How to Optimize Your CV for International ATS Systems
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are the gatekeepers of modern hiring. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to screen CVs before they reach human recruiters. But here's the problem: different countries use different ATS systems, and each has unique requirements.
This guide will teach you how to optimize your CV for international ATS systems.
What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that helps companies manage job applications. It:
- Parses CVs to extract information
- Matches candidates to job requirements
- Ranks candidates by relevance
- Filters out unqualified applicants
If your CV doesn't pass ATS, it never reaches human recruiters.
Major ATS Systems by Country
United States
- Workday: 40%+ market share
- Taleo: 30%+ market share
- Greenhouse: Growing in tech
- Lever: Popular in startups
- iCIMS: Enterprise companies
United Kingdom
- Workday: 35%+ market share
- Taleo: 30%+ market share
- Greenhouse: Tech companies
Germany
- Workday: 30%+ market share
- Taleo: 25%+ market share
- Xing: German-specific platform
France
- Workday: 30%+ market share
- Taleo: 30%+ market share
- Apec: French job board with ATS
ATS Optimization Strategies
1. Keyword Optimization
US ATS Systems:
- Use exact keywords from job description
- Include industry-specific terms
- Quantify achievements (numbers, percentages)
European ATS Systems:
- Use local language keywords
- Include cultural context
- Professional terminology in local language
2. Format Optimization
Universal Rules:
- ✅ Simple, clean formatting
- ✅ Standard sections (Experience, Education, Skills)
- ✅ No tables or complex layouts
- ✅ Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- ✅ PDF format preferred
Country-Specific:
- US: 1-2 pages, no photo
- UK: 2 pages, Personal Statement
- Germany: 2-3 pages, photo required
- France: 1-2 pages, photo optional
3. Section Structure
Required Sections:
- Contact Information
- Summary/Personal Statement
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
Optional Sections:
- Certifications
- Languages
- Projects
- Awards
4. File Format
- PDF: Preferred by most ATS systems
- Word (.docx): Also accepted, but PDF is safer
- Avoid: Images, scanned PDFs, complex layouts
Workday Optimization
Characteristics
- Used by 40%+ of US companies
- Parses text well
- Prefers simple formatting
- Keyword-focused
Optimization Tips
- Use standard section headings
- Include keywords from job description
- Quantify achievements
- Keep formatting simple
- Use bullet points
Common Mistakes
- Complex layouts
- Tables and columns
- Images and graphics
- Non-standard fonts
Taleo Optimization
Characteristics
- Used globally (US, UK, Europe)
- Different versions by region
- Requires structured format
- Keyword matching
Optimization Tips
- Use standard section names
- Include all relevant keywords
- Format dates consistently
- Use clear job titles
- Include skills section
Regional Differences
- US: English keywords, results-focused
- UK: British English, professional tone
- Europe: Local language, cultural context
Greenhouse Optimization
Characteristics
- Popular in tech companies
- Parses well-structured CVs
- Focuses on experience section
- Values quantified achievements
Optimization Tips
- Highlight technical skills
- Quantify all achievements
- Use action verbs
- Include relevant projects
- Keep it concise (1-2 pages)
Xing Optimization (Germany)
Characteristics
- German-specific platform
- Requires German language
- Professional photo expected
- Detailed experience descriptions
Optimization Tips
- Write in German
- Include professional photo
- Detailed experience descriptions
- Include language proficiency
- Formal, professional tone
Country-Specific ATS Keywords
United States
- "years of experience"
- "proven track record"
- "results-driven"
- "team player"
- "leadership"
- "management"
United Kingdom
- "personal statement"
- "professional experience"
- "references available"
- "competency"
- "achievement"
Germany
- "Berufserfahrung" (professional experience)
- "Qualifikationen" (qualifications)
- "Kenntnisse" (skills)
- "Lebenslauf" (CV)
- "Projektmanagement" (project management)
France
- "expérience professionnelle" (professional experience)
- "compétences" (skills)
- "formation" (education)
- "développement" (development)
- "gestion" (management)
Testing Your CV
ATS Checkers
- Jobscan
- Resume Worded
- VMock
- TopCV ATS Score Calculator
Manual Testing
- Save as PDF
- Try to select text (should be selectable)
- Check formatting (should be clean)
- Verify keywords are present
- Test with different ATS systems
Common ATS Mistakes
- Complex Formatting: Tables, columns, graphics confuse ATS
- Missing Keywords: ATS can't match you without keywords
- Wrong File Format: Scanned PDFs don't work
- Non-Standard Sections: ATS expects standard section names
- Poor Translation: Machine translation doesn't work for ATS
Best Practices
- Tailor Each CV: Customize for each job and country
- Use Keywords: Include keywords from job description
- Keep It Simple: Clean, simple formatting works best
- Test Your CV: Use ATS checkers before submitting
- Update Regularly: Keep your CV current and optimized
Tools and Resources
ATS Optimization Tools
- CrossBorder CV - Automatic ATS optimization by country
- Jobscan - ATS compatibility checker
- Resume Worded - CV optimization tool
Country-Specific Resources
Conclusion
ATS optimization is crucial for international job applications. Each country uses different ATS systems with unique requirements. Understanding these differences and optimizing your CV accordingly will significantly increase your chances of passing initial screening.
Need help optimizing your CV for international ATS systems? Create your CrossBorder CV package and get ATS-optimized CVs for multiple countries automatically.
This guide was last updated: January 2026