In 2026, “ATS-friendly” doesn’t mean gaming a system—it means removing friction. Hiring teams in the UK are processing more applications, faster. Your CV has to survive parsing and convince a human in 15–30 seconds. The future of job search is proof-led: clear keywords, clean structure, and bullets that show outcomes. If you want to baseline your CV against target roles, build a CV Profile and compare it to job ad keyword patterns in the app.
Most ATS failures are self-inflicted: tables used for layout, text inside images, multi-column blocks that scramble reading order, or inconsistent date formats. The safest CV in 2026 is “boring”: one column, clear headings, consistent spacing, and simple bullet lists. If you want design, keep it subtle—use whitespace and hierarchy, not complex layout. Your goal is to make sure the ATS extracts your job titles, employers, dates, skills, and education correctly, so a recruiter sees the same story you intended.
Keyword stuffing is easy to spot in 2026—especially when it’s AI-generated. The correct workflow is: extract repeated requirements from multiple job ads, then map each requirement to your evidence. If you can’t evidence it, it’s a gap to close, not a word to paste. For each keyword you keep, add a proof bullet that includes context + action + outcome + measurement. That is what makes your CV credible to a human while still aligning with ATS screening.
Tailoring is where most job seekers burn out. In 2026, the scalable approach is to build one strong base CV per target role family (e.g., “Data Analyst”, “Customer Success”, “Project Manager”). Then tailor the top third (headline/summary + first bullets) to each advert, using your keyword checklist and proof assets. If you’re also running AI, treat it as a rewrite assistant: feed it your bullet + the keyword you want to prove, and ask for 3 options that remain truthful. Keep a weekly loop: refresh your checklist, improve one proof asset, and apply to a small batch of high-fit roles. If you want structure, use the Career Transition Plan.
Summary: An ATS-friendly CV in 2026 is clean structure plus proof-led content. Keep formatting simple for parsing, use job-ad keywords only where you have evidence, and tailor the top third of your CV using a repeatable checklist workflow.
Simple structure (one column), clear headings, consistent dates, and keywords backed by evidence. Avoid tables for core content.
Often yes for experienced candidates. Keep it relevant and proof-led; remove older or unrelated detail.
Extract repeated requirements and rewrite bullets to show outcomes. Only include terms you can prove.
Yes—use AI for structure and rewrites from your real bullets, then add metrics, context, and ownership.
