ATS-Friendly Resume Example for HR & Recruiters (Free CV Template)

You know how the system works. You use ATS software every day to filter hundreds of resumes and yet, when it’s your turn to apply, the system quietly rejects yours.

Irony? Absolutely. But it’s also fixable.

Even experienced HR professionals and recruiters get caught by the same ATS traps they use to evaluate others. Over designed CVs, inconsistent formatting, and missing keywords can all lower your match score no matter how strong your experience is.

This guide walks you through how to write an ATS-friendly resume for HR and recruiting roles, what keywords actually matter, and how to download a free template that ensures your next job application makes it to a real human.

Why even recruiters fail the ATS scan

You understand the logic of an ATS but when you’re applying, it’s easy to forget the basics.

Common reasons HR and recruiting resumes fail ATS screening:

1. Headers and footers with key info. ATS systems often ignore them entirely.
2. Overly formatted tables and columns. Data like job titles or dates get scrambled.
3. Missing HR keywords. The ATS matches based on terms like “talent acquisition” or “employee relations.”
4. Creative design templates. Stylish Canva CVs may look great but can’t be read.
5. Acronyms without context. ATS might not connect “TA” with “Talent Acquisition.”

You wouldn’t shortlist a candidate whose CV was unreadable so don’t let the same happen to yours.

What recruiters and ATS look for in an HR resume

Recruiters (and the ATS itself) look for:

• Clear career progression
• Proven metrics (time-to-fill, retention rate, engagement improvements)
• Familiarity with HR systems and processes
• Alignment with the specific HR function (TA, HRBP, L&D, etc.)

For example, a Talent Acquisition Specialist should show results like “reduced time-to-fill by 20%,” while an HR Generalist might highlight “led HRIS migration impacting 250+ employees.”

How to make your HR or Recruiter CV ATS-friendly

1. Keep the structure clean

Stick to .docx or text-based .pdf formats.
Avoid tables, graphics, and columns. ATS reads left-to-right — nothing fancy.

2. Use standard fonts

ATS-friendly fonts include Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative fonts, even if you’re applying to a creative company.

3. Use recognizable headings

Use “Professional Summary,” “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.”
Skip headings like “My Journey” or “Career Story.”

4. Add an impact-focused summary

Your summary is the only part a recruiter (and the ATS) will read first.

Example:

HR professional with 8+ years of experience in recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. Reduced time-to-fill by 22%, implemented HRIS automation across three departments, and improved retention by 15% through engagement initiatives.

5. Mirror keywords from the Job Description

If the JD says:

“Experience with ATS management, onboarding, and HR compliance.”

You should include lines like:

“Managed end-to-end ATS pipelines, coordinated onboarding for 120+ hires annually, and ensured compliance with GDPR and local labor regulations.”

You can upload your CV and the job description into our ATS CV Tool to see:

• How well your resume aligns with the JD
• Missing keywords
• Your overall ATS match percentage

Check Your Match Now.

6. Use quantifiable metrics

Recruiters appreciate numbers because they tell a story at a glance.
Instead of: “Handled employee relations.”
Use: “Resolved 30+ employee relations cases annually with 95% satisfaction score.”

7. Add your tools, systems, and certifications

ATS systems look for specific HR tech terms.
Tools: Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, SAP SuccessFactors, BambooHR, ADP, Notion, Trello
Certifications: SHRM-CP, PHR, LinkedIn Recruiter Certification

8. Keep acronyms explained

Always spell out first mention: “Applicant Tracking System (ATS)” or “Human Resources Information System (HRIS).”

Example: ATS-friendly HR resume (before & after)

 

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Top keywords for HR & Recruiting CVs 

Core Skills: Talent Acquisition, Recruitment, Onboarding, Employee Engagement, HR Policies, Employee Relations, Training & Development, Workforce Planning, Succession Planning, Diversity & Inclusion

Tools: Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, BambooHR, SAP SuccessFactors, Taleo, LinkedIn Recruiter, ADP, Gusto, Notion

Certifications: SHRM-CP, PHR, SPHR, LinkedIn Certified Recruiter, CIPD

Metrics: Time-to-Fill, Retention Rate, Cost-per-Hire, Employee Satisfaction, Offer Acceptance Rate, Engagement Score

Use our free ATS CV tool

Before sending your next application, upload your CV and the job description to our ATS CV Tool.

You’ll instantly see:

• Your ATS match score
• Missing HR-specific terms and tools
• Suggestions for structure and clarity
• The option to download an improved version of your CV in one of our templates

Upload Your CV and Check Your Match Now.

You spend your days helping other people get hired, now it’s time to make sure your own resume gets seen.

The best HR and recruiter resumes are not the most detailed or designed. They’re the most clear, measurable, and ATS-friendly.

Run your CV through our ATS CV Tool before applying. You’ll see exactly what the system sees — and you’ll be one step closer to getting back on the other side of the hiring table.