10 Common ATS Resume Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Most job seekers don’t realize their resume never gets seen by a human. Why? Because it fails the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scan — a digital gatekeeper used by most employers. Here’s how to avoid the most common traps.

🚫 Common Mistakes:

1. Fancy templates: ATS can’t read columns or graphics.

2. Missing keywords: If your resume doesn’t echo the job ad, it won’t rank.

3. Wrong file type: PDFs can break on older systems. Use .docx unless told otherwise.

4. Creative job titles: ATS won’t recognize “Customer Happiness Guru.”

5. No metrics: Numbers make accomplishments ATS- and recruiter-friendly.

6. Inconsistent formatting: Breaks the parsing logic.

7. Header/footer contact info: Many ATS skip it.

8. Unscannable fonts: Stick with Arial or Calibri.

9. Generic resumes: One-size-fits-all = fits none.

10. No keyword research: Tools like MaxProfile or Semrush help identify what recruiters scan for.

✅ Fixes That Work:

• Use a clean, single-column layout.

• Add exact-match skills and phrases from job listings.

• Customize each resume you send.

• Quantify results (“Increased engagement by 24%”).

• Avoid headers/footers for contact info.

Pro tip: Think of your resume like SEO for hiring — structure and keywords matter.

Optimizing your resume for ATS could be the difference between an interview and silence.