The biggest barrier to shortlisting? ATS robot screening

Most CVs are filtered out before a person ever sees them

Qualified but not getting shortlisted? You are far from alone. To manage volume, many employers now rely on rigid Applicant Tracking Systems that screen applications against tightly defined criteria. As a result, capable candidates are often removed early, not because they lack experience, but because their CV does not align closely enough with the system’s preset rules.

The robot gatekeeper

ATS and RMS: what do they actually mean?

Automated recruitment systems now control how many organisations hire

Automated recruitment systems sit at the heart of hiring in most medium and large organisations. An Applicant Tracking System, commonly called an ATS, is used to receive applications, scan CVs, and move candidates through each stage based on predefined rules.

Many employers also operate a Recruitment Management or Marketing System, often referred to as an RMS, which supports the broader hiring process by handling tasks such as candidate sourcing, ranking, and workflow automation.

Rigid barriers to entry

These systems are built for speed and consistency, but they are rigid. If your resume, cover letter, or supporting documents do not clearly match the criteria while being scanned or scored, your application can be removed from the process before it reaches a human reviewer.

It is frustrating to spend hours preparing a CV and cover letter, only to receive a rejection within hours or no response at all, particularly when you know you have the skills and experience the role requires.

How do you work around ATS screening?

For most roles, resumes are assessed by software before a person ever reads them. To clear this first barrier, your application must be unmistakably relevant to the role. That means using a clean, ATS-readable format and deliberately reflecting the language, priorities, and requirements set out in the job ad and any selection criteria. Relevance needs to be obvious immediately.

Aligning your CV to selection criteria is critical

ATS software scans resumes and cover letters for clear evidence that you meet the employer’s selection criteria. When those signals are missing or weak, applications are commonly filtered out early, regardless of how capable the candidate may be.

Many systems now use AI-based scoring to assess applications against factors such as skills, experience, achievements, and qualifications. While this improves efficiency for employers, it also means qualified candidates relying on vague language or generic resumes are easily overlooked.

Why CV templates create hidden problems

A quick search for CV templates highlights one of the most common causes of rejection. Many templates sold by CV platforms, designers, or tools such as Canva prioritise appearance over function. Features such as photos, text boxes, tables, icons, or layered layouts frequently cause parsing errors. In some systems, profile photos alone can trigger automatic rejection due to compliance safeguards.

Screening software also struggles with columns, graphics, unusual fonts, and legacy file formats. Documents created in older versions of Word, saved as PDFs, or converted from Apple or other programs often contain hidden formatting issues. A resume that looks fine on your screen may arrive as unreadable text once processed by the system.

A large proportion of resumes are filtered out at the ATS stage. These systems are designed to narrow the field quickly by scanning for close matches to the job description, keywords, and selection criteria. Applications that do not align closely enough are routinely screened out before any human review.

Additional considerations for senior and executive roles

Senior and executive applications are not exempt from ATS or advanced AI screening. In organisations using recruitment firms and headhunters, senior roles often face stricter filtering due to volume, risk, and governance pressures. Executive resumes are judged against broader but more demanding criteria, including leadership accountability, strategic judgement, organisational impact, and cultural fit.

At this level, generic language, inflated claims, or poorly evidenced achievements are quickly exposed by automated scoring and later challenged in interview. Executive applications that succeed are those that combine clear structure with precise, outcome-led examples that demonstrate judgement, scale, and relevance.

Applications that progress are those that use clear, specific examples which directly reflect what the role requires.

In summary

ATS screening is the first barrier - Most resumes are filtered by software before a person sees them.
Selection criteria guide outcomes - Screening systems look for language and evidence that match stated and implied criteria.
Generic resumes rarely survive - One-size-fits-all documents seldom align closely enough with a specific role.
Formatting can block progress - Templates, graphics, photos, columns, and incompatible formats often lead to rejection.
Job ad language matters - ATS compare your resume directly against the wording used by the employer.
Executive roles face stricter scrutiny - Senior applications are commonly filtered early due to higher volume and risk.
Automated scoring is increasing - Many systems now rank applications based on criteria-driven evidence.
Clarity outperforms design - Simple layouts in plain Australian English work better than styled templates.
Relevance is decisive - Applications that clearly demonstrate fit are far more likely to reach human review.

