What font should I use for an ATS-friendly CV?

Use a clean, sans-serif font such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Verdana, sized between 10 and 12 points. These fonts are easily parsed by UK ATS software. Avoid decorative, script, or unusual fonts, as they may not translate correctly. Also, avoid using text effects like shadows or outlines. Consistency is key – use the same font throughout your CV, and use bold for headings and section titles only. This ensures your CV is readable by both machines and human recruiters.

How long should an ATS-friendly CV be in the UK?

In the UK, the standard is one to two pages. For experienced professionals, two pages is acceptable, but if you have less than five years of experience, aim for one page. An ATS system doesn't inherently penalise length, but recruiters do. Keep it concise and relevant, focusing on your recent achievements and skills that match the job description. Use bullet points to improve readability. Ensure each section is clearly separated so the ATS can parse the information correctly.

Can I use a PDF or Word document for my CV?

For maximum ATS compatibility, use a Word document (.docx). While many modern ATS systems can read PDFs, some older UK software packages still fail to extract text from PDFs or may read them incorrectly. If a job advert specifically asks for a PDF, then follow that instruction, but otherwise, .docx is the safest choice. Also, don't send a .pdf that was created from a scan or image – the ATS needs searchable text. Always name your file professionally, e.g., 'John-Smith-CV.docx'.

Do I need a personal statement on an ATS CV?

Yes, a personal statement or professional summary at the top of your CV is still useful in the UK, but keep it brief. ATS systems often look for keywords here, so it's a great place to include your job title, years of experience, and core skills. Write 3-4 sentences that summarise your profile and align with the job description. Avoid clichés like 'hardworking' and 'team player' – instead, be specific, for example: 'Project manager with 7 years of experience in UK construction, specialising in safety compliance.'

ATS Friendly CV UK: The Essential 2026 Guide

11 August 2026

Learn how to write an ATS-friendly CV in the UK. Get tips on formatting, keywords, and a free template to pass applicant tracking systems in 2026.

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What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter in the UK?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that UK employers use to scan, sort, and filter job applications before they reach a human recruiter. Large UK organisations, from the NHS to high-street banks and supermarkets, rely on ATS to manage hundreds of applications. The system looks for specific keywords, clean formatting, and relevant experience. If your CV isn't ATS-friendly, it can be rejected automatically, no matter how qualified you are. In the competitive UK job market, understanding how to make your CV readable by both machines and people is crucial. By following this guide, you'll ensure your application passes the first hurdle and gets into the hands of a recruiter.

UK-Specific Formatting Rules for ATS CVs

In the UK, an ATS-friendly CV should be one or two pages long, saved as a .docx file, and use a simple sans-serif font like Arial or Calibri. Stick to standard section headings: 'Professional Summary', 'Work Experience', 'Education', 'Skills', and 'Certifications'. Do not use tables, columns, text boxes, or graphics, as these can confuse the parsing software. Also, avoid placing contact information in the header or footer – keep it in the main body of the document. In the UK, it's illegal to require a photo, so don't include one unless you're applying for a modelling or acting role. Use UK English spelling (e.g., 'organised', 'colour').

Tailoring Keywords for UK Job Descriptions

ATS software scans for keywords that match the job description. To pass, read every job advert carefully and identify the specific skills, qualifications, and experience required. Mirror the exact phrases you find, but only if they’re genuinely true for you. For example, if the advert says 'customer service', use that term rather than 'client support'. Include UK-specific qualifications like 'A-levels', 'GCSEs', 'NVQs', or professional certifications such as 'CIPD', 'ACCA', or 'CIMA'. Also, write out acronyms and include the full version, e.g., 'Human Resources (HR)', to catch both searches. Don't keyword-stuff – the CV must still read naturally for human recruiters.

Common ATS Mistakes UK Candidates Make

Many UK candidates unknowingly sabotage their CVs. The biggest mistakes include submitting a creative, design-heavy CV with images and infographics, which ATS software cannot read. Using tables or multiple columns causes text to be parsed incorrectly, and putting your name or contact details in a header or footer often leads to them being ignored. Another common error is including a photo, age, or date of birth – this can even breach UK equality laws. Finally, saving your CV as a PDF instead of a Word document can be a problem, as some older ATS versions cannot extract text from PDFs. Always check the application instructions and submit a clean, text-based .docx file.

ATS CV Template and Checklist for the UK

Here’s a basic ATS-friendly template: Start with your name, professional title, telephone number, email, and LinkedIn URL (optional). Then a 'Professional Summary' in 3-4 lines. Follow with 'Key Skills' as a bulleted list. Next, 'Work Experience' in reverse chronological order, with job title, company, dates, and responsibilities using bullet points. After that, 'Education' with degrees, institutions, and grades. Finally, 'Certifications & Courses'. Before submitting, run these checks: save as .docx, use single-column layout, no images or tables, standard UK spelling, and keyword-match the job description. Ensure your CV is less than two pages and free of typos – proofread it out loud.

FAQ

No, you should not include a photo on a UK CV. In the UK, recruiters generally expect to assess candidates based on skills and experience, not appearance. Including a photo can raise concerns about unconscious bias and potential discrimination, which many UK employers actively avoid. Exceptions exist only for roles like modelling or acting, where physical appearance is a genuine occupational requirement. For most jobs, keep your CV photo-free to appear professional and comply with UK recruitment norms.

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