Skip to content 
our CV is your first impression—make it count! Whether you’re applying for jobs in South Africa or globally, a well-crafted CV can mean the difference between landing an interview or getting lost in the digital pile. Here’s your ultimate guide to writing a CV that passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and impresses hiring managers.
📌 Why Your CV Needs to Be ATS-Friendly
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan CVs for keywords before they even reach human eyes. Over 75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before a recruiter sees them. Don’t let yours be one of them!
✅ How ATS Works:
- Scans for job-specific keywords (skills, qualifications, job titles)
- Ranks CVs based on relevance
- Filters out poorly formatted or generic CVs
🎯 5 Quick Tips for an ATS-Optimized CV
1️⃣ Use the Right Keywords
- Mirror the job description’s exact phrases (e.g., “financial analysis” vs. “finance skills”)
- Include industry-specific terms (e.g., “SEO,” “Python,” “SAP”)
2️⃣ Keep It Simple & Scannable
- Font: Arial, Calibri (10-12pt)
- No tables, graphics, or headers/footers (ATS struggles with these)
- Bullet points > paragraphs
3️⃣ Structure for Success
[Name] | [Job Title] | [Contact Info]
Professional Summary (3 lines max)
Key Skills (6-8 bullet points)
Work Experience (Reverse chronological order)
Education & Certifications
Additional Sections (Languages, Projects, Volunteering)
🔗 Google Docs (Basic, clean layouts)
