Introduction
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to automate the initial screening process for recruiters, scanning resumes for relevant keywords, formats, and required qualifications. While ATS software helps companies sort through high volumes of applications, it also creates pitfalls for unsuspecting job seekers.
Below are the top 10 mistakes people make when facing ATS filters, along with practical tips to help you stay in the running.
1. Overly Creative Formatting
Mistake: Using elaborate templates with graphics, tables, or multiple columns.
Why It’s an Issue: Many ATS solutions struggle with non-traditional layouts. Text in headers, footers, or sidebars might not get scanned properly.
How to Avoid: Stick to standard fonts, a single column, and clear section headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
2. Missing Crucial Keywords
Mistake: Failing to include job-specific terminology.
Why It’s an Issue: The ATS is programmed to look for words directly from the job posting. If they’re absent, your resume might get flagged as irrelevant.
How to Avoid:
- Read the job description closely, highlighting key terms like “budget forecasting,” “customer relationship management,” or “C++ programming.”
- Integrate these keywords naturally into your resume.
3. Keyword Stuffing
Mistake: Overloading your resume with repeated keywords to “game” the system.
Why It’s an Issue: Recruiters can spot this tactic, and it might result in a resume that reads poorly. Some ATS tools also penalize unnatural repetition.
How to Avoid: Use keywords logically in bullet points and relevant sections. Maintain authenticity.
4. Using the Wrong File Format
Mistake: Submitting a resume in a format the ATS can’t parse, like JPEG images or older .txt formats.
Why It’s an Issue: If the ATS can’t read your resume, it won’t extract any information, effectively discarding your application.
How to Avoid:
- Most companies specify an accepted format, typically .docx or .pdf.
- When in doubt, .docx is a safe bet.
5. Not Labeling Sections Clearly
Mistake: Using creative headings like “My Journey” or “Where I Learned Stuff” instead of “Education.”
Why It’s an Issue: ATS depends on recognized headings to categorize your information.
How to Avoid: Keep section titles straightforward:
- ✅ Work Experience
- ✅ Education
- ✅ Skills
- ✅ Certifications
6. Ignoring Spelling and Grammar
Mistake: Typos, grammatical errors, or misused words.
Why It’s an Issue: Even if the ATS doesn’t catch a typo, a recruiter will, which harms your credibility. Also, misspelled keywords won’t match the ATS criteria.
How to Avoid:
- Use a spell-check tool.
- Read your resume out loud.
- Have someone else proofread it.
7. Overly Generic Content
Mistake: Having vague bullet points like “Worked on projects” or “Improved processes.”
Why It’s an Issue: The ATS can’t determine if you’re qualified, and recruiters won’t see the value you brought to previous roles.
How to Avoid: Be specific:
❌ “Managed a budget.”
✅ “Managed a $50,000 budget, reducing expenses by 10%.”
Including measurable results makes your experience more impactful and ATS-friendly.
8. Missing Contact Information
Mistake: Hiding phone numbers and emails in images or forgetting them altogether.
Why It’s an Issue:
- The ATS might not pick up text embedded in images.
- Recruiters can’t contact you if they don’t see your details clearly.
How to Avoid: Place your email and phone number in plain text at the top of your resume.
9. Inconsistent Job Titles
Mistake: Listing previous roles with creative titles like “Marketing Ninja.”
Why It’s an Issue: The ATS looks for recognized job titles. “Marketing Manager” is more widely understood than “Marketing Ninja.”
How to Avoid: Use commonly recognized titles; if you had a unique title, put the standard equivalent in parentheses.
10. Not Tailoring Your Resume at All
Mistake: Sending the same resume everywhere without customization.
Why It’s an Issue: ATS filters are often fine-tuned to each job posting. A generic resume frequently lacks the specific keywords that role requires.
How to Avoid: Modify each resume to reflect the **most relevant skills,