Here are best practices for adapting the Basic CV Template Word Free without breaking it:

• Stick to one column layout: Two-column formats often confuse ATS systems.
• Use standard section headings: “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” etc. avoid odd labels like “Where I’ve Worked” which ATS might not parse.
• Font choices: Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Georgia—size 10–12 pt for body, 14–16 pt for headings.
• Use bullet points: Start each with a strong action verb and quantify impact when possible.
• Include keywords: Mirror terms from the job description naturally (without stuffing) so ATS and recruiters see alignment.
• Avoid images, graphics, or text boxes: These often break parsing engines.
• Save properly: After editing, save as .docx and a clean PDF (if allowed). Do a plain-text check (.txt) to ensure your content flows.
• Test your CV: Use a free ATS resume checker like Jobscan to see how your CV parses.

Example: You may replace “Company A” with “XYZ Corporation (HealthTech)” and adjust bullets like:

Led a cross-functional team to reduce report generation time by 30%, delivering insights to senior leadership.

This is specific, quantifiable, and focused on outcomes—ideal for both ATS and human readers.