Tips for Writing a CV That Gets Past AI Screening Tools

21 May 2026

Many employers use applicant tracking systems or AI tools to help review CVs. Here are practical tips to make your CV easier to read, search, and shortlist.

If you are applying for jobs online, your CV may be checked by an applicant tracking system, often called an ATS, before a person reads it. These systems can scan your CV for key information such as your skills, job titles, qualifications, experience, and contact details.The goal is not to “trick” the system. The goal is to make your CV clear, accurate, and easy for both technology and people to understand.Here are some practical tips to help your CV avoid being missed.Use a simple CV formatKeep your CV clean and easy to read. Complicated formatting can make it harder for systems to scan your information correctly.Avoid:<ul><li>Text boxes</li><li>Tables</li><li>Columns</li><li>Graphics, icons, or logos</li><li>Images of text</li><li>Unusual fonts</li><li>Headers and footers for important details</li></ul>Use:<ul><li>A clear font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman</li><li>Standard headings</li><li>Bullet points</li><li>Plain spacing</li><li>A Word document or PDF, depending on what the job advert asks for</li></ul>Use clear section headingsAI tools and recruitment systems look for familiar headings. Make your CV easy to navigate by using simple section titles such as:<ul><li>Contact Details</li><li>Personal Summary</li><li>Key Skills</li><li>Work Experience</li><li>Education</li><li>Licences and Tickets</li><li>Referees</li></ul>Avoid creative headings like “My Journey” or “What I Bring to the Table”, as these may not be recognised as easily.Match your CV to the job advertRead the job advert carefully and make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience the employer is asking for.For example, if the advert asks for forklift experience, include “forklift” in your CV if you have that experience. If it asks for customer service, warehousing, administration, payroll, or health and safety experience, use those same words where they are accurate.Do not copy and paste the whole advert into your CV. Instead, naturally include relevant keywords in your summary, skills, and work history.Be specific about your experienceInstead of writing general statements, include clear examples of what you have done.For example:<ul><li>“Picked and packed customer orders in a warehouse environment”</li><li>“Operated a counterbalance forklift”</li><li>“Answered customer enquiries by phone and email”</li><li>“Processed invoices and updated records in Xero”</li><li>“Managed staff rosters and timesheets”</li></ul>This helps both the system and the recruiter understand your experience quickly.Include licences, tickets, and qualificationsIf a job requires a particular licence, ticket, or qualification, make sure it is easy to find on your CV.Include details such as:<ul><li>Full driver licence</li><li>Forklift licence</li><li>Site Safe</li><li>First Aid Certificate</li><li>WTR endorsements</li><li>Class 2, 4, or 5 licence</li><li>Relevant trade qualifications</li><li>Administration or software training</li></ul>Only include licences and qualifications you currently hold. If something has expired, update it before applying or clearly state the status.Use standard job titles where possibleIf your previous job title was unusual, you can include a more common description beside it.For example:<ul><li>“Despatch Coordinator / Warehouse Administrator”</li><li>“Customer Service Representative”</li><li>“Machine Operator”</li><li>“Accounts Administrator”</li></ul>This makes it easier for screening tools to match your experience with the role.Check your contact detailsMake sure your phone number and email address are correct and easy to find at the top of your CV.Use a professional email address if possible. Avoid email addresses that may look informal or unclear.Also make sure your voicemail is set up and that you check your emails regularly after applying.Keep your CV currentUpdate your CV before each application. Make sure your most recent role is included and that dates are accurate.You do not need to list every job you have ever had if it is not relevant, but avoid leaving unexplained gaps where possible. If you took time off for study, family, travel, or other reasons, you can briefly explain this.Proofread before applyingSpelling mistakes can affect how professional your CV looks and may also make it harder for screening tools to match keywords.Before you send your CV:<ul><li>Run a spell check</li><li>Read it out loud</li><li>Check dates and job titles</li><li>Make sure your phone number and email are correct</li><li>Ask someone else to review it if you can</li></ul>Keep it honestYour CV should accurately reflect your skills and experience. Do not add keywords for skills you do not have just to pass a screening tool. If you are shortlisted, you may be asked about those skills in an interview or reference check.A clear, honest, well-structured CV gives you the best chance of being noticed for the right reasons.Final tipThink of your CV as a document for both people and technology. Keep it simple, use the right keywords from the job advert, and make your experience easy to understand.If you are applying through 1st Call Recruitment, take the time to upload an up-to-date CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, licences, and availability. This helps the recruitment team understand where you may be the best fit.