Many companies use software called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes before a human sees them. If your CV is not built in a way that an ATS can understand, it may get filtered out, even if you’re the right person for the job.
Oxford CV, as a professional CV writing service, will help you create a CV that passes ATS filters and gets seen by real recruiters in the UAE and beyond.
What Is an ATS, and How to Make Your CV ATS-Friendly?
An Applicant Tracking System is a type of software that scans, sorts, and ranks CVs based on keywords, formatting, and structure. It helps employers quickly narrow down candidates who meet the basic requirements of a job posting.
Many companies in the UAE, especially larger firms and international recruiters, use ATS tools as their first step in the hiring process.
That means your CV must be written and formatted in a way that the ATS can read and understand easily. If your resume isn’t compatible, you might miss job opportunities even if your skills are strong.
Here is how you can do it:
1. Use a Simple and Clear Layout
The design of your CV is very important when it comes to ATS compatibility. While flashy templates and creative designs might look nice, they often confuse ATS software.
Follow these layout tips:
- Stick to a clean, standard structure
- Avoid graphics, text boxes, columns, and tables
- Use standard section headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
- Keep bullet points simple and consistent
- Align all content to the left for better readability
2. Use the Right File Format
Always submit your CV as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF if the job posting allows it. Some ATS systems struggle to read PDFs, so when in doubt, choose Word format.
3. Use Keywords from the Job Description
ATS software looks for specific keywords that match the job description. In the UAE, many employers use international job platforms and tools, making it even more important to follow best practices. These keywords often include:
- Job titles
- Technical skills
- Certifications
- Software tools
- Industry terms
Example: If the job posting says they want someone with “project management” experience and knowledge of “Agile methodology,” make sure those exact phrases appear in your CV.
Include keywords naturally in these sections:
- Profile summary
- Work experience
- Skills section
- Certifications
4. Use Standard Headings
Many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) search for known headings to find the right information. These systems are programmed to detect standard titles so they can correctly organize your CV content and score it for relevance.
Use common titles like:
- Summary or Profile
- Work Experience or Employment History
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications or Training
Avoid using creative headings like “What I’ve Done” or “My Journey,” as these might be missed by the system.
5. List Work Experience in Reverse Order
Your most recent job should always come first. This method, known as reverse chronological order, helps both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems understand your career growth clearly.
It puts your most recent responsibilities and achievements front and center, which is important in fast-paced markets like the UAE, where hiring decisions often move quickly.
Use a clear format:
Example: Job Title
Company Name – Location
Month Year – Month Year
- One or two sentences about responsibilities
- Bullet points about key achievements and skills used
This structure helps both ATS and human readers understand your experience clearly.
6. Use Simple Bullet Points
Keep your bullet points short, direct, and consistent in style. Each bullet should start with an action verb and describe what you did and the result.
Example:
- Led a team of 5 developers to deliver an e-commerce platform on time
- Managed budgets of up to $50,000 across multiple projects
Avoid special characters like arrows, stars, or checkmarks. Stick to standard bullets (• or -).
7. Include Both Acronyms and Full Terms
To increase your chances of matching keywords, include both the full form and the abbreviation when listing tools or certifications.
Example:
- Certified Project Manager (PMP)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools
Some ATS systems may recognize one and not the other, so including both covers all bases.
8. Keep Fonts Simple and Professional
Stick with fonts that are easy to read and compatible with ATS software. They should look clean and presentable on any screen, making it easy for the system to scan your document correctly without missing key information.
Good choices include:
- Calibri
- Arial
- Times New Roman
- Georgia
Font size should be:
- 10.5pt to 12pt for body text
- 14pt to 16pt for section headings
Avoid overly decorative or script fonts, as these can be unreadable to software.
9. Don’t Rely on Graphics
While a clean, professional design may include minimal visual elements, it’s important not to rely on images, logos, or icons for critical information. Most Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) cannot read visuals, and key details placed in images may be skipped or misinterpreted.
Your image at the top, f required for regional job formats, is usually enough. Avoid adding more graphics throughout the CV. If your CV includes design elements, keep them subtle and make sure all text-based content is accessible and readable without them.
For best results, focus on well-organized, text-based formatting that communicates your qualifications clearly to both software and human readers.
10. Include a Skills Section
Add a dedicated section listing your key skills. This makes it easier for ATS to pick up relevant keywords.
Example:
- Project Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Data Analysis
- Budget Planning
- Customer Service
Avoid long paragraphs in this section. Use short, scannable items that highlight your abilities quickly. Bullet points should clearly show your strengths and be packed with keywords that reflect the job description. This section helps the ATS match your qualifications to open roles effectively, so make every item count.
11. Label Sections Clearly and Avoid Fancy Formatting
Keep formatting consistent. Use:
- Bold for headings
- Normal font weight for details
- Single spacing between lines and sections
- 1-inch margins on all sides
Please Avoid:
- Tables
- Columns
- Background colors
- Header/footer information
These elements may be ignored or cause formatting errors.
12. Test Your CV for ATS Readability
After completing your CV, test it by:
- Copying the text and pasting it into a plain Notepad file
- Checking if all the content appears in the right order
If it looks jumbled or anything is missing, adjust the layout accordingly.
13. Keep It Relevant and Focused
Don’t add extra content that isn’t useful for the role. ATS prefers focused, relevant information. If your CV is too long or full of filler, it may rank lower.
Only include:
- Experience that matches the role
- Relevant skills
- Achievements with results
Cut anything that doesn’t help support your application.
Let Experts Make It Stress-Free for You
Oxford CV makes it easy to build an ATS-friendly CV that meets international and UAE hiring standards. Our writers understand what employers and ATS software look for. You can apply for jobs with confidence with optimized templates, expert wording, and fast delivery.
Get your professionally written, ATS-friendly CV today, stress-free and ready to impress.