How to Get Past the Robots and Get Your CV Seen

How to Get Past the Robots and Get Your CV Seen

Before a human even glances at your job application, chances are it’s already been scanned, sorted, and—if it doesn’t tick the right boxes—discarded by a machine.

It’s not personal. It’s just how recruitment works now.

Most employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through CVs before a real person sees them. These systems are designed to spot relevant experience and filter out anything that doesn’t match up. It’s efficient, but it also means a strong candidate can get overlooked if their CV isn’t ATS-friendly. Here’s how to make sure yours makes it through.

Speak the Same Language

An ATS isn’t reading your CV like a human would. It’s scanning for keywords—specific skills, qualifications, and experience pulled straight from the job description. If a role asks for “major donor fundraising experience” and your CV says you’ve “raised significant funds for charity,” the system might not connect the dots.

Use the exact terms from the job advert where you can. If the role specifies “CRM experience,” be clear about which systems you’ve used—Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, whatever applies. And while a quirky CV layout might catch a hiring manager’s eye, ATS software isn’t impressed. Stick to standard section headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Key Skills” so nothing important gets lost in translation.

Keep It Clean and Simple

A well-designed CV might stand out to a human, but to an ATS, too much formatting is a problem. Fancy fonts, graphics, tables, and text boxes can make key information unreadable. Even headers and footers can trip up some systems.

The safest option? A straightforward, well-structured Word document—unless the job posting specifically asks for a PDF. And double-check your spelling. A recruiter might overlook a typo, but an ATS won’t.

Get the Balance Right

Yes, your CV needs to be optimised for ATS software, but don’t forget the real audience: the hiring manager. A document crammed with repeated keywords will feel clunky when it finally reaches a human. The key is balance—include the right phrases without making it read like you’re gaming the system.

There’s no magic formula, but a clear, well-written CV that speaks the same language as the job description will give you the best chance of making it past the robots and onto a hiring manager’s desk. And that’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Need a second opinion on your CV? We can help.

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