The real hurdle? ATS screening filters

Most CVs are screened by software before a recruiter sees them

Qualified but rarely shortlisted? Many applicants face the same problem.
To manage high volumes of applications, organisations increasingly rely on
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen candidates against defined
requirements. As a result, capable candidates can be filtered out simply
because their CV does not align closely enough with the selection
criteria or language used in the role description.

selection criteria writer brisbane
Passing an ATS

ATS and RMS, what are they?

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Recruitment Management Systems (RMS) underpin hiring in most large organisations

Recruitment platforms now sit at the centre of how many organisations manage hiring. An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is used to receive applications, scan CVs, and filter candidates against defined requirements. Many employers also use a Recruitment Management System, or RMS, which supports the broader hiring workflow, including candidate sourcing, application management, and automated scoring. Together these systems are designed to improve efficiency, but they operate according to predefined rules. If your resume, cover letter, and supporting information do not align clearly with those criteria when scanned or assessed, your application may be screened out before a recruiter reviews it.

It can be frustrating to spend significant time preparing a CV and cover letter only to receive an automated rejection or no response at all, particularly when you know your experience aligns with the role.

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How can you navigate ATS screening?

For most roles today, resumes are reviewed by software before a recruiter sees them. To pass this first stage, your application must be clearly aligned with the role. That means using a clean, ATS readable format and reflecting the keywords, language, and priorities set out in the job advertisement and selection criteria. Relevance needs to be obvious from the outset.

Aligning your CV with selection criteria

ATS software scans CVs and cover letters for evidence that you meet the employer’s requirements. If those signals are absent or unclear, an application can be filtered out early, even when the candidate is well qualified.

Many recruitment platforms now use AI to assess applications against factors such as experience, achievements, skills, and qualifications. While this speeds up hiring, it also means vague wording or generic CVs are more easily overlooked.

Clear examples that directly relate to the role help ensure your application progresses beyond automated screening and into human review.

Why many CV templates create problems

A quick search for “CV templates” reveals a common issue. Many templates promoted by design platforms or online CV tools may look attractive but are not designed for ATS compatibility. Features such as photos, text boxes, tables, icons, or layered formatting frequently create parsing errors. In some systems, including a photo alone can trigger automatic rejection due to anti discrimination safeguards.

ATS platforms can also struggle with CVs that contain columns, graphics, unusual fonts, or incompatible file formats. Documents created in older Word formats, exported incorrectly to PDF, or converted from other programs can carry hidden formatting that prevents accurate reading. What appears perfectly clear on your screen may arrive as unreadable text when processed by screening software.

Some estimates suggest that up to 70 per cent of CVs are filtered out during ATS screening. These systems narrow the field quickly by identifying close matches to the job description and selection criteria. Applications that do not align clearly, even when the candidate is capable, may be screened out before a recruiter reviews them.

Key points to remember

  • ATS screening is the first hurdle - Most CVs are filtered by software before reaching a recruiter.
  • Selection criteria drive filtering - Systems search for keywords and signals that match the employer’s requirements.
  • Generic CVs are easily rejected - One size fits all resumes rarely align closely enough with the role.
  • Formatting matters - Columns, graphics, photos, and complex templates can confuse ATS systems.
  • Keywords must reflect the job ad - ATS compares your wording with the language used by the employer.
  • Senior roles still use ATS - Executive and professional applications are often screened this way due to high volumes.
  • AI scoring is increasingly common - Many platforms automatically score applications against criteria.
  • Clarity beats design - Simple layouts written in clear Australian English tend to perform better.
  • Relevance is decisive - Applications that clearly demonstrate fit with the role are far more likely to reach human review.
Before drafting your CV or resume, consider what the employer is truly seeking in the ideal candidate. Identify which of your achievements, capabilities, and behaviours align most closely with those priorities. An effective CV is not your entire career history. It is a focused version of your experience designed to capture the employer’s attention and demonstrate why you are a strong match for the role.

If you need help with your CV or resume, you view the packages by clicking the buttons below. I'll contact you within 24 hours to work on your CV until you're satisfied with the outcome. Additional services are also available if needed.

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CV or Resume, which should I use?

First job or haven't needed a resume for a long time? Start here. More...

Resume - In the Brisbane job market, a resume is usually a concise two to three page document that summarises your skills, education, strengths, and experience. It should focus on what is most relevant to the role, and make it easy for an employer to see why you should be shortlisted.

CV - A CV (curriculum vitae) is most common in academia and research, and in some highly technical fields. It covers similar ground to a resume, but typically includes additional credentials such as publications, presentations, grants, professional affiliations, and referees. The term is Latin for "the course of one’s life".

Not sure? - In parts of Australia, "CV" and "resume" are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Always follow the employer’s application instructions, and if the role is important, seek advice so you submit the right document. Choosing the wrong format can cost you an interview.

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Do I need a cover letter?

Resumes or CVs almost always need to be accompanied by one, but what type? More...

Purpose of a cover letter - A cover letter tailors your resume or CV to a specific Brisbane role. For many employers, it is the first screening step. If it does not meet expectations, your resume may not be reviewed. It provides a short narrative that links your experience to the employer’s selection criteria.

