Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
In this article, we will explore the common reasons your resume might be rejected by an ATS and provide actionable solutions to help you craft an ATS-friendly resume that stands out.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System and How Does It Work?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to streamline hiring by scanning, parsing, and ranking resumes based on criteria like keywords, formatting, and relevance. When you submit your resume, the ATS evaluates it to determine its suitability, filtering out those that don't meet the job requirements before passing the most relevant ones to hiring managers for review.
Why ATS Is Popular Among Employers
ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) have become increasingly popular among employers due to their efficiency in managing the hiring process. By automating candidate screening, these systems save significant time, effort, and resources. For organizations that receive hundreds or even thousands of applications, ATS helps streamline the process, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are considered. This automation enhances the recruitment process, making it faster and more focused, ultimately benefiting both employers and applicants.
Top 10 Reasons for ATS Rejections
1. Formatting Issues
ATS tools struggle with complex formatting. Resumes with graphics, images, tables, or unusual fonts can confuse the system, causing it to misread or reject the document entirely. Even decorative bullet points might hinder Word documents' readability.
2. Lack of Keywords
ATS software relies heavily on keyword matching. If your resume doesn’t include the specific terms mentioned in the job description, it may be ranked lower or get rejected outright. For instance, if a job requires “data analysis” and your resume lists other job titles as “data review,” it might not get flagged as a match.
3. Improper File Types
Some ATS tools are programmed to read specific file formats, such as .docx or plain text. Submitting your resume as a PDF or other unsupported format can make it unreadable. Always check the job posting for format preferences.
4. Missing Key Information
Essential details in job applications such as job titles, contact information, relevant experience, or certifications might be overlooked if they aren’t properly structured, leading to rejection. Avoid placing vital details in headers or footers of job applications, as many ATS systems cannot read these sections.
5. Ignoring Instructions
Failing to follow application instructions, such as submitting a cover letter or addressing specific questions, can lead to automatic rejection for multiple jobs. Many ATS systems are configured to disqualify candidates who don’t meet all requirements.
6. Too Much Text Density
A resume overloaded with text and lacking white space can make it challenging for ATS tools to parse information. Avoid cramming too much information into a single section and ensure the layout is clean and easy to read.
7. Incorrect Use of Headers and Sections
ATS tools rely on standard section headers like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Using creative or unconventional headings (e.g., “My Journey” instead of “Experience”) may cause the system to miscategorized or skip critical information.
8. Spelling and Grammar Errors
Even minor spelling mistakes such errors can prevent software such as ATS from recognizing important keywords. For instance, “Project Manager” instead of “Project Manager” may not match the system’s keyword database, leading to lower scores or rejection.
9. Failure to Optimize for ATS Algorithms
A generic resume that doesn’t highlight job-specific skills or achievements is less likely to pass the ATS screening. Customize your resume for each application, aligning it with the job's required skills and accomplishments.
10. Multiple Columns or Non-linear Layouts
Resumes with columns or unconventional layouts are harder for the Applicant Tracking System to interpret. Stick to a single-column format with a logical structure to ensure the system can read your information accurately.
Solutions to Optimize Your Resume for ATS
1. Use Keywords from the Job Description
- Identify and integrate key terms from the job description into your resume, particularly in the skills, experience, and summary sections.
- Avoid overloading your resume with excessive or irrelevant keywords.
Why: ATS ranks resumes based on keyword alignment, improving your chances of progressing to the next stage.
2. Stick to a Simple, ATS-Friendly Format
- Use standard fonts, and consistent spacing, and avoid tables, images, or columns. Save your resume in a Word document or ATS-compatible PDF.
- Avoid using creative designs that might confuse the ATS.
Why: A simple format ensures the ATS can correctly parse and analyze your information.
3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
- Customize your resume for each job by emphasizing relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that match the job description.
- Avoid using a generic resume for all job applications.
Why: A tailored resume aligns more closely with ATS criteria, increasing your chances of a higher ranking.
4. Use Standard Headings for Each Section
- Include conventional headings like "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," and "Certifications."
- Avoid non-standard headings or overly creative section titles.
Why: ATS software is programmed to recognize standard headings, ensuring your information is accurately categorized.
5. Focus on Measurable Achievements
- Highlight specific accomplishments using metrics, such as "Increased sales by 25% over 12 months."
- Avoid vague or generic statements about your responsibilities.
Why: Quantified results demonstrate your impact and make your resume stand out to ATS and recruiters.
6. Include a Dedicated Skills Section
- List relevant hard and soft skills clearly in a dedicated section, prioritizing those from the job description.
- Avoid listing unrelated or outdated skills.
Why: ATS often scans skills sections to match job requirements, making this a critical area for optimization.
7. Proofread for Accuracy and Consistency
- Carefully review your resume for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies.
- Avoid submitting your resume without a final, thorough review.
Why: Errors can prevent ATS from accurately reading your resume and diminish your professional credibility.
8. Save Your Resume in the Right File Format
- Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) or an ATS-friendly PDF, based on employer preferences.
- Avoid file formats that may be incompatible with ATS, such as JPG or RTF.
Why: The correct file format ensures the ATS can process and parse your resume effectively.
9. Use a Professional Summary Instead of an Objective
- Begin with a concise summary of your expertise, key skills, and achievements that align with the job description.
- Avoid generic objectives focused solely on your career goals.
Why: A professional summary highlights your value to the employer and improves ATS rankings.
10. Test Your Resume with ATS-Scanning Tools
- Run your resume through free ATS-testing tools to ensure compatibility and optimize weak areas.
- Avoid assuming your resume is ATS-ready without testing.
Why: Testing identifies potential parsing issues, ensuring your resume performs well in ATS systems.
Tools and Resources for ATS Optimization
1. Online Tools for ATS Compatibility
- Job scan: Helps analyze your resume against specific job descriptions.
- Resu makes: Provides ATS-friendly templates and suggestions.
- Grammarly: Ensures your resume is free from grammatical errors.
2. Professional Templates
- Utilize templates designed specifically for ATS compliance. Websites like Zety or resume-example offer pre-optimized designs that align with ATS requirements.
- Templates ensure proper formatting and keyword placement.
3. Networking and Expert Advice
- Join professional networks like LinkedIn to stay updated on ATS trends.
- Seek advice from career coaches or resume-writing services to refine your approach.
4. Test Your Resume
- Use online tools to test how your resume performs in an ATS.
- Optimize and retest until you achieve a high compatibility score.
Conclusion
ATS systems are an integral part of modern hiring, but they can be challenging to navigate. Understanding why resumes get rejected and implementing ATS-friendly practices can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. By optimizing your resume’s format, content, and keywords, you ensure success, so it not only passes the ATS but also stands out to recruiters.
Take charge of your job search today by applying these solutions and watch as your job applications turn into interview opportunities.
