Build an ATS-Friendly CV That Gets You Noticed

Most CVs never get read by a human. Before a recruiter sees your application, it is processed by an Applicant Tracking System — a piece of software that scans, scores, and filters CVs automatically. If your CV is not ATS-friendly, it gets rejected before anyone has a chance to see your qualifications.

SeaVitae is built from the ground up to help you create an ATS-friendly CV that passes automated filters and lands in front of real decision-makers.

What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies to manage job applications. When you submit a CV, the ATS reads it, extracts your information, and ranks your application based on how well it matches the job requirements.

If your CV uses unusual fonts, complex tables, graphics, or non-standard section headings, the ATS may fail to read it correctly. Your experience, skills, and qualifications could be lost entirely — not because you are unqualified, but because your CV was not formatted correctly.

An ATS-friendly CV avoids these pitfalls. It uses clean formatting, standard section names, and the right keywords for the roles you are targeting.

How SeaVitae Builds ATS-Friendly CVs

SeaVitae structures your CV in a way that every ATS can read correctly. Here is what makes our CV builder ATS-optimised:

Clean, structured sections. Your CV is organised into standard, clearly labelled sections — Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, Languages, Projects, and Publications. These are the exact section names that ATS software looks for.

No tables or graphics. Many CV builders include decorative elements, skill bars, and complex layouts that look attractive to the human eye but confuse ATS software. SeaVitae keeps your CV clean and readable by machines and humans alike.

Keyword-ready skills section. Your skills are listed clearly and separately, making it easy for ATS software to match your profile against job requirements. You control exactly which skills appear on your CV.

Consistent date formatting. ATS systems rely on correctly formatted dates to understand your career timeline. SeaVitae ensures your experience and education dates are always consistent and machine-readable.

What to Include in an ATS-Friendly CV

Building an ATS-friendly CV is not just about formatting. The content matters just as much. Here is what to focus on:

Use keywords from the job description. Read the job description carefully and include the exact phrases and skills the employer has listed. If they say "project management," use that exact phrase — not "managing projects."

Write a strong professional summary. A clear summary at the top of your CV helps both the ATS and the recruiter understand who you are and what you offer. Include your job title, years of experience, and two or three key strengths.

List certifications and qualifications clearly.Professional certifications are highly valued by ATS systems, especially in technical fields. List the full name of each certification, the awarding body, and the date obtained.

Use standard job titles. If your actual job title was unconventional — like "People Experience Lead" instead of "HR Manager" — consider listing the more widely recognised equivalent so the ATS can match it correctly.

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced professionals make these errors. Avoid them to give your CV the best chance of passing ATS screening:

Submitting a CV as an image. If your CV is saved as a JPG or a scanned PDF, the ATS cannot read any text on it. Always use a proper text-based PDF or document format.

Putting contact details in a header or footer. Many ATS systems skip headers and footers entirely. Place your name, email, and phone number in the main body of the document.

Using unusual section headings. Creative headings like "My Journey" or "What I Bring" confuse ATS software. Stick to standard labels like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.

Keyword stuffing. Including keywords dozens of times in an unnatural way may fool some ATS systems but will immediately flag your CV as spam to any human reviewer. Use keywords naturally and in context.

ATS-Friendly CVs on SeaVitae

When you create your CV on SeaVitae, you are not just building a document. You are creating a live, searchable professional profile that employers on our platform can find directly — without you having to apply for a single job posting.

Our platform removes the ATS bottleneck entirely for employers who use SeaVitae, because they search and discover professionals directly rather than filtering through mass applications. But your downloadable CV is also fully ATS-optimised for use anywhere else.

Build Your ATS-Friendly CV for Free

You do not need to hire a professional CV writer or pay for an expensive service. SeaVitae gives you everything you need to create a powerful, ATS-friendly CV online — completely free.

Sign up, complete your profile, and start getting discovered by employers who are actively looking for professionals with your skills.