ATS-Friendly CV Tips: What UK Recruiters Look for in 2026

In today’s fiercely competitive job market—especially in the UK—simply having relevant experience isn’t enough; your CV must make it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it ever reaches a recruiter’s eyes. With the evolution of hiring technologies and hiring volumes increasing, most large employers and recruitment agencies now rely on ATS tools to filter, sort and prioritise applications before any human engagement. Whether you’re a recent graduate, mid-career professional, or executive candidate, understanding how these systems interpret your CV is critical to getting noticed. This is where guidance from a Professional CV Writing Company In UK can make all the difference, confirming your document is both ATS-optimised and compelling for recruiters.

What Makes an ATS Scan Friendly?

At their core, ATS tools parse documents, breaking them down into readable fields that can be matched against job descriptions. If the system fails to accurately read your CV, key information like your skills, job titles, or experience may be lost entirely. To avoid this, here are essential formatting and content tips that help your CV pass ATS scans and appeal to UK recruiters.

1. Use Simple, Standard Layouts

ATS software struggles with overly complex designs. Avoid graphics, tables, headers, footers, and unconventional formatting. Instead, use a simple, clean layout with clear section headings such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. These standard labels help the system correctly interpret your information.

Keep fonts professional and readable—Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are safe choices. Maintain consistent formatting throughout, with uniform date styles and bullet points for listing achievements, rather than dense paragraphs. Bullet points not only aid ATS scanning but also make it easier for recruiters to digest your strengths at a glance.

2. Focus on Targeted Keyword Optimisation

Keywords are the lifeblood of ATS compatibility. These are the terms and phrases that reflect what the employer is seeking. To find the right ones, gather several job descriptions for your target role and highlight repeated skills, qualifications, systems, and responsibilities. Use these exact phrases naturally within your CV, especially in the Professional Summary, Skills, and Work Experience sections. This helps both the software and the human recruiter clearly see your suitability for the role.

However, resist the urge to keyword-stuff. Modern systems and recruiters can detect unnatural repetition, which may hurt your chances. Instead, integrate terms in context—showing how you applied a skill or achieved results with it—rather than simply listing buzzwords

3. Prioritise Human Readability

While ATS compatibility is essential, remember that eventually a real person will read your CV. Recruiters scan dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for each role, so your CV must communicate your value quickly and clearly. Use concise bullet points, strong action verbs, and quantifiable achievements (e.g., “increased sales by 30% in Q4”) to make your strengths stand out. Plain, impactful language benefits both software parsing and human review.

Ensure your Professional Summary at the top clearly reflects your career focus and highest-value skills. This not only helps ATS match you to relevant roles but also captures a recruiter’s attention in the crucial first seconds.

4. Save in the Right File Format

Choosing the correct file type can make or break ATS readability. Most modern systems handle both .docx and PDF files effectively, but .docx remains the most universally compatible format unless the job advert specifically requests PDF. Avoid other formats like JPEG or PNG, which ATS tools typically cannot read at all.

5. Prioritise Clear Contact Information

Your CV should start with easily identifiable contact details: full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Put this at the top of the main document body, not in a header or footer, so the ATS captures it correctly. Missing or misplaced contact info is one of the most common reasons applications get filtered out prematurely.

6. Reflect the Job Title Strategically

Some ATS setups look for keyword matches that include the exact job title from the vacancy posting. Where appropriate and honest, mirror the job title language in your CV headline or summary to increase relevance. This doesn’t mean inflating your role, but rather aligning terminology in a way that reflects the job you’re targeting.

7. Proofread Meticulously

Errors—whether typos, inconsistent spacing, or formatting anomalies—can confuse ATS software and create a poor impression on hiring managers. Spelling mistakes may cause the system to miss keywords and human reviewers to see a lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your CV, ideally with a fresh set of eyes or a professional reviewer, before submitting it.

What UK Recruiters Really Look For in 2026

As we head into 2026, UK hiring trends continue to lean heavily on technology without diminishing the importance of human nuance and judgement. Recruiters want applicants who understand the job’s demands, present their experience with clarity, and show measurable impact. An ATS-friendly CV acts as the gateway—but what lies beyond that gate matters just as much.

Balanced Content: Recruiters favour CVs that balance keyword optimisation with clear, narrative examples of what a candidate has achieved. It’s not just about matching phrases; it’s about showing real impact.

Role Relevance: Tailoring your CV to each role remains as important as ever. Generic CVs—even if ATS-friendly—are less likely to impress in hiring decisions. Targeted documents that speak to specific employer needs stand out.

Adaptability: With new ATS features and hiring platforms emerging, adaptability in your approach is key. Recruiters appreciate candidates who can demonstrate both technical understanding and strong interpersonal skills.

Final Thoughts

Crafting an ATS-friendly CV in 2026 means striking a thoughtful balance: use the right keywords and formatting so systems can parse your information, while ensuring the human reader sees a coherent, engaging story of your professional journey. Follow these tips, stay up to date with hiring trends, and you’ll dramatically improve your chances of securing interviews and landing your next role. With the right preparation, understanding, and possibly expert help, your CV can be both seen and valued in a crowded candidate landscape.