5 Mistakes That Fail ATS Scans

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) screen up to 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. One small mistake can cost you the job. Here are the five most common errors that cause ATS rejection—and how to fix them.

1. Using Complex Formatting

Tables, text boxes, headers, footers, and multi-column layouts often break when parsed by ATS software. The system may scramble your content or skip entire sections.

Fix: Use a simple, single-column layout. Stick to standard section headers like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills." Try our ATS-friendly templates designed to pass screening.

2. Missing Keywords from the Job Description

ATS software matches your resume against keywords from the job posting. If your resume lacks relevant terms, it gets filtered out—even if you're qualified.

Fix: Tailor your resume for each job. Include exact phrases from the job description where they fit naturally. Use our Job Tailoring tool to get personalized suggestions.

3. Saving as the Wrong File Format

Some ATS systems struggle with PDFs, especially if they contain images or non-standard fonts. Plain text and .docx often parse more reliably.

Fix: When possible, submit a .docx file. If PDF is required, ensure it's text-based (not an image scan). Our PDF export generates ATS-friendly files.

4. Using Abbreviations and Acronyms Incorrectly

ATS may search for "Bachelor of Science" while you wrote "B.S."—or vice versa. Inconsistent terminology can hurt your score.

Fix: Spell out key terms at least once, then use the abbreviation in parentheses: "Bachelor of Science (B.S.)." Do the same for certifications and job titles.

5. Burying Important Information

If your contact details, skills, or experience are in headers, footers, or graphics, the ATS might not extract them. Gaps or missing dates can also trigger rejection.

Fix: Keep contact info in the body of the document. Use standard section names. Ensure every role has clear start and end dates.

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