Create a professional CV now!
NO
YESToday’s job market is highly competitive, with technology playing a crucial role in who gets noticed. Most employers rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) AI software that filters, ranks, and organises CVs before human review. Your CV must impress both people and machines. An AI-friendly CV ensures your skills are recognised, achievements stand out, and your application reaches recruiters.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to make a CV AI-friendly through clean formatting, smart keywords, and strong content. You’ll learn how to format and write your CV for AI/ATS and human review, making the process less stressful.
Create an effective CV in minutes. Choose a professional CV template and fill in every section of your CV in a flash using ready-made content and expert tips.
NOYESWe created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.
Looking for other guides to help you prepare for job hunting? See:
- How to Build a CV in a Few Simple Steps
- CV Writing Tips That Work in 2025
- Visual CV Templates
- Should Your CV Have 1 Page Only?
- Tips on Structuring a Good CV
What are AI CV scanners?
When you apply for a job online, your CV doesn’t go directly to a recruiter’s inbox. Instead, it goes through an ATS, which parses your CV by extracting your work experience, education details, relevant skills, and contact information. AI CV scanners organise this data, so recruiters can easily search and filter candidates. ATS software is widely used, with 70% of large companies relying on it to simplify and automate their recruitment processes.
To put it simply, if your CV isn’t AI-friendly, the ATS system can reject it.
The solution? Make your CV AI-friendly. The most reliable method is to start with a CV format that is known to be ATS-compatible. Using a simple CV template ensures that the AI software can accurately identify all sections and content.
Key tips for making an AI-friendly CV that passes ATS scans
To beat the AI CV screening process, focus on three key pillars of a professional CV. These will cover the presentation, the content targeting, and the substance of your CV:
1. Use a simple and AI-friendly CV format
When it comes to formatting, simplicity is your best ally. Elaborate graphics or unusual layouts might look impressive to you, but to an ATS, they’ll seem like nonsense. Make your CV’s structure as clear and standard as possible, so AI CV scanners can easily understand it.
Here’s how to make your CV template AI friendly:
- Use a simple, reverse-chronological layout. List work experience from most recent to oldest. This format suits ATS algorithms and recruiters for its clarity.
- Create standard CV section headings, such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. Avoid creative titles like “My Journey” or “Career Story” as ATS might not recognise them.
- Choose easy-to-read, ATS-friendly fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Verdana, in an 11–12 pt size. Avoid using elaborate or script fonts to prevent misreading.
- Avoid using images, graphics, logos, headshots, text boxes, and tables, as they can confuse the ATS or obscure parts of your CV.
- Add simple bullet points and clear headings for ATS readability. Maintain consistent formatting by using the same date format and heading style to prevent parsing issues.
- Save and send your CV in an ATS-friendly file format. The safest choices are Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF, unless the job offer specifies otherwise. These formats are most recommended for ATS compatibility.
By following these formatting tips, you ensure the AI CV scanner recognises your qualifications instead of being confused by fancy formatting. The bonus is that a tidy, well-structured CV isn’t just AI-friendly, but also easier for human recruiters to read and appreciate.
2. Optimise your CV with relevant keywords
An AI-friendly CV format is a good starting point. Now, the contents. AI CV scanners often rank or filter CVs based on keywords related to desired skills, job titles, and qualifications. You must speak the ATS’s language by reflecting the terms employers value.
Here’s how to optimise your CV for AI:
- Tailor your CV to each job. Use the same language and terminology from the job ad.
- Identify relevant keywords in categories such as skills, job titles, tools, certifications, and industry-specific terms. Incorporate these naturally into your Work Experience and Skills sections.
- Place keywords in context. Include important keywords in job descriptions and achievements to effectively demonstrate their relevance and use.
- Keep it honest and readable. Use relevant, naturally integrated keywords reflecting your experience. Write for both AI and humans, maintaining a genuine, coherent summary of your qualifications.
Remember, behind the machine is a person, so aim to communicate your fit clearly and credibly.
3. Create compelling CV content
Getting past AI CV scanners is just half the battle; impressing the human recruiter is the next challenge. That’s why the third pillar of an AI-friendly CV is strong, compelling content.
Here’s how to craft CV content that shines:
- Use strong action verbs and direct language. Begin each work experience bullet with a strong action verb to highlight achievements.
- Quantify your achievements. Nothing proves your impact better than numbers. Use facts, figures, and metrics to show results.
- Keep it relevant and concise. Your CV should highlight relevant experiences and skills that are relevant to the job. Focus on what matters, avoiding unnecessary details.
- Avoid clichés and filler buzzwords. Phrases like “hard-working team player” or “results-driven go-getter” are meaningless and don’t prove anything about you.
- Proofread and format for readability. Make sure your CV is free of typos and easy to read. Use clear headings, consistent spacing, and bullet points for quick scanning. An organised, error-free CV demonstrates attention to detail, a skill highly appreciated by employers.
By concentrating on strong content, you guarantee that once your AI-friendly CV passes the initial screening, it continues to serve you effectively.
A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.
AI-friendly CV templates you can try now
There are many flashy CV templates online. Not all of them, however, guarantee your document will pass the applicant tracking scan. Let’s have a look at some of the ATS-compliant, AI-optimised CV templates:
1. Contemporary Sleek
This AI-optimised, one-column CV template offers a classic look while still catching the recruiter’s attention. Thanks to distinct headers and a prominent name, it helps your AI-friendly CV stand out among others.
2. Contemporary Contrast
An AI-friendly CV template doesn’t necessarily mean simplicity. As you can see, you can have a two-tone design with a large header featuring your name and a contrasting bar on the left-hand side that helps you distinguish sections, all while keeping your CV highly readable. A great ATS CV template.
3. Polished
Here’s another professional CV template that catches the recruiter’s attention at first glance. What’s especially worth noting is the small graphic with your initials. Something that makes this AI-friendly CV template unforgettable.
4. Tranquil Chroma
Talking about unforgettable CVs: having your name as such a striking header will stop recruiters from skipping your application. And with plenty of space to detail your qualifications, this is truly a perfect AI-friendly CV template for all candidates.
5. Executive
You aim to attract attention while appearing professional. This template achieves that perfectly. Featuring a sleek design and simplicity, it’s an excellent AI-friendly CV template that easily passes the ATS and impresses recruiters with its professionalism.
If you need more advice on making a great CV, try these articles:
- How to Make a Good CV
- Write a Leave Letter for Work: Template & Tips
- One-Page CV: Format, Templates and Key Tips
- 12 Jobs AI Won’t Replace in 2025
- Adding a CV to LinkedIn in 2025
You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.
Key points
An AI-friendly CV is all about simplicity, relevance, and strength. By using a clear layout, focusing on the right keywords, and delivering compelling content, you make it easy for both algorithms and people to recognise your qualifications. While you can follow all these rules on your own, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. The easiest way to ensure your CV is formatted correctly and ready for any AI CV scanner is to use a dependable CV builder.
Ultimately, creating an AI-friendly CV is about working smarter in your job search. Now that you know the steps, you can apply them confidently and secure that interview, knowing your CV has effectively passed the ATS scans.
How we review the content at LiveCareer
Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.
