Resumé vs. ATS: 7 Changes That Get You Ranked
How to create a compliant CV for the best chances in the application process
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It’s no secret: nowadays, software sorts, filters, and reads resumes, often before a human even sees them.
This sometimes feels unfair, but it is reality. Although not in all companies (sometimes there are still real people), the trend is increasing. So, never fall in love with a job description.
ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters resumes: Strictly speaking, this is not entirely true. The ATS itself does not screen resumes, but rather an optional add-on called “parsing software.” This is part of the huge ATS, and many companies (not all!) use it to sort applications correctly. Sometimes with AI, sometimes without. Plus don’t fall for these 5 resume myths.
You can see that the process is not transparent and varies from place to place. Therefore, it’s extremely important to remember the following no matter what:
You can’t get anywhere without machine-optimized CVs!
The good news: You don’t have to trick the system or manipulate anyone to be selected.
You just have to make his job easy and think like a machine.
🎨 1. CV ATS Tip: Simple Design
It all starts with the right layout, and for this you should definitely use a proper template. You don’t have to build your resume from scratch on a blank sheet of paper.
But it’s not rocket science either. A clearly structured, minimalist resume impresses both ATS and recruiters.
Avoid decorative elements of any kind, as they can confuse the tools: no icons, no lines, no bars, no colors. If in doubt, it can even cause them to stop reading. They cannot identify things like icons and symbols.
What is easy for machines to read is also easy for humans to read in a slightly modified form. And that’s exactly the sweet spot: think about the machine first and then consider how you can improve it for humans, e.g., with bold font.
🔎 2. CV ATS Tip: Keywords from the job ad
The most important rule is to tailor your resume to each individual job. Yes, really every single one. You should never send out the same resume, always customize it. But beware of typical red flags in job advertisements.
Screening begins with text matching down to the word level. The tool is tailored precisely to the text and skills listed in the job ad and searches for exact matches.
Even if people still read resumes in the traditional way, they will be looking for specific words. Graphic design in danger: AI could largely replace these professions by 2030.
If the ad says “Adobe Creative Cloud,” that exact term should also appear in your resume. This is because not every tool is able to recognize abbreviations or variations such as “Adobe CC” as equivalent. Fortunately, they are getting better and better, but we always have to assume the most basic software.
Of course, you should only include words if they really fit. Don’t make anything up!
It’s not about copy-paste, but about a common understanding between you and the system. The goal is to formulate your skills in such a way that they are correctly understood. Portfolio without jobs? Here’s how!
No one wants to risk mistakes or misunderstandings, which unfortunately occur frequently. These can lead to rejections.
⌨️ 3. CV ATS tip: Re-enter content
Yes, it’s annoying and everyone complains about it. The typical retyping in the application form.
You’ve uploaded your resume and suddenly have to enter everything again from scratch. Or parts have already been inserted, but completely wrong or twisted.
The temptation is great to skip this mess and hope that the resume is enough. You should make sure that the following data records are read correctly:
- Job title
- Job descriptions (never leave blank!)
- Time periods
- Degrees and diplomas
However, if you don’t take the time to do this, it could be a reason for rejection due to misinterpreted or missing data.
If the application portal breaks down your neatly uploaded PDF, it is worth entering the most important content manually again. These are the sections that will be scanned later.
The system will then identify word matches, number of years in a field, or other conclusions. These are the top growing future jobs until 2030.
Increasingly, your application will only be forwarded to a human if you pass this stage.
☎️ 4. CV ATS tip: Write out your contact details in full
Some input seems logical to humans, but not to machines. Find out why you shouldn’t a cover letter anyway, despite AI.
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Recruiting is international today, and it may be that your application is viewed by recruiters in Poland, for example, even though the position is in Germany.
But even if not, it is important that all contact details comply with international standards. After all, everything should be correctly classified in the system. Who doesn’t want to be immediately reachable?
So it’s better to:
- Complete LinkedIn URLs instead of “linkedin.com/in/…”
- Insert international dialing code with “+1” (or equivalent)
This way, you can avoid unnecessary parsing errors and be instantly reachable. Don’t waste your time with case studies: 9 warning signs of free work
🔬 5. CV ATS tip: Select specific skills
Many systems work with skill filters based on the job description. So pay attention to which skills are mentioned.
If you only select three points here, or don’t select anything at all, you’ll be eliminated more quickly than someone with ten matching skills. Learn something new: How about a short course at UAL in London?
These skills shouldn’t just appear in your resume. Some application tools also allow you to select skills manually. You should definitely do this to increase your chances of being matched.
So don’t hesitate to select around 50 relevant skills from the job description in different variations. No matter how trivial they may seem.
Don’t overdo it, but don’t be too cautious either. Learn more about government-regulated educational leave in Germany.
🏠 6. CV ATS tip: Skip salary and place of residence
Some application tools have mandatory fields, which can again be an indication of strict filters. Anyone who does not fit into the grid is eliminated.
An ill-considered salary request or an “incorrect” location can lead to automatic rejection before anyone even reads your profile. By the way, application processes always contain many fields that you can actually skip.
To avoid this, you should not fill in all the fields immediately. When it comes to salary in particular, it is worth discussing benefits and the overall package (weekly hours, vacation) in person.
You are not required to provide this information in your application, even if it is a mandatory field.
If it is a mandatory field and you have to enter something, you can write something like “Happy to discuss this in person” or use placeholders, e.g., ‘1’ or “99999999.” Recruiters understand this and will contact you if necessary.
These topics belong in the interview, not in the initial screening. You should not risk rejection here and never underestimate yourself.
👋 7. CV ATS tip: Networking after submission
Ultimately, decisions are still made by people. Make sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile.
But even if you do everything right and get through, that doesn’t mean your application will be considered. Many get lost in the crowd. How to Contact recruiters or hiring managers via LinkedIn to get ahead of the game.
That’s why it’s important to go the extra mile and make yourself stand out.
After applying, try to find the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn and send them a friendly message.
Sometimes this is exactly what ensures that your application is actively found in the system. Here’s a list of unbelievable job perks in Germany.
This often leads to an interview, and even if it doesn’t work out (which is okay), you will have left a positive impression.
A good resume ranking is not achieved through shortcuts, but through clarity.
A resume that is structured, honest, and linguistically relevant to the position will be successful.
And if you are wondering whether you are “good enough”:
You don’t have to be perfect, just clear! 💜
🎨 Free CV / Resumé Template on Figma →
Shared with mentees for years, NYCHE CareerCard® template users landed interviews at McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Google, Deloitte, and more.
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