The Developer's Guide to Crafting an ATS-Optimized CV
Tags: ats, cv, developer, webdev
Published: 2023-01-27 11:29:52

The Developer's Guide to Crafting an ATS-Optimized CV
As a developer, you know the importance of writing clean, efficient code. The same principles apply when it comes to writing your CV. 

In today's job market, many companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumes before they ever make it to a human hiring manager. To increase your chances of being selected for an interview, it's crucial to optimize your CV for these systems.

When it comes to job hunting, your CV is one of the most important tools you have at your disposal. But in today's digital world, many CVs end up getting lost in the shuffle - or worse, rejected outright by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 

Approximately [75% of resumes are rejected](https://blog.careerminds.com/75-percent-of-resumes-are-never-read) by an ATS and many times it's because the resume isn't formatted correctly.

ATS are designed to screen out job applicants based on specific criteria, so if your CV doesn't meet those criteria, you may never even get a chance to speak to a human recruiter. 

The good news is, there are things you can do to optimize your CV for an ATS. In this guide, we'll show you how to craft a developer-friendly CV that will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the best possible chance of landing that dream job.


## The Importance of an ATS-Optimized CV

A surefire way to increase your chances of success when job hunting is to craft an ATS-friendly resume. Read [Guide to Applicant Tracking System](https://gohire.io/blog/recruiters-guide-to-applicant-tracking-systems) or ATS is used by employers across the globe to filter through the huge pool of potential candidates and quickly identify the best fit for the job. As a result, it's important you create a well written ATS-friendly resume that clearly communicates your skills, experience and qualifications in order to stand out from the competition.

By being ATS friendly, you also take away any guesswork involved in properly highlighting your attributes and skills into an ATS readable format. Crafting an ATS optimized resume not only demonstrates your commitment to secure a job but will also leave a lasting impression on recruiters, ensuring they are confident that they have chosen the right person for the job.

Recent [Jobvite](https://www.jobvite.com/lp/2021-recruiter-nation-report/) data shows that format is more important to recruiters today than in previous years. With ever-growing applicant numbers and an understanding that many recruiters look at every resume, the emphasis on format makes sense. Recruiters need a resume that is easy to skim and quickly find critical information.

## How to format our CV for an ATS

Making sure your CV is properly formatted for an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is critical if you want the best chance of having your document reviewed. Knowing the most effective format to use can be tricky, but fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to ensure it's tailored correctly.

Start by including the vital components that most recruiters look for – such as skills, education and relevant experience – and use clear headings with concise explanations for each section. You may also need to use specific keywords that relate to the job you're applying for. 

Lastly, don't forget design conventions like avoiding graphics or using a plain font since they tend to change things up too much and interfere with an ATS’s ability to read your CV effectively. With a bit of planning and precision, following these steps should help get your CV ATS-optimized in no time!

## What Information to Include in your CV

When crafting the perfect CV for an ATS-Optimized, it's important to pay close attention to all the details. Make sure to include your contact information such as full name, address, email, and phone number on the top of your CV. 

For work experience and education listing, it’s best to start with the most recent relevant experience first. Also consider including any added skills that might be helpful according to the job requirements like learning a new development language or having expertise in a given software application. 

Highlight any awards and recognition you've obtained within the industry - this will set you apart from other applicants! Finally don't forget references; list a few people who can vouch and testify for your skill set. Utilizing these tips, you'll open up more doors towards getting that ATS-Optimized job you have been seeking!

Unfortunately, articles about the recent [Hidden Workers study by Harvard Business School](https://www.hbs.edu/managing-the-future-of-work/Documents/research/hiddenworkers09032021.pdf) (HBS) focused on ATS. It includes rich data about how companies hire and what applicants can do to close the gap. We'll dive into that in a future Careers By The Numbers. 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/r5nt4mvf32cozzjmmt0d.png)


## How to Use Keywords in Your CV

When it comes to optimizing your CV for the ATS, using keywords is the way to go. A keyword-optimized CV will get you noticed more quickly and easily because it's easier for the system to identify certain words and skills relevant to the position you're applying for. 

For best results, use context-relevant keywords that appear frequently in job descriptions as well as industry-specific phrases related to your area of expertise. It may take a little bit of extra time on your part, but having keyword-filled content could make all the difference when vying among a congested pool of applicants. So get typing!


## Tips for Making your CV Stand Out

Crafting the perfect CV to make it stand out is no easy feat! With the many applications employers sift through, your document needs to be both visually appealing and detailed. A few tips to create an ATS friendly resume help you get started in optimizing your CV include ensuring that you align your skills and qualifications with the position’s job requirements, removing any unnecessary or irrelevant information, writing engaging descriptions for work experience, using active language such as ‘created', 'designed’ etc., customizing your profile photo and header with the ATS theme in mind, and keeping a consistent font throughout each section. Good luck!

**Here are some tips for crafting an ATS-optimized CV as a developer:**

**Keep it simple:** ATSs may struggle with fancy formatting or graphics, so stick to a simple, easy-to-read format. Use bullet points and clear, standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.

**Use action verbs.** Start each bullet point or sentence with an action verb, such as "designed," "developed," or "implemented." This not only makes your CV more dynamic, but it also helps the ATS understand the specific actions you have taken in your previous roles.

**Tailor your CV.** Each job posting is unique, so take the time to tailor your CV for each position you apply for. This means highlighting relevant experience and skills, and adjusting your CV to match the specific requirements outlined in the job posting.

**Include your contact information.** Make sure your CV includes all relevant contact information, such as your name, phone number, and email address. This ensures that a hiring manager can easily get in touch with you if your CV makes it through the ATS screening process.

**Keep your CV up-to-date.** Regularly update your CV with new skills, technologies, and experience. This will help ensure that your CV is always relevant and ready to be sent out at a moment's notice.


An ATS-Optimized CV is a valuable tool in any job seeker’s arsenal. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can be sure that your CV will make it past the bots and into the hands of a human reader. With a little time and effort, you can put yourself ahead of the competition and increase your chances of landing that dream job. So what are you waiting for? Start Optimizing!