70% of pilot CVs never reach human eyes. They're filtered out by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) before recruiters see them. This guide shows you how to format your CV so it passes automated screening at airlines like Ryanair, Emirates, Lufthansa, and easyJet.
What ATS Systems Look For
Airlines use systems like Oracle Taleo, SAP SuccessFactors, and Workday to process thousands of applications. These systems scan for:
- Specific keywords (license types, aircraft, ratings)
- Proper section headers (Experience, Education, Licenses)
- Readable text (not images or complex formatting)
- Contact information in standard format
File Format Requirements
✓ Use These Formats
- PDF (text-based, not scanned)
- .docx (Microsoft Word)
✗ Avoid These
- Image-only PDFs (scanned documents)
- Google Docs direct links
- Pages, RTF, or other formats
Formatting Do's and Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use standard section headers | Create custom header names |
| Simple bullet points | Tables and text boxes |
| Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri) | Decorative fonts |
| Single column layout | Multi-column layouts |
| Text-based contact info | Icons or graphics |
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Unlock All Schools — €19.99Essential Keywords for Pilot CVs
Include these keywords naturally in your CV:
Licenses & Ratings
ATPL, CPL, IR, ME, MCC, JOC, Type Rating, EASA, FAA
Experience
PIC, SIC, Total Time, Glass Cockpit, Line Training, CRM
Test Your CV
Before submitting, test ATS compatibility:
- Open your PDF and select all text (Ctrl+A)
- Copy and paste into Notepad
- If text is readable and in order, it's ATS-friendly
- If it's garbled or missing sections, reformat