Most job applications today are screened by software before a human ever sees them. This software, called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), scans your CV for keywords, formatting, and structure, and rejects up to 75% of CVs before a recruiter looks at them.

If you've been applying to jobs and hearing nothing back, your CV may never have reached a human. Here's how to fix that.

What Is an ATS and Why It Matters

An ATS is software employers use to collect, sort, and rank job applications automatically. It looks for specific keywords from the job description, checks your formatting, and scores your CV before ranking it against other applicants.

A well-written CV can still get rejected by an ATS simply because of poor formatting, not because you're unqualified.

1. Use a Simple, Single-Column Format

Avoid tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers, and graphics. ATS software reads top to bottom, left to right. Multi-column layouts and design elements often get scrambled or skipped entirely.

Stick to:

• Standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, and Georgia.
• Clear section headings such as Experience, Education, and Skills.
• .docx or PDF. Check the job posting, as some ATS prefer one format over the other.

2. Mirror the Job Description's Keywords

ATS software ranks CVs by keyword match. Pull key terms directly from the job posting, including job titles, required skills, tools, and certifications, and use the same phrasing in your CV.

Example: If the job says "project management", don't write "managed projects." Use the exact phrase "project management" somewhere in your CV.

3. Use Standard Section Headings

ATS software is trained to recognize common headings. Stick to:

• Professional Summary
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications

Avoid creative alternatives like "My Journey" or "What I Bring". The system may not categorize that content correctly.

4. Quantify Your Achievements

Recruiters and increasingly AI screening tools respond to numbers. Instead of:

"Responsible for sales in my region"

Write:

"Grew regional sales by 32% in 12 months, generating an additional $45,000 in revenue"

5. Save With a Clean File Name

Name your file FirstName-LastName-CV.docx, not Resume_final_v3_NEW.docx. Some ATS systems index the file name too.

6. Test Before You Submit

Paste your CV text into a plain text editor. If the formatting turns into a jumbled mess, an ATS will likely read it the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every company use an ATS?

Most mid-size to large companies do, especially those receiving high application volumes. Smaller businesses may review CVs manually.

Can I still use a creative CV design?

Save creative or highly designed CVs for networking or direct email applications where a human reviews it first, rather than online application portals.

How many keywords should I include?

Include enough keywords to naturally reflect the job description. Don't keyword-stuff, as recruiters read the CV after it passes the ATS.

Need Your CV Professionally Optimized?

ENB Enterprise's CV writing service helps rebuild and optimize CVs for ATS screening while presenting your experience clearly and professionally.

Break Into the NGO Sector — For Free

Landing a role at an NGO or UN agency often comes down to having relevant training on your CV. The good news is that you don't need a paid certificate programme to get started. Leading global organisations offer free, self-paced courses that can strengthen your profile and demonstrate your interest in humanitarian and development work.

Here are some free resources to explore:

1. World Health Organization (WHO) — OpenWHO

OpenWHO is WHO's official learning platform, built to get critical health knowledge into the hands of frontline responders during outbreaks and emergencies. Courses cover epidemiology, infectious disease control, health emergency response, and public health fundamentals. A strong option for those interested in public health, emergency response, or medical NGOs.

Visit OpenWHO

2. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP's learning platform focuses on sustainable development and nature-based solutions, including how ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate resilience connect to poverty reduction and long-term development goals. It is useful for those interested in environmental or development-focused NGO work.

Visit the UNDP Learning for Nature Platform

3. UN Climate Change (UN CC:Learn)

A joint initiative of more than 30 UN agencies, UN CC:Learn offers structured courses on climate change science, policy, adaptation, and the green economy. It can be useful for professionals interested in climate-related roles at NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations.

Visit UN CC:Learn

4. UNITAR

The UN Institute for Training and Research runs a broad selection of free courses covering leadership, governance, disaster risk reduction, peacekeeping, and diplomacy. Many courses include certificates of completion.

Explore UNITAR Free and Open Courses

5. UNSSC – United Nations System Staff College

UNSSC provides learning opportunities covering areas such as leadership development, results-based management, and organisational effectiveness. These resources can help learners understand key concepts used within the UN system.

Explore UNSSC Courses

6. World Food Programme (WFP)

WFP's nutrition learning resources cover food security, nutrition programming, and emergency food response. These areas are relevant to careers in humanitarian logistics, nutrition, and food security programming.

Explore WFP Nutrition Learning Resources

7. The World Bank Group

The World Bank's learning platform covers topics related to economic development, financial inclusion, and policy. These areas can be useful for individuals targeting roles in economic development, policy research, or financial inclusion programmes.

Explore World Bank Learning Resources

8. DisasterReady.org

DisasterReady provides humanitarian training resources covering areas such as disaster management, safeguarding, security, and programme management. The platform is designed specifically for humanitarian workers and learners.

Visit DisasterReady

9. Kaya by Humanitarian Leadership Academy

Kaya offers practical, field-oriented courses in areas including WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), protection, and other humanitarian competencies.

Visit Kaya

10. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) — Tembo

Tembo is MSF's learning platform, providing training and learning resources related to medical and humanitarian work in crisis settings. It is particularly relevant to those interested in medical humanitarian work.

Visit MSF Tembo

11. Save the Children Learning Hub

This learning resource focuses on child protection and education in emergencies, offering specialised knowledge relevant to people interested in children's rights and education-focused NGO work.

Access the Save the Children Learning Resource

Build Your NGO Career

Free online training can be a practical way to develop relevant knowledge and strengthen your CV while preparing for opportunities in the NGO, humanitarian, development and international organisation sectors.

Note: Course availability, content, certificates and access requirements may vary by platform and course.