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What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Why Does It Matter for Your CV?

Writer: Manika-Nia DixonManika-Nia Dixon

In today’s competitive job market, your CV is often assessed by a machine before it reaches human eyes. Many companies, especially multinational corporations and tech firms in Ireland, rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline recruitment and identify top candidates from hundreds or even thousands of applications.


An ATS is a software program used by employers and recruiters to filter, sort, and rank job applications based on predefined criteria. This technology scans CVs for specific keywords, formatting, and structure, determining whether an application moves forward in the hiring process - or gets discarded.


Unlike a human recruiter, an ATS doesn’t evaluate a CV for personality, creativity, or even overall quality. Instead, it scans for relevant industry terms, clear formatting, and structured content that aligns with the job description.

Many applicants unknowingly submit CVs that are rejected instantly because they include:

  • Overly complex layouts with tables, columns, or images that the ATS cannot process.

  • Insufficient keywords that don’t match the job description.

  • Incompatible file formats that prevent the software from reading the content correctly.


For professionals across all industries - from graduates to senior executives - understanding the role of ATS is crucial. A well-crafted CV needs to not only pass ATS screening but also appeal to hiring managers, ensuring it stands out for the right reasons.

This is where expertly written, ATS-optimised CVs come in. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, a professionally designed CV ensures:

  • Maximum visibility within ATS software.

  • Proper structuring to highlight your strengths effectively.

  • Alignment with hiring criteria while maintaining readability for recruiters.


Navigating ATS requirements can be complex, but a professionally tailored CV removes the guesswork. If you want to ensure your CV meets modern hiring standards and gets noticed by the right employers, let the experts handle it for you.


Get in touch today to ensure your CV is not just seen - but shortlisted.

 
 
 

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