Top 10 Mistakes That Get Your Resume Rejected by ATS (And How to Fix Them)
In today’s job market, just having qualifications isn’t enough—you also need a resume that’s readable by machines. Most large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and filter resumes before a human recruiter even sees them. So if your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never get read—no matter how good your experience is. Along with crafting an optimized resume, focusing on interview preparation is equally important to ensure you’re ready when your application makes it through the system.
Also read: How to Talk About Weaknesses Without Sabotaging Your Interview
Let’s explore the top 10 resume mistakes that can cause rejection by ATS—and exactly how to fix them.
Why an ATS-Friendly Resume is Important
Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies now use ATS software to manage recruitment. Even smaller businesses are joining in.
According to a report by Jobscan, up to 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before they reach a human recruiter. That’s not because the candidates are unqualified—but because their resumes don’t match the system’s expectations.
✨ A recent Instagram post perfectly highlights this challenge—two resumes with identical skills, but only one gets shortlisted. The difference? One was formatted and optimized for ATS. This illustrates how critical small resume tweaks can be in your job hunt.
Visual Comparison: ATS-Rejected vs. ATS-Accepted Resume
Here’s an example comparison to help you understand the difference:
Image Source: Resumeworded
The accepted version uses:
The accepted version uses:
- Standard headings like “Work Experience” and “Skills”
- No tables or columns
- Keywords directly pulled from the job description
The rejected one uses:
- Multiple columns
- A profile picture
- Decorative fonts and icons that ATS can’t read
Top 10 Mistakes That Get Your Resume Rejected by ATS
1. Using Graphics, Tables, or Columns
Problem: ATS cannot properly read visual elements.
Fix: Stick to a simple one-column format using standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.
2. Saving in the Wrong Format
Problem: PDFs can misalign text or break formatting in some ATS.
Fix: Use .doc or .docx unless the job listing asks for a PDF.
3. Missing Keywords
Problem: ATS scans for specific keywords based on the job description.
Fix: Use exact terms from the job post (e.g., “data visualization” instead of “charts and graphs”).
4. Unclear or Creative Job Titles
Problem: “Chief Happiness Officer” won’t match “HR Manager” in ATS filters.
Fix: Use industry-standard job titles.
5. Omitting Dates or Locations
Problem: ATS checks for experience length and geography.
Fix: Always include month/year and city/country for each role.
6. Overusing Buzzwords
Problem: Fluffy terms like “go-getter” add no value.
Fix: Back up your skills with metrics and real results.
Example: “Reduced customer churn by 18% in 6 months using email retention campaigns.”
7. No Skills Section
Problem: ATS often prioritizes a skills block to identify your core competencies.
Fix: Create a clear, bulleted list of skills at the top of your resume.
8. Using Only Acronyms
Problem: ATS might not recognize “SEO” if it’s looking for “Search Engine Optimization.”
Fix: Include both forms.
Example: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”
9. No Professional Summary
Problem: ATS may downgrade resumes without a summary.
Fix: Add a 2–3 line professional summary at the top, tailored to each job.
10. Using the Same Resume for All Jobs
Problem: Generic resumes don’t match individual job descriptions.
Fix: Customize your resume for each application using keywords and aligned achievements.
Bonus: How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly (Checklist)
Here’s a quick reference before you hit “submit”:
- Save as .docx
- Use standard fonts
- Avoid tables, columns, or graphics
- Include dates and locations
- Add a bullet-style skills section
- Match 70–80% of job post keywords
- Write a job-specific summary
- Mention both acronyms and full forms
- Quantify achievements
- Tailor resume for each job
Backed by Stats: Why This Matters
- 75% of resumes are never seen by human eyes due to ATS filters. (Source: Jobscan)
- 90% of large companies use some form of resume screening software. (Source: Capterra)
- Resumes tailored with the right keywords have a 40% higher chance of getting shortlisted. (Source: LinkedIn Hiring Data)
Final Thoughts
Your resume is your first impression. In a world dominated by algorithms and automation, being ATS-friendly is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Don’t lose opportunities over formatting errors or keyword mismatches. Start by reviewing your current resume using this guide, and if needed, get professional help or use tools like Jobscan, ResumeWorded, or Rezi to analyze it for ATS compatibility.
Seen the Instagram example yet?
That post shows how small formatting choices can be the difference between rejection and a callback. Make sure you’re on the right side of that screen.
According to Naukri.com, investment banking remains one of the highest-paying career paths for freshers in India, making an ATS-optimized resume and enrolling in some investment banking course is even more critical for breaking into competitive industries.
