Many qualified candidates in the UK are rejected before a human ever reads their CV. The reason is often not a lack of skills or experience. It is because their CV cannot be read properly by applicant tracking systems.
Applicant tracking systems, commonly known as ATS, are used by most medium and large UK employers to filter applications automatically. If your CV is not ATS friendly, it may be rejected regardless of how strong your experience is.
This guide explains exactly what makes a CV ATS friendly in the UK, why formatting matters, and how to structure your CV so it passes automated screening and reaches human recruiters.
For a complete overview of UK CV standards, read What a UK CV Should Look Like in 2026.
For the full UK job search context, see UK Jobs and Careers: The Complete Guide for Job Seekers (2026 Edition).
What Is an Applicant Tracking System?
How ATS Works in UK Recruitment
An applicant tracking system is software that scans, parses, and ranks CVs based on how well they match a job description.
UK employers use ATS to:
- Filter large volumes of applications quickly
- Search for specific keywords and skills
- Rank candidates by relevance
- Store applications for future roles
The system reads your CV and extracts information such as your name, contact details, work history, education, and skills. If the system cannot read your CV correctly, your application may be discarded or ranked poorly.
Why UK Employers Rely on ATS
Recruitment teams in the UK often receive hundreds of applications for a single role. Manually reviewing every CV is not practical.
ATS allows recruiters to:
- Screen applications faster
- Focus on the most relevant candidates
- Reduce unconscious bias in initial screening
Understanding how ATS works is essential if you want your CV to be seen.
Related reading: Why You Are Not Getting Interviews in the UK
Common ATS Mistakes That Reject UK CVs
1. Complex Formatting
ATS software struggles with:
- Tables
- Text boxes
- Columns
- Graphics and images
- Headers and footers containing key information
Even if your CV looks professional to a human, the ATS may read it as jumbled text or miss sections entirely.
2. Unusual Fonts or Styling
Decorative fonts, excessive bold text, or unusual spacing can confuse ATS parsers.
Stick to standard fonts such as:
- Arial
- Calibri
- Times New Roman
- Verdana
Font size should be between 10 and 12 points for body text.
3. Using Icons or Graphics for Skills
Some CVs use star ratings, progress bars, or icons to represent skill levels. ATS cannot interpret these visuals.
Always use text to describe your skills.
4. Saving in the Wrong File Format
Most UK employers request CVs as Word documents or PDFs. However, some ATS systems struggle with PDFs, especially older versions.
When in doubt, submit as a .docx file unless the job advert specifies otherwise.
5. Missing or Unclear Section Headings
ATS relies on standard headings to categorise information.
Use clear, conventional headings such as:
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
Avoid creative headings like “My Journey” or “What I Bring to the Table.”
How to Format a CV for ATS in the UK
Use a Simple, Linear Layout
ATS reads CVs from top to bottom, left to right. A single column layout works best.
Avoid:
- Multi column designs
- Side panels
- Text wrapping around images
Keep the structure straightforward and predictable.
Start With Contact Details
Place your contact information at the top of the CV in plain text.
Include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
- City and region (full address not required)
Do not place contact details in headers or footers, as some ATS systems ignore these areas.
Use Standard Section Headings
ATS looks for specific sections. Use headings that match what the system expects.
Recommended headings:
- Personal Profile or Professional Summary
- Key Skills or Core Competencies
- Work Experience or Employment History
- Education
- Certifications or Professional Development
Consistency and clarity help the system parse your CV correctly.
List Work Experience in Reverse Chronological Order
ATS expects your most recent role first.
For each role, include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Employment dates (month and year)
- Location (optional)
- Bullet points describing responsibilities and achievements
Avoid gaps without explanation, as ATS may flag incomplete timelines.
Use Keywords From the Job Description
ATS ranks CVs based on keyword matches.
How to Identify Keywords
Read the job description carefully and note:
- Required skills
- Qualifications
- Software or tools mentioned
- Industry specific terms
Incorporate these keywords naturally into your CV, particularly in your skills section and work experience.
Do not keyword stuff. The goal is relevance, not manipulation.
Related reading: How to Find a Job in the UK Quickly
Write Out Acronyms and Abbreviations
ATS may not recognise abbreviations unless they are widely used.
For example:
- Write “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)” instead of just “CRM”
- Use “Bachelor of Science (BSc)” rather than “BSc” alone
This ensures the system captures both the full term and the abbreviation.
Avoid Headers and Footers for Key Information
Some ATS systems ignore headers and footers entirely. Do not place your name, contact details, or important content in these areas.
Keep all essential information in the main body of the CV.
Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs
Bullet points are easier for ATS to parse and for recruiters to scan.
Each bullet should:
- Start with a strong action verb
- Be concise and specific
- Focus on achievements where possible
Avoid long blocks of text.
