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Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for keywords, formatting, and structure most of the time, before a human recruiter sees the job application. When it comes to the CV, it’s invisible if it’s not optimised. The good news? You don’t need to pay. These 5 CV tools that create an ATS-friendly CV will help your CV clear the filters and get to the right inbox.
Quick Facts: What Makes a CV ATS-Friendly?
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Clean, single-column layout | Avoids syntax errors in ATS applications |
| Job-specific keywords | Matches the criteria of the ATS filters |
| Standard section headings | Helps ATS correctly categorise your experience |
| The book does not contain tables, graphics or text boxes. | ATS readers can be baffled by complex elements |
| PDF or Word format | Both are popular; refer to the job posting |
1. Teal AI Resume Builder
Suitable for: Individuals with several applications and who have to customise their CV for each application
In Teal’s free plan, you can create an unlimited number of resumes and export them to PDF, and an AI keyword tool is included to analyse job descriptions and let you know what words to include. It’s one of the finest free resume-making software for multiple customised applications in one place.
- Unlimited resume versions
- AI job description keyword analysis
- Free PDF downloads
2. Jobscan ATS Resume Builder
Ideal for: Evaluating your CV performance on actual ATS platforms such as Workday, Greenhouse and Lever.
Using Jobscan to check resumes with an ATS is the best way for candidates to get data, not guesswork. Upload your CV and job description to find a match score with real systems, such as Workday or Greenhouse. The free plan comes with 9 templates and unlimited builds.
- Scans for real ATS platforms
- Assign scores to match job descriptions
- 9 ATS-compatible templates free
3. KudosWall Free AI Resume Builder
Ideal for: Clean, parser-friendly formats to be avoided by most CVs to avoid formatting issues.
KudosWall goes minimalist, with single-column layouts designed not to cause ATS parsing errors. The free plan offers keyword matching, AI bullet points and watermark-free downloads. If your CV is being filtered out due to heavy formatting, then it’s a strong pick.
- No watermark on the free tier!
- AI bullet-point rewriting
- No keyword matching is present.
4. OwlApply Free CV Builder
Ideal for: Job seekers from overseas looking to apply to positions in specific regions; two-page CVs for UK jobs, one-page CVs for US jobs, or two-page resumes for EU jobs.
CV optimisation doesn’t fit all jobs — OwlApply understands that. Enable format and length customisation for various regions with AI bullet rewriting, keyword targeting, personal statement writing and PDF or Word export available on the free plan.
- Region-specific CV formats
- Personal statement drafting
- Export to PDF and Word
5. Resume.io
Ideal for: Quick and easy CV formatting, without the need to create a new document.
Copy a job description, choose a pre-formatted template and create a customised ATS-compatible resume in just minutes. This is the quickest way to find a job for anyone who doesn’t want any hassle with formatting.
- Job description-to-CV generation
- Guided, structured templates
- Fast, no-fuss workflow
FAQs: Free Tools to Create an ATS-Friendly CV
What is a CV that is compatible with ATS?
An ATS-friendly CV employs a simple layout, appropriate keywords and standard headings that applicant tracking software can scan and rank properly – no graphics or complicated formatting.
Is it possible to really generate a CV that is compatible with an ATS?
Yes – ATS-optimised templates, keyword tools, and PDF downloads are all available in all five of the tools for free.
How to test if a CV passes ATS?
You can use an ATS resume checker like Jobscan – paste your CV and job description to get a match score and suggestions for improvements.
Should I be using multiple CVs?
Yes, ideally – ATS systems match CVs to each job description. Tools such as Teal allow for the handling of individualised versions with ease without having to start from scratch.
