Applicant tracking systems are search and storage tools more than judges. Most damage happens when they cannot read the file.
What breaks parsing
- Multi-column layouts, which get read across rather than down
- Tables and text boxes
- Contact details inside a header or footer
- Skills shown as icons, bars or ratings
- Image-based PDFs exported from design tools
What works
One column, top to bottom. Headings called Experience, Education and Skills, not "My Journey". A common font. Dates in a consistent format. A .docx unless the employer asks otherwise.
The five-minute test
Copy your CV, paste it into a plain text editor, and read the result. If the order is scrambled or your phone number vanished, the ATS sees the same mess. Fix the layout until the plain text version reads correctly.
On keywords
Match the language of the job ad where it is honestly true. If they say "customer success" and you wrote "client servicing", change it. Do not stuff a hidden white-text keyword block; systems flag it and humans reject it.
Common questions
Is PDF or Word better for an ATS?
Text-based PDFs are usually fine, but .docx is the safest default unless the employer specifies.
Do ATS systems automatically reject CVs?
Most do not score and reject on their own. They filter on searches recruiters run, which is why matching real keywords matters.