How ATS Systems Read Your CV Header
ATS parsers extract your name, email, and phone from the header. Learn how to format contact details so robots read them correctly.
## What the Robot Sees
In 2024, 98.4% of Fortune 500 companies use an Applicant Tracking System to screen CVs before a human sees them. ATS systems scan your header to extract three things: your name, your email, and your phone number. If the parser fails, your application may be filed incorrectly—or lost entirely.
The good news: formatting for ATS is simple. The bad news: many candidates get it wrong.
## How Parsing Works
When you upload a CV, the ATS attempts to:
1. **Identify your name** — Usually the first line, largest font.
2. **Extract your email** — Pattern matching for `@` and `.com/.co.uk`.
3. **Extract your phone** — Pattern matching for number strings.
4. **Pull your LinkedIn** — Looks for `linkedin.com/in/` patterns.
If your formatting confuses the parser, these fields may be left blank or filled with garbage.
## Common Parsing Failures
**Problem: Name in a text box or table**
ATS parsers struggle with text boxes. Your name may be skipped entirely.
**Problem: Icons instead of labels**
Using a phone icon (📞) instead of text can confuse parsers. The robot doesn't "see" the icon.
**Problem: Email embedded in a hyperlink**
Some parsers extract the display text, not the link. If your email shows as "Email Me" instead of the actual address, the parser misses it.
**Problem: Creative formatting**
Columns, graphics, and unusual layouts break parsing. The robot reads left-to-right, top-to-bottom.
## The Safe Format
Use plain text in a single column. No tables. No text boxes. No icons without labels.
```copy
JANE SMITH
Commercial Director
Phone: +44 7700 900456
Email: jane.smith@email.com
Location: London, UK
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith
```
Labels like "Phone:" and "Email:" help parsers identify fields correctly. They're optional for humans but helpful for robots.
> **Example of a well-formatted LinkedIn profile:** [linkedin.com/in/garypine](https://www.linkedin.com/in/garypine/)
## Testing Your Header
Before submitting:
1. Copy your CV text into a plain text editor (Notepad).
2. Check that your name, email, and phone appear correctly.
3. If anything looks garbled, simplify your formatting.
Many job boards show you a "parsed preview" after uploading. Always review it.
## Pre-Flight Checklist
For ATS-safe headers:
- [ ] Name is plain text, not in a text box or graphic.
- [ ] Email is displayed as text, not hidden in a hyperlink.
- [ ] Phone number includes country code with no unusual characters.
- [ ] LinkedIn URL is written out, not just linked.
- [ ] No icons without text labels beside them.
- [ ] Single-column layout (no tables or side panels).
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*For more on ATS compatibility, explore our [ATS Optimisation](/ats-optimization) insights.*