Most NZ employers above a certain size use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before a human ever reads them. If your CV is not ATS-friendly, you may be harder to parse or review consistently. This guide tells you exactly what NZ ATS systems look for and how to make your CV easier for recruitment software and people to read.
What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter in NZ?
An Applicant Tracking System is software that automatically scans, scores, and ranks incoming CVs against a job description. Employers use them to manage high application volumes — particularly large companies, government agencies, and recruiters handling multiple roles at once.
In New Zealand, ATS platforms commonly used include PageUp (government and large enterprises), SmartRecruiters (mid-size businesses), Workday (multinationals), JobAdder (recruitment agencies), and SEEK-integrated ATS tools.
How ATS and Recruitment Systems Handle Your CV
Applicant tracking and recruiter-search workflows vary by employer. Clear structure, standard headings and relevant vacancy terminology can help your evidence remain parseable and searchable, but there is no universal ATS score or threshold that applies to every employer.
How to Make Your NZ CV ATS-Friendly
1. Use relevant vacancy terminology truthfully
Where the job advert's wording accurately describes your own experience, using that terminology can help recruiters and search tools recognise the match. Do not replace a truthful term with a stronger one or claim a skill just because it appears in the advertisement.
2. Single column layout only
ATS systems read left to right, top to bottom. A two-column layout confuses the parser and your content gets scrambled or dropped entirely. Single column, always.
3. No tables, text boxes, or graphics
Parser behaviour varies. Keep essential skills and experience out of tables and text boxes so reading order remains clear across more systems.
4. Standard section headings
Use conventional headings: Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, References. Unusual or creative headings may not be recognised by the parser.
5. Save as .docx or plain PDF
Both formats are generally ATS-safe. Avoid PDF files created from images or scanned documents — these cannot be parsed at all.
6. Include 8–12 keywords in your skills section
A dedicated skills section near the top of your CV gives the ATS a dense keyword cluster to match against the job description. Pull the most important requirements from the job ad and list them explicitly.
How JobTailoring Handles ATS
JobTailoring generates simple, single-column CVs with standard headings and uses vacancy terminology only where it is supported by your evidence. The aim is broad parser compatibility and clear recruiter review, not a promise that any particular ATS will rank or accept an application.
Ready to tailor your next application?
Start free — your first complete application is on us. No credit card needed.
Try JobTailoring free →