In today’s digital hiring landscape, more than 75% of employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen candidates before a human ever sees their CV. If your CV isn’t optimized for these systems, it might never reach the recruiter’s desk — no matter how qualified you are.
At ACO – ATS CV ONLINE, we help job seekers create modern, optimized resumes that pass ATS filters and attract real human attention. Here’s everything you need to know to make your CV stand out in 2025.
What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that helps companies collect, organize, and rank job applications. When you submit your CV online, the ATS scans it for relevant keywords, skills, and experience that match the job description.
If your CV doesn’t align with what the ATS is looking for, it might get filtered out automatically — even if you’re a perfect fit. That’s why formatting, keyword usage, and structure play such a critical role in getting shortlisted.
How to Make Your CV Pass the ATS Test
1. Use Simple, Readable Formatting
Avoid overly designed templates that use tables, graphics, or text boxes. ATS systems often struggle to read complex layouts. Stick to a clean, text-based structure with clear headings like:
- Professional Summary
- Skills
- Experience
- Education
If you’re using ACO’s CV builder, our templates are designed to look beautiful and pass ATS scans without issues.
2. Include Job-Specific Keywords
Each job description includes crucial phrases that the ATS searches for — such as “data analysis,” “project management,” or “team leadership.”
Copy these exact keywords (naturally) into your CV under:
- Skills section
- Job responsibilities
- Achievement bullets
This keyword matching increases your ranking in the ATS and makes your CV more relevant to human readers too.
3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Instead of listing what you did, highlight what you achieved. For example:
“Improved client satisfaction by 25% through faster issue resolution.”
Use numbers, results, and metrics whenever possible — they catch attention both in ATS systems and during manual reviews.
4. Save in the Right File Format
Most ATS systems prefer .docx or .pdf files, but not all handle PDFs correctly. Always check the job posting or use a trusted tool like ACO – ATS CV ONLINE, which automatically creates a compatible version.
5. Avoid Common ATS Mistakes
- Don’t include your CV as an image or graphic.
- Don’t use headers or footers for key details like contact info.
- Avoid uncommon fonts or icons that the system might not read.
- Keep your document length to one or two pages maximum.
The Role of AI in Modern CV Creation
AI tools have revolutionized job applications — but they must be used strategically.
Our AI Cover Letter Generator and CV Builder don’t just create content; they guide you to:
- Choose the right structure
- Identify relevant keywords
- Generate personalized descriptions that align with your target job
You get a professional, human-quality result that’s fully optimized for ATS systems.
Final Thoughts: Combine Technology with Authenticity
An ATS-friendly CV is your first line of defense in modern recruitment. But once it passes the digital filter, it’s your story and authenticity that secure the interview.
With ACO – ATS CV ONLINE, you get the best of both worlds — precision-built templates that pass ATS checks and look professional to recruiters.
Start building your next career move today with our free tools for CVs, cover letters, and AI prompt generation.
