Common ATS Mistakes That Get Resumes Rejected (And How to Fix Them)

The Hidden Reasons Your Resume Never Reaches Human Eyes

You have the skills. You have the experience. You’ve applied to dozens of positions that seem perfect for you. Yet the rejections keep coming—or worse, you hear nothing at all. The problem might not be your qualifications; it might be how your resume interacts with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

The Reality of ATS Rejection

Research indicates that approximately 75% of resumes are filtered out by ATS before reaching a recruiter. That means only 1 in 4 applicants even gets their resume reviewed by human eyes. Understanding the common mistakes that trigger rejection is the first step toward beating the odds.

Common ATS Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake #1: Using Incompatible File Formats

• The problem: Many applicants submit resumes in formats that ATS cannot properly parse. Image files, unconventional formats, or password-protected documents often fail completely.
• The fix: Stick with .docx files for maximum compatibility. Modern ATS can handle PDFs, but some older systems struggle with them. Always check the job posting for specified formats and follow instructions exactly. For example, if the job listing states to submit a .docx, make sure you do so.

Mistake #2: Fancy Formatting and Design Elements

• The problem: Creative layouts with columns, tables, text boxes, and graphics might impress human eyes, but they confuse ATS parsing engines. Information gets jumbled, misplaced, or lost entirely.
• The fix: Use a clean, single-column layout with clear section headings. Save the creative design for your portfolio or personal website. Your resume's job is to communicate information clearly, not to showcase design skills.

Mistake #3: Using Headers and Footers for Important Information

• The problem: Many people place their name, contact information, or page numbers in headers and footers. Most ATS cannot read these areas, so critical information disappears.

• The fix: Keep all important information in the main body of your document. Place your contact details at the very top of the first page, but within the main text area. For instance:

  John Doe  
  johndoe@email.com  
  (123) 456-7890  
  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe  
  

Mistake #4: Missing Critical Keywords

• The problem: If your resume does not contain the keywords that recruiters search for, it will not surface in results. Even well-qualified candidates get overlooked when their resumes lack matching terminology.
• The fix: Carefully analyze each job description and incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume. Include both industry jargon and common terms, as well as spelled-out phrases and acronyms. For example, if a job description mentions “project management,” be sure to include that exact phrase along with related terms like “agile” or “scrum.” Use tools such as Jobscan to find the right keywords.

Mistake #5: Using Graphics and Images

• The problem: ATS cannot interpret images, icons, photos, or graphical elements. Any information contained in these elements is invisible to the system.
• The fix: Remove all graphics from your resume. Do not use icons for contact information or skills. Do not include a headshot (which is generally not recommended for US applications). Present all information as text to ensure clarity.

Mistake #6: Non-Standard Section Headings

• The problem: Creative section titles like "My Professional Journey" or "Where I Have Made an Impact" confuse ATS systems that look for standard headers.
• The fix: Use conventional, recognizable headings:
  • Work Experience (or Professional Experience)
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Certifications
  • Summary (or Professional Summary)

Mistake #7: Inconsistent Formatting

• The problem: Mixing date formats, inconsistent bullet styles, or varying indentation can cause parsing errors that scramble your information.
• The fix: Maintain perfect consistency throughout your document:
  • Use the same date format everywhere (e.g., January 2022 - Present)
  • Use identical bullet styles in all lists
  • Keep spacing and indentation uniform
  • Use the same font throughout

Mistake #8: Incorrect Spelling of Keywords

• The problem: A misspelled keyword is a missed keyword. If you write "Pyton" instead of "Python" or "Micosoft" instead of "Microsoft," the ATS will not match these terms.
• The fix: Proofread carefully, paying special attention to:
  • Technical terms and software names
  • Industry-specific vocabulary
  • Company names
  • Certification titles

Mistake #9: Using Tables for Layout

• The problem: Even invisible tables used for layout purposes can cause major parsing issues. ATS may read cells in the wrong order or miss content entirely.
• The fix: Remove all tables from your resume. Use tabs or spacing for alignment instead. Test by copying your resume into a plain text file to see how it parses. If the formatting looks good in plain text, you’re on the right track.

Mistake #10: Submitting Without Testing

• The problem: Many applicants send resumes without ever checking how they will appear to an ATS. Formatting that looks perfect in Word might parse into gibberish.
• The fix: Before submitting applications:
  1. Copy your resume content into a plain text file.
  2. Review if information remains organized and readable.
  3. Use online ATS simulation tools like Resumake or Jobscan.
  4. Have a professional service like Jobfolio analyze your document.

Mistake #11: One-Size-Fits-All Approach

• The problem: Using the exact same resume for every application means you are unlikely to match the specific keywords each employer prioritizes.
• The fix: Customize your resume for each position. While your core information stays the same, adjust keywords, rearrange skills, and emphasize different experiences based on each job description. For example, if a job listing emphasizes teamwork and communication, make sure those skills are prominently featured in your resume. Use Jobscan to match your resume against job descriptions for optimized results.

Mistake #12: Unusual Fonts and Characters

• The problem: Decorative fonts, special characters, or symbols may not render correctly in ATS systems, causing parsing failures or strange character substitutions.
• The fix: Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use only basic characters and standard punctuation. Avoid special bullets or decorative elements.

How to Test for These Mistakes

Before submitting your next application, run through this checklist:

1. Is your file saved as .docx or an approved format?
2. Is all content in the main body (not headers/footers)?
3. Are you using a single-column layout?
4. Have you removed all images and graphics?
5. Are section headings standard and recognizable?
6. Is formatting consistent throughout?
7. Have you spell-checked all keywords?
8. Does the content remain organized when copied to plain text?

How Jobfolio Prevents ATS Rejection

Jobfolio's resume analysis tools specifically check for these common ATS mistakes. Our platform identifies formatting issues, missing keywords, and structural problems before you submit your application. We help you create resumes that successfully navigate ATS screening while maintaining professional appeal for human reviewers. Start optimizing your resume today with our ATS Checker.

Conclusion

ATS rejection is frustrating, but it is also preventable. By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you dramatically increase your chances of getting your resume in front of actual hiring decision-makers. Take time to optimize your resume for ATS compatibility—it is one of the highest-impact investments you can make in your job search.

Remember: the goal is not to trick the system, but to present your qualifications in a format that technology can accurately interpret. Master these fundamentals, and watch your interview rate improve. For further assistance in creating a standout resume, check out our guide to Create Your Resume.

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Additional Resources

• Jobscan - Optimize your resume with targeted keywords.
• Resumake - Create a simple ATS-friendly resume quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to filter job applications and resumes. It streamlines the hiring process by sorting candidates based on keyword matches and formatting.

How can I improve my resume's chances with ATS?

By following the tips outlined in this guide, such as using the right file format, avoiding complex designs, and including relevant keywords, you can significantly improve your resume's chances of being seen by recruiters.