10 Common ATS Resume Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Most job seekers don’t realize their resume never gets seen by a human. Why? Because it fails the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scan—a digital gatekeeper used by most employers. Here's how to avoid the most common traps.
🚫 Common Mistakes:
Fancy templates: ATS can't read columns or graphics.
Missing keywords: If your resume doesn’t echo the job ad, it won’t rank.
Wrong file type: PDFs can break on older systems. Use .docx unless told otherwise.
Creative job titles: ATS won’t recognize “Customer Happiness Guru.”
No metrics: Numbers make accomplishments ATS- and recruiter-friendly.
Inconsistent formatting: Breaks the parsing logic.
Header/footer contact info: Many ATS skip it.
Unscannable fonts: Stick with Arial or Calibri.
Generic resumes: One-size-fits-all = fits none.
No keyword research: Tools like MaxProfile or Semrush help identify what recruiters scan for.
✅ Fixes That Work:
Use a clean, single-column layout.
Add exact-match skills and phrases from job listings.
Customize each resume you send.
Quantify results (“Increased engagement by 24%”).
Avoid headers/footers for contact info.
Pro tip: Think of your resume like SEO for hiring—structure and keywords matter.
Optimizing your resume for ATS could be the difference between an interview and silence.