In today’s digitally driven job market, a well-crafted resume is no longer just about impressing hiring managers it must also pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). ATS software scans, filters, and ranks resumes before a recruiter even sees them. Here we are going to talking about Top 10 ATS Resume Mistakes You Must Avoid.
However, many job seekers unknowingly sabotage their own chances by making simple mistakes that cause their resumes to be rejected automatically.
The Harsh Reality of ATS Screening
- Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software.
- 75% of resumes never make it past the initial screening.
- Even small and mid-sized companies are now adopting ATS to streamline hiring.
To increase your chances of landing an interview, it’s essential to identify and fix common ATS resume mistakes. Let’s dive into the top 10 mistakes and learn how to avoid them.
1. Using Fancy Resume Templates and Graphics
Why It’s a Mistake
Many job seekers use creative resume templates with fancy fonts, columns, tables, and images. While these designs may look visually appealing, they often confuse ATS software. The system may not extract the correct information, resulting in an automatic rejection.
How to Fix It
- Stick to a simple, ATS-friendly format with a single-column layout.
- Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12pt size).
- Avoid images, logos, or graphics.
- Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) or an ATS-friendly PDF.
Pro Tip: Use online ATS resume checkers like Jobscan to test if your resume is ATS-compatible.
2. Missing the Right Keywords
Why It’s a Mistake
ATS software compares resumes to job descriptions using keywords. If your resume lacks the right skills, job titles, or industry terms, it won’t rank high, and a recruiter may never see it.
How to Fix It
- Analyze the job description and identify relevant keywords.
- Use both long-form (Search Engine Optimization) and abbreviations (SEO).
- Incorporate skills and qualifications naturally throughout your resume.
Example: Instead of just listing “SEO,” include “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” to ensure the ATS recognizes both terms.
Related Post – Create Oracle ATS resume template
3. Using Headers and Footers
Why It’s a Mistake
Some ATS software cannot read text placed in headers and footers. If you include your contact information in these areas, the system may not process it correctly.
How to Fix It
- Place your name, phone number, and email address in the main body of your resume.
- Use a bolded resume header instead of the document’s actual header section.
Example of a Correct Resume Header:
John Doe | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | LinkedIn Profile
4. Listing Skills and Experience Incorrectly
Why It’s a Mistake
ATS software looks for structured data in your resume. If you list your skills or experience in paragraph form, the system may not recognize them properly.
How to Fix It
- Use bullet points for your job responsibilities and achievements.
- Follow a reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
- Clearly label sections: “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”
Example:
Digital Marketing Specialist | XYZ Company (2021 – Present)
- Managed PPC campaigns, increasing conversion rates by 35%.
- Conducted keyword research, leading to a 40% traffic increase.
- Developed and executed SEO strategies, boosting organic reach.
5. Not Using Standard Resume Section Titles
Why It’s a Mistake
If you use creative headings like “My Career Journey” instead of “Work Experience,” the ATS may not categorize your information correctly.
How to Fix It
Use standard section headers such as:
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
6. Overloading Your Resume with Acronyms
Why It’s a Mistake
ATS may not recognize uncommon or industry-specific abbreviations, leading to keyword mismatches. If a recruiter searches for “Search Engine Optimization” but your resume only has “SEO,” the ATS might not rank your resume highly.
How to Fix It
Spell out acronyms at least once, followed by the abbreviation:
- Example: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”
- Use both full-length and abbreviated versions strategically throughout the resume to ensure ATS recognition.
7. Failing to Optimize for Readability
Why It’s a Mistake
Dense paragraphs and long sentences make it hard for both ATS and recruiters to scan your resume.
How to Fix It
- Use short, impactful bullet points.
- Keep each bullet point to 1–2 lines max.
- Use action verbs: “Managed,” “Implemented,” “Developed.”
8. Including Irrelevant Information
Why It’s a Mistake
- Personal details like age, marital status, religion, or hobbies are not relevant to job qualifications.
- Some details may introduce bias, leading to unintentional discrimination in hiring.
- Outdated job experiences (older than 10–15 years) may not reflect current industry trends or your most relevant skills.
How to Fix It
- Keep your resume job-focused highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements.
- Remove outdated positions that are no longer relevant.
- Only include hobbies if they are directly related (e.g., coding projects for a software engineering role).
9. Not Customizing Your Resume for Each Job
Why It’s a Mistake
- ATS ranks resumes based on keyword matches from the job description. A generic resume may not include the right keywords, lowering your chances.
- Recruiters prefer resumes that align with the job role, showcasing relevant skills and experience.
How to Fix It
- Tailor your resume by incorporating keywords from the job description.
- Highlight relevant certifications, tools, and industry-specific skills that match the role.
- Modify your summary and experience to reflect what the employer is looking for.
10. Using Incorrect File Formats
Why It’s a Mistake
- Some ATS systems struggle to process PDFs, causing formatting issues or missing keywords.
- Older ATS software may fail to extract text from PDF resumes, leading to rejection.
- If a company requires a specific format and you submit the wrong one, your resume may not be considered.
How to Fix It
- Submit your resume in .docx (Microsoft Word format) unless otherwise stated.
- If required, provide a plain-text (.txt) version for ATS compatibility.
- Always check job descriptions for specific file format requirements before submitting.
Would you like a perfectly formatted ATS-friendly resume?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I use bullet points on an ATS resume?
Yes! Bullet points are ATS-friendly if you use simple symbols like dots (•) or dashes (-).
- Avoid fancy symbols (✔, ➤) as some ATS systems may not recognize them.
- Bullet points improve readability and help highlight key achievements.
Q. Should I include a photo on my resume?
No. ATS doesn’t process images, and including a photo can lead to automatic rejection in some companies due to anti-bias policies.
- Use the space for relevant skills, experience, and achievements instead.
Q. How long should an ATS resume be?
- Freshers & Entry-Level Candidates → One page is ideal.
- Experienced Professionals (5+ years) → One to two pages, depending on relevant experience.
- Keep it concise and results-focused, avoiding unnecessary details.
Q. How can I check if my resume is ATS-friendly?
Use free ATS resume checkers to analyze formatting, keywords, and structure:
- Jobscan – Compares your resume with job descriptions.
- Resumeworded – Provides AI-powered feedback.
- Zety Resume Checker – Checks ATS compatibility.
Final Thoughts: Optimize Your Resume, Get More Interviews
By avoiding these ATS resume mistakes, you increase your chances of passing the initial screening and landing more interviews.
Now it’s your turn! Have you faced ATS rejection before? Let us know in the comments!