How to make an ATS-friendly CV

Make the content readable and testable

After exporting your PDF, select and copy the text into a plain document. Check the order of your name, role titles, dates and contact details. Important information should remain available as text rather than only inside an image or icon. If the copy order is confusing, simplify the layout or try a single-column template. Then review keywords in context: a tool named in a skills list should ideally also appear in a project or experience example. The application portal’s upload and preview checks are more useful than an unsupported promise of an ATS pass rate.

For US and Canadian applications, focus on skills and experience, keep personal details limited and follow the employer’s document instructions.

HR Specialist

For HR Specialist, the evidence should focus on Recruitment, Performance Management, Employee Relations. The sample tools are Excel, ATS, HRIS; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Managing all recruitment processes. Finding and evaluating candidates for 50+ positions annually. Implementing employee satisfaction surveys and performance evaluation systems.

Apply “How to make an ATS-friendly CV” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with Recruitment, Performance Management, Employee Relations, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• Name the HRIS and ATS tools you use daily, such as Workday, BambooHR, SAP SuccessFactors or Greenhouse.
• Quantify recruiting results: roles filled per quarter, time-to-hire, offer acceptance rate or cost per hire.
• Mention employment-law and policy work in general terms, without confidential cases or names.
• Add certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR in their own section, or note that you are preparing for one.

Financial Analyst

For Financial Analyst, the evidence should focus on Financial Modeling, Excel (Advanced), SQL. The sample tools are Excel, Power BI, SQL; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Building complex financial models for M&A transactions. Preparing quarterly earnings reports and investor presentations. Analyzing market trends and providing strategic recommendations to senior management.

Apply “How to make an ATS-friendly CV” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with Financial Modeling, Excel (Advanced), SQL, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• Name your modeling and BI tools precisely: advanced Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python or your ERP.
• Quantify scope and impact: budget size, variance reduced, savings identified, forecast accuracy improved.
• Mention certifications or your progress toward them, such as CFA levels or FMVA.
• Keep the layout clean and conservative — finance recruiters value clarity over decoration.

Accountant

For Accountant, the evidence should focus on GAAP, IFRS, Tax Preparation. The sample tools are Excel, ERP; keep only the ones you have used. Treat the sample action below as a structure to study, not an achievement to copy. Notice how it identifies a task and an output. In your own version, clarify the scope, the people you worked with and what changed because of your contribution. If the outcome belongs to a team, say which part you completed. If the data is confidential, describe the method and deliverable without exposing customer records or internal figures.

Managing audit engagements for Fortune 500 clients. Preparing financial statements in compliance with GAAP. Leading a team of 3 junior accountants.

Apply “How to make an ATS-friendly CV” to this example by writing a fresh paragraph in your own words. Start with GAAP, IFRS, Tax Preparation, pick a relevant action and identify the evidence you can show. Compare the result with the vacancy and remove details that do not help the reader judge your fit. Ask whether each sentence answers a useful question about responsibility, tools or outcome. Keep the wording natural and specific; a recruiter should be able to ask you about the example in an interview. Record any facts you need to confirm before the application, rather than leaving an uncertain claim in the final version.

• List accounting software and ERPs such as QuickBooks, Xero, SAP or NetSuite, plus your Excel level.
• Quantify the close: days to close, entities handled, reconciliations completed or audit findings resolved.
• Mention the standards you apply, such as US GAAP or IFRS, and any tax filings you prepare.
• Show your CPA status or progress prominently, for example “CPA candidate, 3 of 4 sections passed”.

Put this advice into practice

Read the completed application as if you were seeing it for the first time. Verify names, dates and contact details. Open every portfolio link and inspect the exported file on a small screen. Follow the vacancy’s requested file type and naming convention. Save a copy of the version you sent so you can prepare for an interview with the same evidence.