Should Your CV Be Different for an AI-Powered ATS Than for a Human Recruiter?

ATS Systems

As AI‑driven Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) become standard in hiring, many job seekers wonder whether they need two versions of their CV: one for machines and one for humans.

The short answer? No, but it must be optimised to satisfy both.

Modern ATS tools are sophisticated and can eliminate up to 75% of applicants before a human sees the CV. They may misread CVs with complex formatting such as tables, graphics, unusual fonts, or multi‑column layouts. Humans, meanwhile, skim CVs quickly and prioritise clarity, brevity and impact.

What a CV Needs for ATS Compatibility

- Simple, clean formatting without images or graphics.
- Standard section headings like Work Experience, Skills, Education.
- Exact keyword matching from the job description.
- Correct file types (usually .docx or PDF).
- Avoid tables, text boxes, columns or decorative formatting.

What You Should Do to Optimise for Human Review

- Prioritise clarity and scannability using short sentences and bullet points.
- Focus on outcome‑driven achievements using an action → result structure.
- Keep the CV concise and relevant, ideally no more than 2 pages.
- Use a strong Professional Summary that highlights expertise and strengths.
- Use light formatting enhancements like bolding and spacing (without breaking ATS).
- Tailor the CV to each role — humans notice contextual relevance.

The best CV is a single, streamlined version: ATS‑friendly so it gets seen, human‑friendly so it gets shortlisted.

If you’d like to speak to a human who can give you practical advice on your CV, get in touch with iMultiply here