10 Common ATS Resume Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Overview

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by 99% of Fortune 500 companies to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it may be rejected even if you’re qualified. This guide uncovers the 10 most common ATS resume mistakes job seekers make—and how to fix them quickly. Common ATS Resume Mistakes

1. What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that scans resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevance before passing them on to recruiters. Failing the ATS filter means your resume never reaches human eyes, regardless of your experience.

Tip: Think of your resume as SEO for jobs. If Google can’t crawl it, it won’t rank. Same with ATS.

2. Mistake: Using Fancy Resume Templates

Why it’s a problem: ATS can’t always read tables, columns, or graphics.

Fix: Use clean, simple formatting with standard headings (like “Work Experience” or “Education”).

3. Mistake: Skipping Keywords from the Job Description

Why it’s a problem: ATS ranks resumes based on keyword relevance.

Fix: Match job description terms—skills, certifications, tools—naturally throughout your resume. Use a tool like MaxProfile or Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool to identify relevant keywords.

4. Mistake: Saving Your Resume as a PDF (Sometimes)

Why it’s a problem: Some older ATS can’t parse PDFs.

Fix: Unless the job post says otherwise, submit as a Word document (.docx).

5. Mistake: Ignoring Standard Job Titles

Why it’s a problem: ATSs may not understand creative titles like “Brand Warrior.”

Fix: Translate quirky job titles into standard ones, e.g., “Marketing Manager.”

6. Mistake: Leaving Out Relevant Metrics

Why it’s a problem: ATS and recruiters both favor results-driven resumes.

Fix: Add quantifiable achievements, e.g., “Increased sales by 27% in Q2.”

7. Mistake: Inconsistent Formatting

Why it’s a problem: ATS parses resumes top to bottom; inconsistent structure causes parsing errors.

Fix: Use uniform formatting for dates, bullets, and headings. Common ATS Resume Mistakes 

8. Mistake: Using Headers and Footers for Contact Info

Why it’s a problem: Many ATS platforms ignore content in headers or footers.

Fix: Place your name, email, and phone number in the body text at the top.

9. Mistake: Including Unreadable Fonts

Why it’s a problem: ATS bots can’t interpret decorative fonts.

Fix: Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 11–12 pt.

10. Mistake: Forgetting to Tailor Your Resume

Why it’s a problem: One-size-fits-all resumes rarely match job-specific ATS scans.

Fix: Customize your resume for each application using keywords and context from the job ad.

ATS Resume Mistakes: At-a-Glance

Conclusion

Your resume may be more qualified than others, but if it fails ATS screening, it won’t be seen. Fixing these 10 common ATS resume mistakes ensures your application passes the filter—and gets seen by real hiring managers.

For deeper resume optimization, consider using free tools like MaxProfile, Resume Worded, or Jobscan. These platforms simulate ATS screening and help you improve your score instantly. Common ATS Resume Mistakes 

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake to avoid in an ATS resume?

Using a non-ATS-friendly format like tables or multiple columns.

How can I make sure my resume passes the ATS?

Tailor each resume using keywords from the job posting and keep formatting clean.

Does font style affect ATS parsing?

Yes. Use standard fonts like Calibri or Arial to ensure readability.

Should I submit my resume as a PDF or Word doc?

Unless otherwise stated, use a .docx format—it’s safest for ATS parsing.