Save Your CV With a Clear File Name
Use a professional file name that includes your name and the word CV.
Good examples:
- John_Smith_CV.docx
- Sarah_Jones_CV.docx
Avoid generic names like “CV.docx” or “Resume_Final_Version2.docx.”
ATS Friendly CV Template Structure for the UK
Here is a proven structure that works well with UK ATS systems.
Section 1: Contact Details
John Smith
07700 900000
john.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Manchester, UK
Section 2: Personal Profile
A short paragraph summarising your professional identity, key strengths, and career focus.
Example:
Experienced project manager with over seven years in the construction sector, specialising in large scale infrastructure projects across the UK. Proven track record in stakeholder management, budget control, and on time delivery.
Section 3: Key Skills
List relevant skills in bullet points. Mirror the language used in the job description.
Example:
- Project management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Budget forecasting and control
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Microsoft Project and Primavera P6
Section 4: Work Experience
List roles in reverse chronological order.
Example:
Project Manager
ABC Construction Ltd
June 2020 – Present
London, UK
- Managed infrastructure projects with budgets up to £5 million
- Coordinated cross functional teams of up to 30 people
- Delivered all projects on time and within budget
- Reduced project costs by 12% through process improvements
Section 5: Education
List qualifications in reverse chronological order.
Example:
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering
University of Manchester
2012 – 2015
Section 6: Certifications
Include relevant professional certifications.
Example:
- PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB)
This structure is clean, logical, and ATS compatible.
How to Test If Your CV Is ATS Friendly
Method 1: Copy and Paste Test
Copy your entire CV and paste it into a plain text editor such as Notepad.
If the text appears jumbled, missing, or out of order, an ATS will likely struggle to read it.
Method 2: Use an ATS Simulator Tool
Several free online tools allow you to upload your CV and see how an ATS reads it.
These tools highlight:
- Parsing errors
- Missing information
- Keyword matches
While not perfect, they provide useful feedback.
Method 3: Ask a Recruiter
If you work with a recruitment agency, ask them to review your CV for ATS compatibility. Many UK recruiters are familiar with common ATS platforms.
ATS Optimisation vs Human Readability
Striking the Right Balance
Your CV must pass ATS screening and appeal to human recruiters.
An ATS friendly CV should still:
- Be easy to read
- Highlight achievements
- Show personality and professionalism
Optimising for ATS does not mean creating a robotic document. It means removing barriers that prevent your CV from being seen.
Related reading: What a UK CV Should Look Like in 2026
Common Questions About ATS in the UK
Do All UK Employers Use ATS?
Not all, but most medium and large organisations do. Smaller companies may review CVs manually.
Assume ATS is in use unless you know otherwise.
Can ATS Read PDFs?
Some systems can, but not all. Word documents (.docx) are safer unless the job advert requests a PDF.
Should I Use Colour in My CV?
Minimal colour is acceptable, but avoid heavy use. Stick to black text on a white background for maximum compatibility.
Does ATS Reject CVs Automatically?
ATS ranks CVs based on relevance. Low ranking CVs may not be reviewed, but the final decision is usually made by a recruiter.
Can I Beat the ATS?
The goal is not to trick the system. It is to present your experience clearly so the system can read and rank it accurately.
What Happens After Your CV Passes ATS
Human Review
Once your CV passes ATS screening, a recruiter reviews it manually.
At this stage, they assess:
- Relevance to the role
- Quality of achievements
- Clarity of presentation
ATS gets you through the door. Your content gets you the interview.
Related reading: How to Prepare for a Job Interview in the UK
ATS Friendly CV Checklist for UK Job Seekers
Before submitting your CV, check:
- Simple, single column layout
- Standard fonts and headings
- Contact details in the main body
- Keywords from the job description included naturally
- Work experience in reverse chronological order
- No tables, graphics, or text boxes
- Saved as .docx unless otherwise requested
- Clear, professional file name
If you can tick all these boxes, your CV is ATS ready.
How This Article Fits Into Your Job Search Strategy
ATS compatibility is one part of a successful UK job search. This guide works best when combined with:
- UK Jobs and Careers: The Complete Guide for Job Seekers (2026 Edition)
- What a UK CV Should Look Like in 2026
- Why You Are Not Getting Interviews in the UK
- How to Find a Job in the UK Quickly
Together, these resources form a complete system for navigating the UK job market effectively.
Final Thoughts
An ATS friendly CV is not about gaming the system. It is about ensuring your skills and experience are communicated clearly to both software and people.
Most UK job seekers lose opportunities not because they lack qualifications, but because their CV format prevents them from being seen.
By following the guidance in this article, you remove one of the biggest barriers between you and your next interview.