Step-By-Step Guide to Build ATS-Friendly CV for Law Students and Graduates

As a law student or graduate, entering the competitive legal job market requires a well-crafted resume that stands out to both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems play a crucial role in the initial screening process by parsing and analysing resumes based on specific criteria.

To increase your chances of landing your dream legal position, it’s essential to understand how to build an ATS-friendly CV that effectively showcases your skills and experiences.

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a CV optimized for ATSs, specifically tailored to the needs of law students and graduates. By following these guidelines, you’ll learn how to structure your CV, incorporate relevant keywords, and present your qualifications in a way that catches the attention of both ATSs and potential employers.

Whether you’re applying for internships, clerkships, or entry-level positions in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments, this guide will provide valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your CV’s compatibility with ATSs. Let’s dive in and explore the essential steps to build an ATS-friendly CV that will help you stand out in the legal job market.

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that helps organisations streamline and automate their recruitment and hiring processes. It is designed to manage and track the entire lifecycle of job applicants, from initial application submission to the final hiring decision.

ATSs provide:

• A centralised platform for managing job postings.
• Receiving and storing resumes.
• Tracking candidate interactions throughout the hiring process.

The system typically includes resume parsing, keyword search functionality, candidate screening and evaluation tools, interview scheduling, and communication management.

How Does an ATS Work?

Here’s a brief summary of how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works:

• Job requisition is entered into the ATS with position details.
• Candidates submit resumes, which are parsed and stored in the system.
• Resumes are screened and filtered based on criteria set by the job requisition.
• Recruiters evaluate and rate candidates using the ATS tools.
• Communication and workflow management with candidates occur through the ATS.
• Interviews and assessments are conducted and recorded within the system.
• The hiring team selects the top candidates, performs necessary checks, and decides.

The ATS assists in the onboarding process for the selected candidate.

Overall, the ATS streamlines recruitment tasks, facilitates candidate evaluation and maintains a centralised database for efficient hiring.

How to Build an ATS-Friendly CV?

Building an ATS-friendly CV (Curriculum Vitae) involves optimising your resume to ensure it can be easily parsed and understood by Applicant Tracking Systems. Here are some tips for creating an ATS-friendly CV:

Use a Standard Format

Stick to a clean and simple format with standard fonts (such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri) and avoid elaborate designs, graphics, or tables that may confuse the ATS.

Choose the Right File Format

Save your CV in a commonly used file format, such as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or plain text (.txt). These formats are typically compatible with most ATSs.

Incorporate Relevant Keywords

Carefully review the job description and identify important keywords related to skills, qualifications, and experience. Use these keywords throughout your CV, particularly in the skills and experience sections.

Optimise Section Headings

Use clear and standard section headings, such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” This helps the ATS categorise and parse the information correctly.

Include a Professional Summary/Objective

Write a concise summary or objective statement at the beginning of your CV to provide a quick overview of your qualifications. Include relevant keywords and skills to catch the attention of both the ATS and human recruiters.

Use Standard Job Titles

When listing your work experience, use standard job titles that align with industry norms. This ensures the ATS can accurately match your experience to job requisitions.

Highlight Relevant Skills

Create a dedicated skills section and list your key skills using relevant keywords. Consider incorporating hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, leadership) to demonstrate a well-rounded profile.

Spell Out Acronyms

While you may be familiar with industry-specific acronyms, it’s best to spell them out in parentheses the first time you mention them. For example, write “Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)” to ensure the ATS recognises the full term.

Use Bullet Points and Subheadings

Organise your work experience and achievements using bullet points and subheadings. This makes it easier for the ATS to identify and parse relevant information.

Proofread and Review

Ensure your CV is free from spelling or grammatical errors. Mistakes can confuse the ATS or reflect poorly on your attention to detail.

Special Tips and Considerations for ATS-Friendly CV

Here are some additional tips and considerations for building an ATS-friendly CV:

Avoid Fancy Formatting

ATSs may have difficulty parsing complex formatting elements like headers, footers, text boxes, or graphics. Stick to a straightforward layout with consistent formatting, including standard fonts, bullet points, and clear section headings.

Use Relevant File Names

When saving your CV, use a descriptive file that includes your name and the term “CV” or “resume.” This makes it easier for recruiters and the ATS to identify your document.

Don’t Rely Solely on Graphics or Images

ATSs may struggle interpreting or extract information from images, logos, or graphical elements. It’s best to rely on plain text for crucial information.

Be Mindful of File Sise

Large file sizes can cause issues when uploading or processing your CV in an ATS. Optimise your document by reducing unnecessary formatting, compressing images, or saving it in an appropriate format to keep the file size manageable.

Customise for Each Application

Tailor your CV to match the specific job requirements of each position you apply for. Review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords, skills, and qualifications to increase your chances of passing the ATS screening.

Use Clear and Consistent Terminology

Avoid using multiple variations of the same skill or term. Choose one version and consistently use it throughout your CV. For example, if you mention “Project Management,” stick to that term instead of using “Project Manager” or “Project Management Skills” interchangeably.

Proofread and Test

Carefully proofread your CV to eliminate spelling or grammatical errors. Additionally, test the readability and parsing of your CV by using an ATS-friendly checker tool available online. These tools can provide insights into how well your CV will fare in an ATS.

Include Relevant Contact Information

Ensure that your contact information (name, phone number, email address) is prominently at the top of your CV. This makes it easy for recruiters to reach out to you.

Keep it Concise

While it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience, avoid lengthy paragraphs and focus on concise and impactful statements. Use bullet points to make your achievements and responsibilities easily scannable.

Seek Feedback

Consider sharing your CV with a trusted friend, mentor, or career advisor to get their input. They can provide valuable feedback on how to improve the clarity, relevance, and ATS-friendliness of your CV.

Final Thoughts

Remember that while optimising your CV for ATS is important, it’s equally crucial to create a clear, concise, and appealing document to human readers. Balancing both aspects will increase your chances of success in the job application process.

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