10 tips for making your CV ATS-friendly

On a recent episode of The Media Mentor podcast I talked to an AI specialist in recruitment and discussed the key things candidates and companies need to think about when using the tech to hire staff.

If you're applying for jobs here are some tips to think about to try and get through these systems.

1. Keep the Layout Clean & Simple

Use a clear and simple design. Some people suggest one column but a smaller left hand column and wider right hand one is not too bad. Avoid text boxes, graphics, too many columns or complex formatting. Avoid using too many hyperlinks. Having one for your portfolio is probably enough.

Stick with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and ensure consistent styling throughout.

2. Choose the Right File Format

Save your CV as a .docx (Word) or PDF. These are reliably parsed by applicant tracking systems. Avoid unusual formats like PowerPoint or bespoke designs and check the job description in case a specific format is requested.

3. Structure Using Standard Headings

Divide your CV into clear sections: Professional Profile, Media Experience, Journalsim Skills, Software and Education for example. ATS rely on familiar headings to correctly interpret your data.

4. Optimize Keywords Thoughtfully

Scan the job posting for key skills and responsibilities. Use those words in your CV and mentioning your NCTJ (for example) more than once is a good idea (in statement and education). Other journalism or media words/qualifications and phrases - depending on the job - are key ones to include (sub-editing, live blogging etc). Avoid overdoing it though.

5. Tailor Each Application

Don’t hit "send" on a generic CV. Spend time tailoring it to each organisation. But try and manage that, so you are not changing too much, as it is an exhausting process. Focus on the STATEMENT and SKILLS sections to echo what they needed and what they want from the candidate. Your work history should be largely the same for all applications.

6. List Work Experience in Reverse Chronological Order

You must do this anyway - as it is standard in the UK. But start with your most recent job and work backward. Include job title, organisation, dates, plus concise achievements and stories covered in concise bullet points or sentences. Use bold sparingly to highlight key results.

7. Use a Sharp Professional Profile

Place a compelling career summary at the top, blending your core competencies and experience. I recommend about 120 words for this. Use journalist/media language.

8. Avoid Fancy Graphics & Hidden Text

ATS can’t read embedded visuals or split text across headers/footers. Keep information in the main body with clean spacing and don’t bury vital details in design elements.

9. Showcase Relevant Volunteering Experience

For graduates, you need to use your experience from your degree (or similar) as experience and any volunteer work is vital to include too. Treat it like paid work and include organisation, dates, duties and outcomes.

10. Keep It Brief & Focused

Limit your CV to two pages max (many people like one page!). Use short bullet points and leave whitespace to improve scannability.