Resume ATS mistakes that get qualified candidates filtered out
See the formatting, keyword, and structure mistakes that prevent resumes from being surfaced in recruiter searches.
Top 10 Resume Mistakes That Get You Rejected
Even highly qualified candidates get rejected by ATS because of these simple, easily fixable errors. Are you making any of these?
Did you know? 75% of resumes are rejected by an ATS before a human ever sees them. Fixing these formatting and keyword issues is the fastest way to get more interviews.
Using complex formatting
Tables, columns, and graphics confuse ATS parsers.
Missing exact keywords
Using 'Customer Service' instead of 'Client Relations' if the job asks for it.
Saving as an image/unsearchable PDF
Always save as a standard text-based PDF or Word doc.
Putting contact info in the header/footer
ATS often ignores headers and footers entirely.
Using non-standard section headings
Stick to 'Experience', 'Education', 'Skills' instead of 'My Journey'.
Including a photo
In the US/UK, photos can cause automatic rejection due to bias laws, and ATS can't read them.
Too much jargon or acronyms
Spell out acronyms at least once (e.g., Search Engine Optimization (SEO)).
Overusing buzzwords
Words like 'synergy' or 'go-getter' waste space instead of showing hard skills.
Inconsistent date formats
Use a consistent format like MM/YYYY or Month Year.
Typos and grammatical errors
ATS might not catch them, but the human who eventually reads it will.