ATS-friendly CV templates that pass applicant tracking systems

What is an ATS-friendly CV?

An ATS-friendly CV is one that applicant tracking systems, the software many UK employers use to collect and sort applications, can read correctly. That means a single-column layout, standard headings, plain text instead of graphics, and the job advert's own keywords. If the software can't parse your CV, a recruiter may never search it.

The 5 formatting rules an ATS-friendly CV follows

1. One column, top to bottom. Screening software reads left to right, top to bottom. Two columns, tables and text boxes can scramble the order or drop text.
2. Standard headings. Use "Profile", "Experience", "Education", "Skills". Creative headings ("My journey") may not be recognised as sections.
3. Text, not pictures. No photo, icons, logos or skill bars. Put contact details in the body, not in the header or footer, which some systems skip.
4. The advert's exact words. Systems match terms, not meanings. If the advert says "stakeholder management", write that, not "working with partners".
5. A plain file. Send .docx (or a text-based PDF if asked), a common font such as Arial or Calibri at 10 to 12 pt, and a simple file name.

Not sure about yours? Try the free ATS CV checker or run through the Is my CV ATS friendly? checklist.

What's in the ATS CV Template Pack (£12)

• 3 CV templates (Word)Classic chronological, modern professional and skills-based for career changers. Single column, real headings, no tables or text boxes, so applicant tracking systems read them cleanly. They open in Word and Google Docs.
• Cover letter template (Word)A structure that ties your evidence to the advert in four short paragraphs.
• The ATS CV Guide (PDF)How screening software actually reads a CV, a 20-minute method for tailoring to each advert, achievement-bullet formulas with before/after examples, and a 25-point pre-send checklist.
• Keyword sheets for 40 UK rolesHard skills, tools, qualifications and the phrases recruiters search for, with example achievement bullets for each role.

Look inside

Real pages from the downloads (the CV templates are Word files you edit; the guides are PDFs).

• CV template 2: Modern Professional (Word)
• CV template 3: Skills-based, for career changers (Word)
• Keyword sheets: one of the 40 UK roles
• Interview Answer Bank (in the Bundle): the story worksheet

Or the Job Search Bundle (£29)

Everything in the pack, plus:

• The Career Change PlaybookA transferable-skills audit, UK retraining routes, 12 worked career-change paths and a 30-day plan.
• The Interview Answer Bank50 common UK interview questions with what they test, a framework and a model answer for each, including civil service and NHS styles.
• Salary Negotiation ScriptsWord-for-word scripts and email templates for expectations, counter-offers, public-sector pay points and pay rises.

Templates by role

• Graduate CV template (UK)
• Teacher CV template (UK, Word)
• Project manager CV template (Word)
• ATS keywords by role

ATS keywords for 50 common UK roles

Nurse, Teacher, Accountant, Software engineer, Project manager, Data analyst, Teaching assistant, Solicitor, HR manager, Marketing manager, Business analyst, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Civil engineer, Mechanical engineer, Electrical engineer, Quantity surveyor, Product manager, Data scientist, Graphic designer, Recruiter, Sales executive, Operations manager, Office manager, Executive assistant, Paralegal, Financial analyst, Procurement manager, Warehouse manager, Store manager, Site manager, UX designer, DevOps engineer, Cybersecurity analyst, Frontend developer, Social media manager, Account manager, Healthcare administrator, Restaurant manager, Lecturer, Customer service representative, Chef, Doctor, Retail manager, Sales manager, IT support engineer, Data engineer, Full stack developer, Estate agent, Occupational therapist