CJ
Chanuka Jeewantha
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Chanuka Jeewantha
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An ATS CV is formatted so applicant tracking software can read it — single column, standard headings, no text trapped in images, standard fonts, and keywords drawn from the job description. A “normal” or designer CV prioritises visual design, which often fails to parse. Since most employers screen applications with an ATS, an ATS-friendly format is safer for online applications.
| Feature | ATS-friendly CV | Designer / normal CV |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Single column | Multi-column |
| Section headings | Standard (Experience, Education, Skills) | Creative / custom labels |
| Graphics & icons | Avoided in the parse layer | Heavy use |
| Photo | No | Sometimes |
| Fonts | Standard, web-safe | Decorative |
| Keywords | Mapped from the job description | Often missing |
| Tables & text boxes | Avoided | Common |
| File type | Text-based PDF or .docx | Image-heavy PDF |
| Parse success | High | Low / unpredictable |
| Best for | Online applications via an ATS | In-person, networking, or direct creative submissions |
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to collect, parse, and rank job applications. When you apply online, your CV is usually read by the ATS before any human sees it — it extracts your details into a database and scores them against the role. If the software can’t read your CV correctly, strong experience can be missed entirely.
Multi-column layouts, text inside graphics, icons standing in for words, headers and footers carrying key details, and decorative tables all confuse ATS parsers. The result is scrambled dates, missing job titles, or an application that scores poorly through no fault of your actual experience.
If you are handing a CV directly to a person — at a networking event, an interview, or for a creative role reviewed by a human — a designed CV can work well. The risk is only with online applications that pass through an ATS first.
Every CV is built ATS-first and written to stay sharp for the human who reads it next.
Most mid-to-large employers do, and many small companies use one through their job board. Because you usually can't tell from the outside, an ATS-friendly format is the safe default for any online application.
A text-based PDF exported from a word processor usually parses fine. A PDF that is really an image, or one built from heavy graphics and text boxes, often does not — a .docx is the safest format when in doubt.
Avoid two columns for online applications. Many ATS parsers read left-to-right across the full page and scramble multi-column layouts, mixing your dates and job titles together.
Yes, within limits. Clean typography, subtle colour, and clear hierarchy are fine. The rule is that anything carrying real information — headings, dates, achievements — must be live, selectable text in a single-column flow, not inside an image or text box.
No. A well-written ATS CV is just as readable for recruiters and hiring managers — it simply avoids design choices that break the software in between.