How to Beat ATS Systems in the UK (2025 Guide)

Did you know that 92% of UK recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs? If your CV isn't optimized for these systems, it might never reach human eyes—no matter how qualified you are.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that automatically scans, parses, and ranks CVs before a recruiter sees them. In the UK, companies like Taleo, Workday, and Greenhouse are commonly used to manage hundreds or thousands of applications.

10 ATS Optimization Tips for UK Job Seekers

1. Use Standard Section Headings

ATS systems look for specific section names. Use these UK-standard headings:

• Personal Details or Contact Information
• Professional Summary or Personal Statement
• Work Experience or Employment History
• Education or Qualifications
• Skills
• Certifications (if applicable)

❌ Avoid creative headings like "My Journey" or "What I Bring to the Table"

2. Include Keywords from the Job Description

ATS systems scan for specific keywords. Read the job posting carefully and include relevant terms naturally throughout your CV.

3. Use a Simple, Clean Format

ATS systems struggle with complex formatting. Follow these rules:

• Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
• Avoid tables, text boxes, and columns
• Don't use headers/footers for important information
• Save as .docx or .pdf (check job posting for preference)
• Avoid images, graphics, and logos

4. Spell Out Acronyms

Always spell out acronyms the first time, then use the abbreviation. For example: "Bachelor of Science (BSc)" or "Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)".

5. Include UK-Specific Qualifications

If you have UK qualifications, make them prominent:

• A-Levels, GCSEs
• NVQs, BTECs
• Degree classifications (First Class, 2:1, 2:2)
• Professional certifications (ACCA, CIMA, CIPD, etc.)

6. Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong action verbs that ATS systems recognize:

7. Quantify Your Achievements

ATS systems love numbers. Include metrics wherever possible: "Increased sales by 35%" or "Managed team of 12 staff members".

8. Include a Skills Section

Create a dedicated "Skills" section with both hard and soft skills:

• Technical Skills: Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, Python, Adobe Creative Suite
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Communication, Problem-solving, Time management

9. Avoid Unusual Characters

Stick to standard punctuation. Avoid symbols like ★, ●, or → as they can confuse ATS parsers.

10. Test Your CV

Before applying, test your CV with an ATS checker or upload it to a job board to see how it parses. Better yet, use an AI-powered tool like CV Adapter to automatically optimize your CV for ATS systems.

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

UK vs. USA: CV Differences for ATS

If you're applying to UK companies, remember these differences:

• Length: UK CVs are typically 2 pages (USA resumes are 1 page)
• Personal Details: UK CVs may include date of birth, nationality (USA resumes don't)
• Terminology: Use "CV" not "resume," "mobile" not "cell phone"
• Spelling: Use British English (organised, not organized)

How CV Adapter Helps

CV Adapter uses AI to automatically optimize your CV for ATS systems. Our tool:

• ✅ Formats your CV with ATS-friendly structure
• ✅ Suggests relevant keywords from job descriptions
• ✅ Removes problematic formatting
• ✅ Optimizes for UK job market standards
• ✅ Provides before/after comparison

Final Thoughts

In 2025, beating the ATS is essential for UK job seekers. By following these tips and using the right tools, you can ensure your CV gets past automated screening and into the hands of real recruiters.

Remember: An ATS-optimized CV doesn't mean a boring CV. It means a smart CV that works with modern recruitment technology while still showcasing your unique value.