Before revising your CV or resume, consider what the employer is truly seeking in an ideal candidate. Identify which of your skills, behaviours, and judgement matter most to them. An effective resume is not your full career history; it is a selective account of your experience, shaped to hold attention and show why you make sense for the role.

Simply order a service (pricing button below) and within 24 hours I will contact you by email or phone. We will work together to hone your CV or Resume until you are 100% satisfied. You can then opt for extra services if you need them.

Like to chat first?

Fill out this form if you would a 15 minute phone chat before deciding to buy my CV writing services. I'll get back to you to schedule a specific time and date.

If your needs are urgent please contact me by phone, FB or Text.

Click on the phone, anytime night and day, to book a complimentary 15 minute call at a time that suits you.

How do I engage you to write my resume?

A brief phone chat allows you to meet the person crafting your resume – me! More...

This initial conversation helps you choose the package that best suits your needs.

During the call, I'll explain my process and what kind of support and communication you can expect from me. The main goal is to ensure you feel confident in my ability to maximise your interview prospects.

Ready to get started? Please select a package and complete your payment via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. We'll then set up a call to discuss your specific requirements. Together, we'll perfect your resume, responses to selection criteria, and any other documents included in your package until you are completely satisfied.

How do I select a Resume package?

Start with a close look at the job advertisement and job description. More...

The job ad normally sets out what the employer wants from you. There are three elements: the resume and responses to selection criteria, the cover letter, and the LinkedIn Profile. A resume or CV, on its own, is very unlikely to get you a job.

The cover letter (covering letter) is used to pick out and emphasise the relevant bits of your skills, knowledge or experience. You may be asked to 'address' (comment on) the 'selection criteria' (what they need from an applicant) in the cover letter or separately.

Resume or CV - this document provides a concise summary of your qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience, and achievements, all ideally tailored to the job’s specific selection criteria.
Cover Letter - Often in digital form (an e-note) for today's online application processes, this distils your resume's key attributes into a succinct pitch.
Addressing the Selection Criteria - You are often required to respond to both essential and desirable skills, knowledge, experience, and achievements, ensuring your application aligns with what the employer is looking for.
- In government, education, health and non-profit applications, you will almost certainly have to also write a stand-alone document.

Your application should demonstrate alignment with the employer's selection criteria, even if that's not explicitly requested. Example: While solid or diverse professional network might be a key hiring criterion, that might not be in the job ad.

The roles of the cover letter and LinkedIn

The cover letter, or its electronic counterpart, and LinkedIn profile derive from your resume, supporting your application for the specific role. LinkedIn is crucial for roles where a network or online skills are key (like sales or marketing) but is not essential for entry level and general job applications.

What are your credentials?

I've helped thousands of Perth job seekers land interviews over many years. More...

I've had direct experience working for top mining and resources companies in Western Australia, in marketing, HR, and recruitment roles. Over the years, I've assisted countless individuals in applying for positions in Australia, the UK, and the USA. With a degree in Information Science, I bring unique insights into the digital recruitment filters and systems that applicants encounter. I'm a dual UK-Australian citizen, with family in both WA and Leicestershire.

Sectors and organisations

My expertise extends to consulting for various organisations including Horizon Power, Curtin University, the WA Police Department, Perth Zoo, Barminco, Allied Pumps, Alcoa of Australia, Western Mining, Sons of Gwalia, Gulf Petroleum, Small Business Development Corporation, WA State Govt., Information Enterprises Australia, and numerous others. I have consulted to organisations in these sectors, among others:

Mining & Resources (Oil and Gas) Resumes or CVs
Pharmaceutical, Health & Nursing Resumes or CVs
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education (Principal and Teacher) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
General Corporate Managerial and C-Suite Resumes or CVs, including International postings
Political, COS and Party Pre-Selection Resumes or CVs
Government (Local, State and Federal) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
Franchisee Application Resumes or CVs (for example McDonalds)
Capability Statement CVs for professionals and contractors (especially Mining)
Marketing and Sales Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
IT and Digital Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
ADF and ex-ADF Resumes or CVs

Certification and Memberships

I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Corporate engagements

I've conducted resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for employees of the Western Australian state and local governments, as well as universities.

