CVportal.io

Reading time: 8 minutes · December 1, 2026

Is Your CV ATS-Friendly? How to Check & Fix It in Minutes (2026 Guide)

CV document being scanned by a robot

You found the perfect job. You spent hours crafting a beautiful CV that showcases your skills. You hit "apply" and... nothing. If this sounds familiar, you might be losing the battle against an invisible gatekeeper: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It's a frustrating experience, but don't worry. As a career coach, I'm going to show you exactly how to make sure your CV gets past the robots and into human hands.

Key Takeaways

  • Most large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and filter CVs before a human sees them.
  • ATS rejects CVs with complex formatting, graphics, columns, or non-standard fonts.
  • To pass an ATS scan, your CV must be tailored with keywords from the job description.
  • A simple test: copy and paste your CV into a plain text editor. If the text is jumbled, an ATS will struggle to read it.
  • Using an ATS-friendly CV builder like CVportal.io is the easiest way to ensure your CV is formatted correctly.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

Think of an ATS as a digital receptionist for recruiters. Over 95% of Fortune 500 companies use this software to manage the flood of applications they receive. The ATS scans your CV, extracts key information (like your contact details, work history, and skills), and ranks you against the job description. If your CV isn't "ATS-friendly," it might get scrambled or scored poorly, effectively becoming invisible.

In simple terms: An ATS-friendly CV is a resume that is written and formatted so a computer can easily read and understand it.

The "Black Hole": Why ATS Rejects Good CVs

The ATS isn’t smart like a human. It's a robot following rules. It gets confused by things that a human recruiter might find appealing. Here are the top reasons a good CV gets rejected by an ATS resume scanner:

  • Fancy Formatting: Tables, columns, text boxes, and headers/footers can scramble the order of your text.
  • Graphics and Logos: Images, icons, and skill-level charts are often ignored or cause errors.
  • Unusual Fonts: Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. A custom font might not be readable.
  • Wrong Keywords: If the job description asks for a "Project Manager" and your CV says "Project Leader," the ATS might not make the connection.
  • Incorrect File Type: While PDF is usually best, some older systems prefer .docx. Always follow the application instructions.

How to Check if Your CV is ATS-Friendly: The Plain Text Test

Here’s a quick and easy way to run a resume ATS check. You don't need any special software.

  1. Open your CV file (PDF or Word).
  2. Select all the text (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A).
  3. Copy it (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C).
  4. Open a plain text editor (like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac).
  5. Paste the text (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V).

Now, look at the result. Is the information in a logical order? Are there weird characters or missing sections? If it looks like a jumbled mess, that’s exactly what the ATS sees. A clean, logical output means your CV is likely ATS-friendly.

5-Minute Fixes for an ATS-Friendly CV

Don't panic if your CV failed the plain text test. Here’s how to fix it quickly:

Use Standard Section Headings

Use simple, common headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills." Avoid creative titles like "Where I've Been."

Mirror Keywords

Read the job description and use the exact same wording for key skills and responsibilities in your CV. This is the most important step.

Simplify Your Formatting

Remove all columns, tables, and graphics. Use standard bullet points (the round or square ones) and a single-column layout.

Use a Professional CV Builder

The easiest way to ensure your CV is ATS-compliant is to use a tool designed for it. Our online CV builder takes care of the formatting for you.

The CV Builder Advantage: Don't Guess, Just Build

Why waste time worrying about formatting when you could be focusing on content? An online resume builder like CVportal.io is specifically designed to create ATS-friendly CVs. Our templates are tested to be readable by all major ATS systems. You just fill in your details, and we handle the technical side, ensuring your CV looks great to both robots and humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a CV that beats the bots doesn’t have to be a mystery. By keeping your format simple and your content relevant, you put yourself in the best position to land that interview. Ready to build a CV that gets you noticed? Check out our ATS-friendly templates and get started today.