What to include - Use your cover letter to explain how your skills, experience, and qualifications fit the role, and to demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation. Both the resume or CV and the cover letter exist to market you, so employer needs should always come first.

When a cover letter matters - Each application requires a tailored cover letter. Reusing generic letters is one of the most common reasons candidates fail to reach interview stage.

Online applications - In online systems, the cover letter may appear as a short written statement or eNote. It serves the same purpose, and carries the same weight, as a traditional cover letter.

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LinkedIn and CVs or resumes

Should you consider creating a LinkedIn profile, and why? More...

Do I need LinkedIn? - LinkedIn is most relevant for executives, professionals building a career trajectory, and those in sales, marketing, or leadership roles. It is not essential for every general job application, but it becomes increasingly important as seniority increases.

Why LinkedIn matters - LinkedIn is now a key self marketing tool for career focused candidates. A well written profile can attract headhunters, Brisbane based recruiters, and direct approaches from employers. It also supports networking and visibility in ways a resume alone cannot.

Consistency counts - Employers commonly review LinkedIn to sense check a candidate’s background. Your LinkedIn profile should align closely with your CV or resume, as inconsistencies can raise doubts.

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What are your qualifications?

The industries I specialise in, and why I am qualified to help you. More...
Professional background - I have worked directly with major organisations in biotech, mining, resources, marketing, HR, and recruitment. Over many years, I have supported applicants pursuing roles across Australia, the UK, and the United States. With a degree in Information Science, I bring a practical understanding of how digital recruitment systems and screening tools operate, and how candidates are assessed within them. I hold dual UK and Australian citizenship with extensive experience across both markets.

Sector experience - My consulting work spans a wide range of organisations, including energy providers, universities, police services, the ADF, state government bodies, health services, information services firms, and large private enterprises. I regularly work with candidates across sectors such as:
  • Mining, resources, oil and gas roles
  • Pharmaceutical, biotech, health, and nursing positions
  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary education, including leadership roles
  • Corporate management and C suite appointments, including international roles
  • Political, chief of staff, and party pre selection applications
  • Government roles at local, state, and federal level
  • Franchise applications and commercial operator submissions
  • Capability statements for professionals and contractors
  • Marketing and sales leadership roles
  • IT, AI and digital leadership positions
  • ADF and former ADF applications
My credentials - I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Certified Resume Writer Corporate consultancy - I have delivered resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for Australian state and local government employees, as well as universities in Australia and the UK.
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What is the Resume creation process?

A resume carefully designed to pass ATS filters & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to guide and support you with clear, honest advice as your resume takes shape. It must sound like you, because you will need to stand behind it at interview. If you are not targeting a specific role, I will shape your resume around broader industry expectations to appeal to multiple employers. Where a particular role is in scope, a tailored resume will always deliver stronger results.

How we create your resume together

Here is how the process works:

  • Initial conversation

    We begin with a detailed discussion about your background, experience, and career goals. This gives me the context needed to represent you accurately and effectively.

  • Drafting your resume

    Using our discussion as a foundation, I develop a resume that reflects your strengths and aligns with what employers are looking for.

  • Bringing your strengths forward

    The focus is not just on listing roles. We draw out what differentiates you, so your experience feels relevant and compelling rather than generic.

  • Review and refinement

    We review the document together for clarity, structure, accuracy, and tone, refining it until you are confident submitting it.

  • Ensuring it gets through screening

    As most employers use ATS software, I ensure your resume is formatted and written to pass automated screening and reach human decision makers.
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Do I need a General or Executive Package?

Executive applications typically involve more complex selection criteria. More...

General roles - These applications are for positions where you are not accountable for overall staff or budget management. You may supervise others without full managerial responsibility. Common examples include hospitality, healthcare, trade, and operational roles.

Executive roles - Executive applications require a different level of strategy. These roles involve direct responsibility for people, budgets, and outcomes, from senior management through to C suite appointments. Selection criteria are often detailed and demanding, and an executive resume must demonstrate leadership capability, strategic judgement, and measurable impact.

When choosing between a general or executive package, consider the level of accountability involved and the complexity of the selection criteria for the role you are targeting.
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How do I choose the right package?

It pays to start with a close look at the job ad and job description. More...

Start with the job advertisement - The job ad sets out exactly what the employer is seeking, and should guide which documents you need and how comprehensive they must be.

What the packages include - Resume packages are built around four core components: the resume or CV, a cover letter, LinkedIn, and selection criteria. A resume on its own is rarely enough to secure an interview in competitive Brisbane roles.

  • Resume or CV - A focused summary of your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements, written to align closely with the role’s selection criteria.
  • Cover letter - Often submitted online as a short written statement, this translates your experience into a clear, role specific pitch.
  • LinkedIn - Developed from your resume, LinkedIn supports your application by reinforcing credibility and visibility. It is essential for senior, commercial, and network driven roles, but less critical for entry level or general positions.
  • Selection criteria - Many roles require written responses addressing essential and desirable requirements, covering skills, knowledge, experience, and outcomes.
    • In government, education, health, and not for profit roles, a separate selection criteria document is commonly required.
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