Here's a hard truth: 75% of CVs are rejected by AI before a human ever sees them. These AI systems are called ATS — Applicant Tracking Systems. If your CV doesn't pass them, you'll never get an interview.
But once you understand how ATS works, you can beat it. Here's how.
An ATS is software that companies use to filter CVs. When you apply for a job, your CV goes into the ATS. The system scans your CV for specific keywords that match the job description. If your CV doesn't have enough of those keywords, it gets rejected automatically.
Popular ATS systems: Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo, and BambooHR.
The ATS looks for exact keyword matches. If the job says "customer support" and your CV says "client assistance," you fail.
The fix: Copy the job description. Highlight the top 15 keywords. Use them naturally in your CV.
ATS systems recognize specific headings. Use exactly these:
Don't use creative headings like "My Journey" or "What I Bring."
ATS cannot read:
Stick to a simple, single-column layout with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Inter.
PDFs preserve formatting better than Word files. Save your CV as a PDF with a clean filename: FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf.
This is where you stuff keywords. List 10-15 relevant skills as bullet points. Include tools (Zendesk, Slack, Excel), software (Photoshop, Figma), and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
If the job is "Customer Success Manager," your CV should say "Customer Success Manager" — not "Client Relations Specialist."
ATS scans for metrics. Add numbers to every bullet point:
One typo can get you rejected. Use Grammarly (free) to check your CV before submitting.
The fastest way to know if your CV will pass ATS is to test it against real jobs. On Remote Via Jobs, we have an AI Match Checker:
You'll get a match score, keywords you're missing, and personalized recommendations. It's 100% free.