recommend testing your CV by copying it into a plain text editor to see if the content remains intact.
2. Use Standard Fonts and Simple Formatting
ATS software can get confused by elaborate designs. Stick to clean, standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in sizes 10-12. Avoid script fonts, colours, or underlining, as these might not translate well.
Keep your layout straightforward: use bold for headings, but skip italics, tables, columns, or graphics. Bullet points are fine, but ensure they’re text-based. An ATS friendly CV prioritises content over aesthetics—save the visual flair for your LinkedIn profile or portfolio.
3. Incorporate Relevant Keywords Naturally
Keywords are the heart of an ATS compliant CV. Review the job description and identify key phrases like “project management,” “customer service,” or industry-specific terms. Weave these into your CV without keyword stuffing, which can make it read unnaturally.
For example, if applying for a marketing role, include terms like “SEO optimisation” or “digital campaigns” in your experience section. At our CV writing service, we conduct thorough keyword research to align your CV with NZ job market trends.
Place the main keyword, such as ATS friendly CV, in prominent spots like your summary or skills section. Secondary terms like ATS CV can appear in bullet points.
4. Standardise Section Headings
Use clear, standard headings that ATS recognises, such as:
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
Avoid creative titles like “My Career Journey” or “What I’ve Learned.” This ensures the ATS categorises your information correctly. In New Zealand, where many roles require specific qualifications, proper headings help highlight your Kiwi-relevant experience, like NCEA levels or tertiary degrees from local universities.
5. Quantify Achievements with Action Verbs
Start each bullet point under work experience with strong action verbs like “Led,” “Developed,” or “Achieved.” Quantify your accomplishments to add impact—e.g., “Managed a team of 15, increasing productivity by 20%.”
This not only appeals to ATS (which scans for verbs indicating responsibility) but also engages recruiters. Our professional CV writing team at The CV Experts NZ excels at transforming generic descriptions into compelling, quantifiable statements.
6. Avoid Common Pitfalls That Trip Up ATS
Headers and footers: Don’t put contact information in headers or footers, as some ATS ignore them. Place your name, phone, email, and LinkedIn at the top.
Images and charts: Skip logos, photos, or infographics—they’re invisible to ATS and could cause parsing errors.
Special characters: Use standard symbols; avoid accents or unique bullets that might not render properly.
Length: Keep your CV to 1-2 pages. An overly long document might overwhelm both ATS and readers.
7. Tailor Your CV for Each Application
A generic CV rarely passes ATS muster. Customise it for every job by incorporating exact phrases from the posting. This targeted approach increases your match score.
As CV writers NZ specialists, we offer personalised services to tailor your ATS friendly CV, saving you time and frustration.
Testing Your ATS Friendly CV
Before submitting, test your CV. Tools like Jobscan or even free ATS simulators can scan it against a job description. Paste your CV into Notepad to check for formatting issues— if it looks jumbled, revise.
At The CV Experts NZ, we use advanced testing methods to ensure every CV we create is fully ATS compliant.
The Benefits of an ATS Compliant CV in New Zealand
In NZ’s job landscape, where remote work and international applicants are common, an optimised CV gives you an edge. It not only gets you past the digital gatekeeper but positions you as a professional who understands modern hiring.
Many of our clients report faster interview callbacks after switching to an ATS CV crafted by our team.
When to Seek Professional Help
If optimising your CV feels overwhelming, consider a professional CV writing service. At The CV Experts NZ, our specialist CV writers handle everything from keyword integration to formatting, ensuring your document is both ATS-friendly and recruiter-approved.
We serve clients nationwide, helping with everything from entry-level roles to executive positions. Contact us at www.cvexperts.co.nz for a consultation.
In conclusion, creating an ATS friendly CV is about smart choices in formatting, keywords, and structure. By following these tips from NZ CV experts, you’ll improve your job search success. Remember, a great CV opens doors—let The CV Experts NZ help you craft yours.
