How to Fix Your Resume for ATS

Fixing a CV / resume for ATS comes down to two jobs: make it easy to read, and make it clearly answer the job you're applying for. Here's how to do both.

Layout fixes you can do in 15 minutes

Content fixes that make the match visible

What not to do, so you don't make it worse

Check my CV / resume against a job

First check is free. No account. Your CV / resume isn't stored.

Layout fixes

1. Use one column

Single-column layouts keep the reading order predictable.

2. Put contact details in the body

Some systems skip headers and footers. Put your name, email, phone and location at the top of the page itself.

3. Use standard headings

Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.

4. Keep dates consistent

Use one format throughout, such as Mar 2022 – Present.

5. Avoid text in graphics

Skill bars, icons and charts look nice but aren't read as text.

Content fixes

1. Add a short headline and summary

Two or three lines at the top that name the role you're applying for and your strongest relevant experience.

2. Name tools and certifications the way the ad does

If the ad says Salesforce, write Salesforce, not just "CRM", as long as you've used it.

3. Turn duties into results

Say what you did, with what, at what scale, and what changed.

4. Move the most relevant experience up

The first page should answer the job ad without the reader having to search.

Before and after

Job ad asks for: Account management, CRM, renewals

Weaker

Responsible for customer accounts

Stronger

Managed 35 B2B accounts in HubSpot and renewed 92% of contracts in 2025

Only write the stronger version if it's true for you.

What not to do

Don't hide keywords in white text. It's easy to spot and gets you rejected.
Don't copy whole sentences from the job ad.
Don't list skills you can't talk about in an interview.

Check your CV / resume against a real job ad

Paste your CV / resume and the job description. You'll see your match score, the requirements that aren't visible yet and what to change.

Run a free check

Works for CVs and resumes in English, German, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian.

Questions

PDF or Word?

Either usually works. Use what the employer asks for. If you send a PDF, export it from Word or Google Docs so the text can be read.

Do I need a different CV / resume for every job?

Not a new one each time. Keep a complete base version and make small, truthful changes so the top of the page answers each job ad.