You've likely spent hours perfecting your CV, carefully polishing every detail. You hit send, hoping it leads to an interview, only to be met with silence. Most graduate employers now rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before a recruiter even sees them. And these systems can be extremely selective. If your CV isn’t formatted with ATS in mind, it could be rejected automatically, no matter how qualified you are. So, here are some of the most common ATS-related mistakes graduates make, and how you can avoid them to ensure your CV makes it through.

Overly designed layouts
While a visually striking CV might impress the human eye, it can completely confuse ATS software. Elements like columns, text boxes, or graphics often aren’t read correctly, or at all, by these systems. That means key information could be missed entirely. Rather use a straightforward, single-column format without any text boxes, images, or decorative elements. Prioritise simplicity and clarity to ensure every part of your CV is readable by the ATS.

Skipping keywords from the job description
ATS software is designed to scan your CV for specific keywords found in the job posting, and it scores or ranks you based on how closely your language matches. If your CV doesn’t include the right terms, even if you have the right experience, it could be automatically rejected. Carefully review the job description and mirror the language used.

Avoid creative headings
While unique section titles might catch a recruiter’s eye, ATS software often doesn’t recognise them and may fail to categorise your information correctly. Stick to conventional headings such as “Education,” “Work Experience,” and “Skills,” which are easier for ATS systems to identify and properly sort.

Omitting dates and locations
ATS systems rely on timelines to evaluate your experience. If you don’t include when and where you worked or studied, the system can’t accurately assess your background. Always provide clear start and end dates (month and year) along with the location for every job, internship, or educational qualification listed on your CV.

Using the same CV for every job
Submitting a one-size-fits-all CV usually doesn’t do well with ATS systems. Without customising your CV, you risk missing the keywords and skills that each specific job requires. Make small adjustments to your CV for every application. Highlight the skills and experiences that best align with the particular role you’re applying for to improve your keyword match and increase your chances of getting noticed.

Placing contact details in the header or footer
It may seem unusual, but some ATS software doesn’t read information located in headers or footers, meaning your contact details might be completely missed. Include your name, email, and phone number at the very top of the main body of your CV, outside of any header or footer sections, to ensure the ATS can easily find your contact information.

Your CV needs to impress two audiences: the ATS software first, and then the human recruiter. To reach the recruiter, you must first get past the machine. Being ATS-friendly doesn’t mean your CV has to be dull, it just needs to be clear, well-organised, and packed with the right keywords. Don’t let your application be dismissed before you even get a chance to showcase your skills and experience.