Getting an interview is frequently the most difficult aspect of the employment process in the competitive job market of today. Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to expedite the hiring process because they receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a single position. However, a lot of job seekers unintentionally commit important resume errors that result in their applications being rejected before they are even seen by a human.

According to some studies, formatting mistakes, missing keywords, and inadequate structuring cause more of resumes to fail the applicant tracking system. With ATS-friendly resume advice and professional career counselling, we at Spires Recruit assist job seekers in overcoming these obstacles. Avoiding these typical resume errors can greatly increase your chances of getting your ideal job, regardless of your level of experience.

Understanding ATS & Why It Matters

ATS is software used by recruiters to scan, rank, and filter resumes based on specific keywords, formatting, and relevance to the job description. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it may never reach the hiring manager, no matter how qualified you are.

By avoiding common ATS mistakes, you can ensure your resume gets noticed and increases your chances of securing interviews.

1. Using Fancy Formats and Graphics

Many job seekers try to stand out by using creative resume designs, tables, images, or unique fonts. However, ATS struggles to read non-standard formats, and such resumes often get rejected automatically.

Fix It:

• Stick to simple, clean formatting with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Avoid images, text boxes, columns, and tables, as ATS may not recognize them.
• Submit your resume in Word (.docx) or plain-text format instead of PDF unless specified otherwise.

2. Not Using the Right Keywords

ATS scans resumes for keywords that match the job description. If your resume lacks relevant terms, it may not rank high enough to be considered by recruiters.

Fix It:

• Carefully read the job description and include relevant industry-specific keywords.
• Use exact phrases from the job post, such as "Project Management," "SEO Optimization," or "Java Development."
• Avoid keyword stuffing—use them naturally within your experience and skills section.

3. Unclear Job Titles and Headings

ATS relies on clear section headings to categorize information. Using creative or vague job titles like "Marketing Guru" instead of "Digital Marketing Manager" can confuse the system.

Fix It:

• Use standard headings like "Work Experience," "Skills," "Education," and "Certifications."
• Keep job titles accurate and aligned with industry standards.
• Clearly format section headings in bold or uppercase to enhance ATS readability.

4. Missing Contact Information or Incorrect Formatting

If your contact details are not ATS-friendly, recruiters may not be able to reach you.

Fix It:

• Ensure your name, phone number, and professional email are at the top.
• Avoid placing contact details in headers/footers, as some ATS systems may ignore them.
• Use a professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com) instead of outdated or informal addresses.

5. Not Tailoring Your Resume to Each Job

Sending a generic resume to multiple job applications can lower your chances of getting past the ATS.

Fix It:

• Customize your resume for each job by aligning your skills and experiences with the job description.
• Adjust keywords and responsibilities to match what the employer is looking for.
• Include a compelling summary section highlighting why you're a perfect fit for the role.

6. Listing Skills Without Proof

ATS may not recognize vague skill listings like "Great leadership skills" or "Expert in multiple programming languages" unless they are backed by real experience.

Fix It:

• Provide specific examples of how you used a skill in past roles.
• Instead of "Strong communication skills," write: "Led weekly client presentations, improving retention rates by 30%."
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

7. Ignoring ATS Resume Testing

If you’re unsure whether your resume will pass ATS, testing it beforehand can be a game-changer.

Fix It:

• Use free ATS resume checkers available online.
• Compare your resume with job descriptions to ensure strong keyword alignment.