What is the CV writing process?

Your resume is carefully designed to pass the ATS & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to support and guide you, offering honest advice to improve your resume. It has to be written in your voice, since you have to defend what's written at interview. If you don't have a particular job in mind, I'll tailor your resume based on broad industry criteria to appeal to a wider range of employers. But remember, a resume customised for a specific role always gives the best results.

How we together create your resume

Here's how it goes:

First Chat
We get started with a chat about your career history and aspirations. This helps me understand your needs, ensuring your resume perfectly represents you.
Making Your resume
With the notes from our chat, I craft a resume that highlights your standout qualities and matches what employers want, boosting your chances of catching their attention.
Highlighting What You're Great At
The goal extends beyond just resume writing. We aim to ensure your unique strengths and individuality are displayed, making your application memorable.
Checking the Details
We carefully review your resume for presentation, readability, and accuracy, ensuring it's something you’re excited to submit.
Making Sure Your resume Gets Seen
Most employers use automated systems (ATS) to pre-screen resumes. I'll ensure it's ATS-friendly, helping it skip past the 'keeper' and reach human eyes.

Need to update an ancient resume?

I get many enquires from people who have not had a resume for many years. Things have changed... More...

If you haven’t updated your resume in yonks, you’ll find that much has changed in creating an effective one. One of the most significant shifts is the emphasis on tailoring your resume to each job application. Gone are the days of a generic resume for all jobs with a bit of tailoring in a cover letter.

Today, it’s crucial to customise your resume to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. This involves carefully reading job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to ensure your resume gets past automated screening systems, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies now use to filter applications.

The digital landscape has significantly influenced how resumes are created and shared. The ability to share your resume electronically and ensure it is mobile-friendly is crucial, as more recruiters and hiring managers review applications on their devices. Electronic submission has become the norm, making it essential to ensure your resume is easily accessible and readable across various digital platforms. Format is key also, since if your resume is derived from a legacy software version, the ATS will likely not understand it.

The key reasons why people 'never hear back' is the format, content, and content structure of their resume and application documents. In many cases, their resume never gets past the digital 'keeper, the ATS.

What exactly are 'selection criteria'?

Think of this as the checklist for getting noticed. It's all about making sure your application highlights the skills and achievements your future employer is looking for. More...

For many employers, like supermarkets, mining, and government jobs, directly addressing these criteria is a standard part of the application process. It's not just about listing your experiences; it's about matching them to what the job description asks for. This means clearly showing how your background and qualities make you the best match for the role.

Whether the criteria are spelled out or you need to dig a bit to find them, making sure your application speaks directly to these points can really set you apart.

Selection criteria are the skills, experience, and qualities a company wants in its workers. This is especially key for those looking to fit into a company's way of working and goals. They might include things like:

The right training or work background.
Experience supervising a team or handling projects.
Knowledge specific to the job or industry.
Important qualities like being dependable and flexible.

These criteria, sometimes called Job Specs or Position Requirements, help you understand what a company is looking for. They cover both the hard skills needed for the job and the kind of person they want.

Addressing these criteria in your application is crucial to showing you're the right fit and moving forward in your career. Sometimes they are clearly stated, but often, you'll need to read between the lines to figure them out.

How To Stuff Up Your Job Application

Applied for lots of jobs and never heard back? If you've wondered why, here are some reasons: More...

Ignoring the ATS

The main problem? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). More than 70% of resumes are screened and rejected by a robot at this initial stage because they don't match the job description.

Generic Resumes

Sending the same resume for every job application is a sure way to fail. Customise your resume - or at least the cover letter - for each application, showing how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for that role.

Not Matching The Job Specifications

If your resume doesn't include the skills and experience listed in the job ad, it will likely be bypassed. Make sure your resume shows how you match the job requirements stated in the ad.

Pretty Designed Resumes

Beware of those "designed resumes" sold on the internet, which are style over substance. They might look appealing with their colours and columns, but often, ATS can't process them. Opt for a simple, clean layout that ensure readability by the ATS.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, focus on creating a resume that's not only clear and concise but also tailored for the job at hand and compatible with ATS requirements.