Keywords to Use in Your CV to Improve ATS Ranking

In today’s job market, sending a CV alone isn’t enough. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applicants before a recruiter even sees a single resume. If your curriculum vitae isn’t optimized with the right keywords, it might never reach a human eye.

At CVReviewExpert.com, we help job seekers not only polish their CVs but also make them ATS-friendly by using the right keywords and templates. Let’s explore how to choose keywords, optimize your CV layout, and boost your chances of landing an interview in 2025/26.

What is a CV and Why It Matters

You might ask, “What is a CV?” A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a detailed document outlining your education, career history, certifications, skills, and achievements. Unlike a short resume, it provides a full snapshot of your professional journey.

Many applicants use a curriculum vitae template to keep content organized and visually appealing. But here’s the catch: having a beautiful template isn’t enough. Your CV must also be optimized for ATS scanners to ensure it passes automated screenings.

Think of your CV like a marketing brochure—it’s not just a list of jobs; it’s your chance to showcase your value in terms that both humans and machines can understand.

How Applicant Tracking Systems Work

An ATS resume scan reads your CV much like Google reads a web page. Instead of a recruiter manually reviewing each application, ATS software searches for keywords, formatting, and relevant skills.

For example, if a job listing requires “Project Management” and your CV template doesn’t mention it, the ATS might automatically filter you out.

Tools like Jobscan, Resume Worded, and AI resume checkers simulate this process, helping you see where your CV could fail. Many platforms even provide a resume score, showing how likely your document is to pass an ATS scan.

Why Keywords Are Crucial to Passing ATS

1. Match the Job Description

Every job posting has specific requirements. Using the exact wording in your CV template makes it easier for ATS to find you.

• ❌ Avoid: “Worked with numbers.”
• ✅ Use: “Data analysis and reporting experience.”

2. Use Industry-Specific Terminology

ATS software favors precise, professional terms over casual wording.

• Use “curriculum vitae templates” or “ATS-friendly resume templates” instead of vague phrases.
• Tailor keywords to your industry and role.

3. Include Action Verbs

Strong verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “created,” and “achieved” signal accomplishment and performance to both ATS and recruiters.

4. Maintain ATS-Compatible Formatting

An ATS CV template ensures your document is readable by software. Complicated graphics, unusual fonts, or excessive columns can confuse the system. Stick to plain text layouts with clear headings to improve compatibility.

How Templates Help With ATS Success

Using the right CV templates can make all the difference:

• ATS-Friendly Resume Template – Structured to ensure all content is readable by ATS scanners.
• Template of a Curriculum Vitae – Organizes your information efficiently, highlighting skills and experience.
• ATS CV Templates – Pre-designed layouts specifically tailored for automated scanning.

💡 Tip: Avoid excessive images, columns, or unusual fonts. A clean, professional layout is always better than a flashy design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even small errors can reduce your CV’s ATS score:

• Overstuffing keywords: Repeating phrases like “ATS-friendly resume template” unnaturally can hurt readability.
• Ignoring formatting: Beautiful CVs may look great to humans but fail ATS scans.
• Skipping ATS scans: Don’t submit your CV without checking its resume score.
• Using unsupported file types: Stick to PDF or DOCX, unless otherwise specified.

Why Professional Help Matters

Not everyone has time to learn ATS intricacies. Professional resume writing services can:

• Create ATS-optimized resume templates.
• Run CVs through ATS scanners to check compatibility.
• Ensure the right keywords are incorporated naturally.

Some services even offer free resume checkers to preview your CV before submission. At CVReviewExpert.com, we combine template optimization, keyword strategies, and ATS testing to maximize your chances of success.

Final Checklist Before Submitting Your CV

✅ Have you included job-specific keywords directly from the description?
✅ Is your CV template ATS-friendly?
✅ Did you verify your CV using an ATS scanner or AI resume checker?
✅ Did you remove unnecessary graphics or complex layouts?

If you answered yes, your curriculum vitae is ready to pass ATS scans and reach recruiters’ desks.

Conclusion

Your CV is your passport to job opportunities. By implementing the right keywords, using ATS-friendly templates, and testing your CV through resume checkers, you significantly increase your chances of being noticed.

Remember, a strong template of a CV not only organizes your achievements but also ensures ATS compatibility. Invest time in keyword research, optimize your layout, and leverage tools like Jobscan or Resume Worded.

With these strategies, you’re not just writing a CV—you’re creating a keyword-optimized, ATS-ready document that positions you for success in 2025/26.

At CVReviewExpert.com, we specialize in helping job seekers craft CVs that pass ATS scans and impress recruiters.