Today, getting an interview may mean passing through an ATS before the human recruiter has a look at your resume. Systems help companies cope with large applicant volumes by scanning and filtering resumes according to specific criteria such as keywords and formatting. As good as this technology has been in making the hiring process more efficient, it can also be pretty unforgiving to resumes that aren’t formatted properly.
Now, even if you are the ideal candidate for the job, the ATS can refuse your resume because of poor formatting. Thus, an opportunity to show your skill is missed. In this blog, we cover 11 common mistakes related to ATS formatting mistakes that may get you kicked off from running your dream job and how to avoid them.
1. Overly Complex Resume Formatting
Many individuals seeking employment like to express themselves with the use of graphics, fancy letters, tables, and so on in their resume formats. Unfortunately, this fancy formatting does not translate well in the ATS systems since they do not read the complex features well.
- Avoid graphics, tables, and charts. It should be kept very plain and simple so that it can be easily read by the ATS.
- Use a template that is ATS-friendly. There are many online resources available that provide templates specifically designed to be friendly toward an ATS. These templates ensure that your resume does not wind up lost in the system.
While elaborate designs may wow a human recruiter, they could, in fact, keep your resume from ever hitting one.
2. Incorrect File Format
One of the easiest ways to ensure that your resume never gets past the ATS is to submit it in the wrong file format. Two of the three accepted formats from the ATS are docx, which is Microsoft Word, and pdf.
- Use the docx or pdf formats: Some ATS programs do not like to parse the pdf files, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry; use the docx format.
- Check the job posting; some just let the candidate choose their preferred format.
The wrong file format might not let the resume be parsed accordingly. Hence, use the safest file unless and otherwise.
3. Using Uncommon or Fancy Fonts
When applying for a job, the old adage goes, “Keep it simple, stupid.” In other words, while a single eye-catching font may be tempting to make your resume stand out, using standard fonts is critical when in an ATS.
- Use widely recognized fonts, which include Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri. These are also ATS-friendly.
- Unusual fonts might not be read by the ATS, and their information could get lost or misspelled.
Your font must be plain; this will allow the ATS to scan through your resume without a hassle, so you increase the chances of being passed over to the next round.
4. Incorrect Use of Headers and Footers
A good number of ATS systems also struggle to read information put in headers or footers, which means you may miss key details like your contact information.
Do not place vital information in a header or footer. Your name, phone number, and email address are typeset in the body of your resume, not in a header or footer.
That way, keeping all your important details inside the body ensures that the ATS will capture everything it needs.
5. Including Graphics, Logos, or Photos
Although a little visual element like a picture or logo will make your resume really professional, it might be the biggest mistake you ever make if you’re dealing with an ATS system. The system can’t process images, which might cause it to reject your resume.
- Skip images: Don’t put anything on your resume for an image or logo.
- Stick to text: Let your words talk. ATS is supposed to read, so use text to your advantage.
There are too many graphics present on the resume that clutter the page and confuse the ATS, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
6. Improper Keyword Usage
The ATS systems are supposed to scan for key words matching the description of your job. If you omit some of the most important keywords from your application, then your chances will drop drastically.
- Customize your resume for the job posting: Emphasize key terms that appear in the job posting as they appear on the resume, especially in skills and experience.
- Do not keyword stuff: Use keywords with the use of words and situations naturally and not through keyword stuffing. It could flag your application to both the ATS and the human evaluators if there is too much keyword stuffing.
With proper use of keywords, there’s a greater chance the ATS will tag your resume as suitable for the position.
7. Lack of Standard Section Headings
These systems are programmed to look out for standard headings like “work experience,” “education,” and “skills.” A person might have a custom or nonconventional heading on his resume, which may confuse the system and perhaps cause it to misinterpret important sections.
- Use basic headings: You can use basic terms like “experience,” “education,” and “skills” as a way to reorganize your resume.
- Steer clear of creative headings: You’d be tempted to use something like “Career Journey” or “Accomplishments”; these don’t trigger an ATS.
Using standard headings helps the ATS easily parse your resume and correctly categorize your information.
8. Using Columns or Tables
Columns and tables are wonderful information structuring methods. But bad news here—most of the ATSs do not want to read them.
- Use a one-column format: This is easier for ATS to read your resume.
- Avoid tables: simply use bullet points or a very simple paragraph structure to display the information.
Keeping the resume in a noncomplicated, easy-to-read format enhances the chances that it will pass on through the ATS.
9. Missing Contact Information
It may sound like something as obvious as common sense, but it’s astonishing how readily missing or incomplete contact information can still send your resume automatically into the trash can of the ATS.
All important information must appear on the resume. This includes full name, phone number, and professional email address.
LinkedIn profile: If you have a LinkedIn profile or a professional website, be sure to include the link.
Without the detailed contact information, even the best resume is rejected by the ATS.
10. Ignoring Keywords Related to the Job
Even with a perfectly polished resume, if the keywords that relate to what you are applying for are not present, you will more than likely be passed by ATS, no matter what good qualities you have.
Research the posting for keywords that are mentioned specifically within the job description.
Combine hard and soft skills: Make sure that you have a mix of relevant skills that will be the key in this new role.
If a little research, along with the use of the right keywords in the resume, is added, chances are the resume will pass the filter of the ATS.
11. Overly Long Resumes
The ATS systems process short, focused resumes. A resume with more words than necessary or too long can confuse the system.
- Keep it short: Your resume should not be more than one or two pages long.
- Emphasize relevant experience: Focus on the most relevant and significant experience of your career and chop out useless ones.
A well-articulated, concise resume would, therefore, have a greater chance of being passed on the ATS filters and into the hands of a recruiter.
Conclusion
Avoid these 11 most common blunders, and you might just clear the hurdle of ATS to be noticed by the hiring managers. Simple formatting while preparing a resume, proper keywords, and having your resume tailor-made for all the positions that you are applying to. With such an effort, there is a good chance to land the job of your dreams.