ATS CV: how to create a CV that gets past AI filters

The job market has changed radically. In 2026, 90% of large companies use ATS systems (Applicant Tracking Systems) to filter CVs before they reach a recruiter. If your CV is not optimised for these artificial intelligence systems, it is likely never to be seen by a real person, no matter how qualified you are for the role.

The good news is that the same technology used to filter candidates can help you stand out. In this complete guide, you will discover how to use artificial intelligence to create a CV that not only gets past ATS filters, but also impresses recruiters.

What Is an ATS and Why Should You Optimise Your CV?

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that companies use to manage applications. This system scans your CV by extracting plain text (it ignores complex designs, graphics and tables), identifies specific keywords related to the job advert, ranks and scores your application based on matches with the requirements, and automatically filters out CVs that do not meet minimum criteria.

According to recent data, only 25% of candidates manage to get past these automated filters. The difference lies in knowing how to optimise your CV so that the AI interprets it correctly.

The 5 Key CV Trends in 2026

1. “Skills-First” Format (Skills First)

Recruiters and ATS systems now prioritise skills over chronological history. The recommended new order is:

• Contact details
• Skills-focused professional summary
• Skills section (move it to the beginning)
• Work experience demonstrating skills
• Education
• Optional sections

Why it works: ATS systems scan the top third of the document more intensively, and recruiters follow “F”-shaped reading patterns (the top left receives the most attention).

2. AI Literacy as a Core Skill

In 2024, including “ChatGPT” on your CV seemed innovative. In 2026, it is expected. AI skills are now like Excel: basic requirements for many roles.

• Specific tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Midjourney
• Practical application: “Used AI to reduce content creation time by 40%”
• Adjacent skills: prompt engineering, AI automation, workflow design

3. Rigorous ATS Optimisation

ATS optimisation is no longer optional; it is critical. With 75% of CVs filtered out before human review, you need to follow this checklist:

• Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
• No graphics, tables or text boxes
• Keywords that exactly match the job advert
• Clear section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
• PDF or .docx format
• Test with an ATS scanner before sending

4. Modular and Adaptable CV

The generic CV is dead. The most strategic model for 2026 is the modular CV: you have a base CV with your profile, complete experience and education, and add specific modules for each job advert:

• Relevant projects module
• Technical tools module
• Quantified achievements module
• Industry skills module

Advantage: Personalise your CV in 5–7 minutes without completely rewriting it.

5. Brevity and Quantifiable Metrics

Shorter is better: one page unless you are genuinely senior. Recruiters need to understand your value in under 7 seconds. Include concrete metrics:

• "Increased sales by 35% in 6 months"
• "Managed a team of 12 people"
• "Reduced operating costs by €50,000 annually"

How to Use AI to Optimise Your CV in 3 Steps

Step 1: Ask AI to Analyse the Job Advert

Before adapting your CV, you need to identify the exact keywords the ATS will look for. Use this prompt for ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini:

Act as an expert recruiter. Analyse this job advert [paste the full description] and provide: 1) The 10 most important technical skills (hard skills), 2) The 5 key soft skills, 3) The mandatory requirements (certifications, experience, tools), 4) The exact keywords I should include in my CV.

Step 2: Optimise the Sections with Keywords

Incorporate the identified keywords into:

• Professional profile: 3–4-line summary at the beginning
• Skills section: List of technical and soft skills
• Work experience: Description of duties and achievements
• Education: Relevant courses and certifications

Step 3: Turn Duties into Measurable Achievements

ATSs look for keywords, but recruiters look for impact. Use this prompt to improve descriptions:

Turn this description of duties into quantifiable achievements: [Paste your current description]. Use action verbs and specific metrics (percentages, numbers, timeframes).

Recommended CV Formats Based on Your Objective

ATS CV (Standard for Job Portals)

When to use it: Mass applications, large companies, job portals.

• Reverse-chronological format
• 10–15 strategic keywords
• Short bullet points with action verbs
• Quantifiable metrics
• No complex visual elements

Modern Professional CV (Harvard)

When to use it: Specific companies, SMEs, consultancies.

• Greater personalisation
• Elegant design with white space
• Can include moderate use of colour
• Clear visual hierarchy

One-Page CV (One Page)

When to use it: Roles where concision is valued, networking events.

• Maximum one page
• Only the most relevant information
• Clean and direct design

Fatal Mistakes to Avoid

• Creative designs with columns and tables: ATS cannot read them correctly
• Bar charts for skills: They are invisible to the system
• Generic CV for all applications: Each role requires tailoring
• Spelling mistakes: They can lead to automatic rejection
• Irrelevant information: Generic hobbies that add no value
• Incompatible format: Using formats that ATS cannot process

Recommended AI Tools for Creating Your CV

• ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini: To analyse applications and improve descriptions
• Jobscan: To check ATS compatibility
• Grammarly: For spelling and grammar correction
• LinkedIn: As an expanded CV that complements your CV

The LinkedIn + CV Alignment

In 2026, 60% of recruiters check your LinkedIn profile before contacting you. Make sure both are aligned on these key elements:

• Professional photo
• Strategic headline with keywords
• Clear summary with a value proposition
• Detailed experience
• Up-to-date skills
• Recent recommendations

Save Time: The Smart Alternative

Manually optimising your CV for each application can take hours of work. You need to analyse each application in detail, identify specific keywords, adapt multiple sections, check ATS compatibility, review formatting and spelling, and tailor it to each company.

Final Checklist Before Sending Your CV

• ✅ ATS-compatible format (PDF or .docx without complex elements)
• ✅ Keywords from the application included in multiple sections
• ✅ Skills section in the upper third
• ✅ Quantified achievements with specific metrics
• ✅ AI skills mentioned (if relevant)
• ✅ Spelling and grammar checked
• ✅ Appropriate length (1 page ideal, 2 maximum)
• ✅ LinkedIn updated and aligned with your CV
• ✅ Tested with an ATS scanner
• ✅ Tailored specifically to this application

Industry Trends in 2026

• Technology: AI skills, cloud certifications, GitHub, systems design
• Marketing: Analytics, ROI metrics, specific tools (HubSpot, SEMrush)
• Finance: Compliance, advanced Excel, automation, Power BI
• Healthcare: Telemedicine, HIS systems, up-to-date certifications
• Sales: Turnover figures, CRM, remote sales experience

Conclusion: Your CV as a Living Tool

In 2026, your CV is not a static document that you create once and send everywhere. It is a living tool that must adapt to each opportunity, combining:

• Technical optimisation to get past ATS filters
• Strategic content with specific keywords
• Human impact with quantifiable achievements and storytelling
• Constant updating with new skills and experience

Artificial intelligence has transformed recruitment, but it also gives you the tools to stand out. Use AI to your advantage to analyse job adverts, optimise content and present the best version of yourself professionally.

And remember: if this whole process feels overwhelming, platforms such as Joblanders do the hard work for you, allowing you to focus on what really matters: preparing for the interview and getting the job you deserve.

Frequently asked questions about AI CVs