How to Make Your CV ATS-Friendly and Get More Job Interviews
By Kelly Hesketh - Senior Account manager
Introduction
You’ve got the skills, the qualifications, and the passion for fitness—but if your CV isn’t optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it might not even reach a hiring manager’s desk.
Many employers, including gyms and fitness studios, use ATS software to filter CVs before a human ever sees them. If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be rejected—even if you’re the perfect candidate.
The good news? Making your CV ATS-compliant isn’t difficult. By following these simple steps, you’ll boost your chances of getting shortlisted and landing more interviews.
1. Use an ATS-Friendly CV Format
Why It’s Important:
ATS software struggles with fancy layouts, graphics, and tables. If your CV includes these, the system might not read your information correctly—or worse, reject it entirely.
Best Practices:
✅ Use a simple, clean format (no columns, tables, or images)
✅ Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
✅ Save your CV as a Word document (.docx) or PDF, unless the job description specifies otherwise
Example of a Simple, ATS-Friendly CV Layout:
[Your Name] [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile] **Professional Summary** [2-3 lines summarising your experience and skills] **Key Skills** - Personal Training & Client Coaching - Group Fitness Instruction - Strength & Conditioning - Customer Engagement & Retention **Work Experience** Job Title – Employer Name – Dates of Employment - [Achievement-based bullet point] - [Achievement-based bullet point] **Education & Qualifications** - Level 3 Personal Trainer, REPs Certified - First Aid & CPR Certification
➡ Why this works: It’s easy to read for both ATS software and human recruiters.
2. Use Keywords from the Job Description
Why It’s Important:
ATS scans your CV for keywords that match the job description. If those words aren’t in your CV, it might not rank high enough to be seen.
How to Find the Right Keywords:
- Read the job description carefully and highlight repeated terms (e.g., "personal training", "client retention", "group classes").
- Match your wording to the job ad (e.g., if they say "CPD-certified", use that exact phrase instead of "continuing education").
- Use both long-form and acronym variations (e.g., "Level 3 Personal Trainer" and "L3 PT").
Example:
If the job ad says:
"We’re looking for a Level 3 Personal Trainer with experience in client retention, strength & conditioning, and small group training."
✅ Make sure your CV includes:
- "Level 3 Personal Trainer" (not just "Personal Trainer")
- "Client retention" (instead of just "building relationships")
- "Strength & conditioning" (instead of "fitness coaching")
- "Small group training" (instead of "leading classes")
➡ Why this works: It helps your CV pass the ATS screening and rank higher.
3. Use Standard Section Headings
Why It’s Important:
ATS software looks for familiar headings like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Using creative section titles like "What I Bring to the Gym" can confuse the system.
Best Practices:
✅ Stick to standard headings like:
✔ Professional Summary
✔ Work Experience
✔ Education & Qualifications
✔ Key Skills
✅ Keep headings bold and separate to make scanning easier.
➡ Why this works: It helps the ATS parse your CV correctly, ensuring all your details are recognised.
4. Optimise Your Work Experience with Bullet Points
Why It’s Important:
ATS systems (and human recruiters) prefer concise, structured information over long paragraphs.
Best Practices:
✅ Use bullet points to highlight key achievements
✅ Start each bullet with a strong action verb (e.g., "Designed", "Implemented", "Coached")
✅ Focus on results and impact, not just responsibilities
Example:
❌ Weak:
"I helped clients achieve their fitness goals and delivered personal training sessions."
✅ Better:
"Designed personalised training programmes, leading to an average client retention rate of 85%."
✅ Even Better:
"Coached over 50 clients, increasing member retention by 25% and boosting PT revenue by £10,000 annually."
➡ Why this works: It makes your experience impactful and measurable.
5. Avoid Fancy Design Elements & Graphics
Why It’s Important:
Many fitness professionals use creative CV designs, but ATS software can’t process images, logos, or non-standard fonts.
Best Practices:
✅ Avoid:
❌ Logos, headshots, and decorative icons
❌ Columns, text boxes, or tables
❌ Infographics (e.g., skills bars, star ratings)
✅ Keep it clean & professional:
✔ Use bold text sparingly for key headings
✔ Stick to black text on a white background
➡ Why this works: It ensures all your information is read correctly.
6. Include Relevant Certifications & CPD Courses
Why It’s Important:
Many ATS systems filter candidates by qualifications. If your certifications aren’t clearly listed, you might not make the cut.
Best Practices:
✅ List your qualifications under Education & Certifications
✅ Include full names & acronyms (e.g., "Level 3 Personal Trainer (REPs Certified)")
✅ Mention any CPD courses relevant to the role
Example:
Education & Certifications:
✔ Level 3 Personal Trainer, CIMSPA & REPs Accredited
✔ First Aid & CPR Certified
✔ Strength & Conditioning CPD Course
➡ Why this works: It helps ATS software recognise your qualifications instantly.
7. Keep It Concise (1-2 Pages Maximum)
Why It’s Important:
Recruiters (and ATS systems) prefer concise CVs. If your CV is too long, important details might be overlooked.
Best Practices:
✅ Stick to one or two pages
✅ Focus on relevant experience
✅ Cut out fluff (e.g., unnecessary personal details)
➡ Why this works: It ensures your key skills & experience stand out quickly.
Final Thoughts
Your CV isn’t just a document—it’s your first chance to impress an employer. If it doesn’t pass the ATS screening, you won’t get an interview—no matter how good you are.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your CV is seen, ranked, and shortlisted:
✔ Use an ATS-friendly format (no fancy designs or tables)
✔ Match keywords from the job description
✔ Structure your CV with standard headings
✔ Highlight achievements with bullet points & action verbs
✔ List qualifications clearly & concisely
With a little fine-tuning, your CV will stand out to both ATS software and human recruiters—helping you land more interviews and take your fitness career to the next level.
💡 Need help perfecting your CV? We’re here to help—get in touch today!
Kelly Hesketh - Senior Account manager
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