Optimize Your CV for ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies — especially large employers offering the competitive roles that Junior Master students aim for — use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage the high volume of applications they receive.

These systems are designed to screen, rank, and organize CVs automatically, helping recruiters identify the most relevant candidates quickly.

Instead of reading each CV word-for-word, recruiters rely on the ATS to highlight profiles that appear to best match the job description based on keywords, formatting, and relevance.

What Does an ATS Actually Do?

An ATS is more than a filing system — it performs several key functions:

Scans your CV for specific keywords

and phrases pulled directly from the job description (i.e., "data analysis," "project management," "customer engagement").

Scores or ranks your CV

based on how closely it matches the job posting.

Sorts and filters

candidates by skill, experience, education, and other criteria.

Flags or filters out

CVs that are missing key terms, are poorly formatted, or include elements the system can't read (like images, charts, or overly complex designs).

Why This Matters

If your CV doesn’t include the right language or is formatted in a way that the ATS can’t read,
it might never reach a human recruiter — even if you're a strong candidate.

The good news? ATS systems are predictable — and you can strategize to get past them! 
Here are some tips:

Use the same keywords and phrases that appear in the job

Keep your layout clean and text-based (no columns, tables, or graphics)

Stick to standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education”

Showcase your accomplishments with impact-driven, keyword-rich bullet points



Watch this video to understand how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan and filter CVs — and what you can do to ensure yours makes it through starting your research early.

Learn How ATS Systems Work — and How to Beat Them

  • Start your research early by analyzing job descriptions
  • Use the right keywords specific to your target role
  • Repeat key terms naturally throughout your CV
  • Include clear dates for all roles and education
  • Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., “CRM” and “Customer Relationship Management”)
  • Keep your formatting simple and readable
  • Stick to standard fonts, layouts, and section headings