The ATS Myth: What really happens to your CV in the software (and what doesn't).

According to the Gem 2026 Recruiting Benchmarks Report, recruiters are handling 93% more applications than in 2021 and currently only 1 in 200 applicants receives a job offer.

Many job seekers believe that AI or an "Algorithm" has more power over their career journey than it actually does. While the "Black Mirror" version of machine-driven hiring makes for great TV, the reality especially here in Europe is much more grounded.

As an HR professional with 15 years of experience, I can confirm: Yes, we use tools to organize and automate, but humans still make the decisions.

Think of an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) as an organizing tool. Its primary job is to link your CV to a specific role, give the hiring team access to review it, and move you through the interview stages.

While modern systems are getting smarter, here is what they don't do:

• They don’t "delete" your CV. Even if you don’t hit every keyword, your file stays in the system for the time defined in the privacy policy of the company.

• They don’t "rank" you with 100% accuracy. Most recruiters ignore the "match score" the ATS gives because we know the algorithms are flawed.

• It doesn’t decide if you are "fit." A human still has to review your experience to decide if you move to an interview.

  
  

So, what DOES an ATS actually do?

1. Parsing: Your CV is broken down into searchable fields (titles, dates, skills, contact info). Pro Tip: Download your CV as a .txt file. If the text is jumbled or missing info, the ATS can’t read you.

2. Digital Memory: The system keeps your full history: which roles you applied for, how far you got, and the interview notes left by previous recruiters. Warning: Applying to 10 different roles in the same company rarely plays to your strengths as it often looks like a lack of focus.

3. Workflow Automation: It triggers the "Thank you for applying", schedules interviews, and generates offer letters.

4. The Search Engine: Recruiters use the ATS like Google. We type in "SaaS + Product Manager + SQL" to find a shortlist of suitable candidates.

In Europe, we have some of the strictest data protections in the world. Fully automated decision-making is legally complex for companies. They need a human in the loop to stay compliant. This is your biggest advantage.

Exception

The only time a "machine" rejects you without a human is through Knockout Questions (e.g., "Do you have a valid work permit?"). These are binary logic gates. If the company requires a "Yes" and you select "No," the system moves you to the rejected pile automatically. These are usually non-negotiable, accept them and move on to the next opportunity.

The Takeaway

Stop trying to "beat the machine." You aren't playing a game against an algorithm, you are trying to be visible to a person.

Start focusing on making your CV easy for a recruiter to read and understand.

Struggling to get your CV past the "invisible" stage? I’ve spent 15 years behind the screen of these platforms. I help mid-level Tech and SaaS professionals optimize their strategy to ensure they land in the "Shortlist" pile.

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