How to Make a CV That Passes ATS Filters in 2025

What is an ATS and why does it matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is the software used by 99% of international companies to filter candidates before any human sees a CV. If your CV doesn't pass the ATS, it never reaches a recruiter.

The fact that surprises my clients most: 90% of CVs are automatically rejected by these systems — not because the candidate isn't good, but because the CV isn't optimized to be read by a machine.

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The 7 mistakes that destroy a CV against ATS

1. Using tables or two-column layouts

ATS reads text linearly. When you use columns, the system mixes content from both columns and creates nonsensical text. Result: your profile becomes incomprehensible and gets discarded.

Solution: use a single-column design, no tables.

2. Using images or icons for contact info

Many visual CVs use phone, email, or location icons. ATS doesn't "see" those images and simply ignores that information. Your email might appear blank in the system.

Solution: write all contact data as plain text.

3. Headers and footers with key information

ATS systems frequently ignore content in headers and footers. If you put your name or phone number only there, the system won't record it.

Solution: all key information must go in the main body of the document.

4. Unusual fonts or inconsistent sizing

Fonts like Helvetica Neue, Gill Sans, or very creative designs can cause reading errors. ATS expects standard fonts.

Solution: use Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Georgia. Body size 10-12pt.

5. Unexpanded abbreviations

If you write "PM" expecting them to understand "Project Manager," the ATS may not connect it to the recruiter's search.

Solution: always write the full version: "Project Manager (PM)".

6. Non-standard date formats

Formats like "Jan/2022" or "Jan '22" can confuse the ATS. The international standard is MM/YYYY or Month YYYY.

Solution: use formats like "January 2022 – March 2024" or "01/2022 – 03/2024".

7. Skills section without context

A skills list like "Excel, PowerPoint, Leadership" tells the ATS and recruiter nothing. The system finds those words but can't evaluate the level.

Solution: integrate skills within your achievements: "Led a team of 8 people, increasing department productivity by 30% in 6 months".

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Keywords: the secret nobody tells you

The ATS filters CVs by searching for keywords that appear in the job description. If the listing says "CRM management" and you write "client management," the ATS may not connect them.

The correct process:

1.Read the job offer carefully

2.Identify technical keywords (software names, methodologies, certifications)

3.Identify the soft skill terms that appear most

4.Incorporate those exact words into your CV, naturally

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The perfect structure for an ATS-friendly CV

Recommended order:

1.Contact details (name, email, phone, LinkedIn, city)

2.Professional summary (3-4 lines with the most important keywords)

3.Work experience (reverse chronological, with quantified achievements)

4.Education

5.Technical skills

6.Languages

7.Certifications (if relevant)

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Achievements: from duties to results

The most common mistake in Hispanic CVs is listing responsibilities instead of achievements.

❌Wrong: "Responsible for managing the sales team"

✅Right: "Led a team of 12 salespeople, achieving 34% revenue growth in 2023 (€1.2M additional)"

The formula: Action + Context + Quantified result

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Final checklist before sending

Single-column design, no tables

Standard font (Arial, Calibri), 10-12pt

Keywords from the offer incorporated naturally

Achievements with concrete numbers

Standard date format (Month YYYY)

Contact info as plain text, not image

No information in headers/footers

Saved as .docx or text-selectable PDF

Clean file name: "FirstnameLastname-CV.pdf"